I am deep into my aeroponics project with not many updates here! I am going to fix that. Let’s start out with a tentative parts list for my aeroponics system. Note that aeroponics is the most expensive form of hydroponics. It can be much cheaper! This is a passion project.
You can follow the build in video format here. The channel contains low-effort, no-edit monologues on the technical details of the build. It’s low-effort and no-edit because sharing at all is better than never sharing over wanting everything to be perfect!
I am going to collect the prices of all these items and have a grand total. I’ll update the post when that happens.
Anyway:
Core Components
Aquatec 8800 Booster Pump with Transformer, black
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003ZJMSEY?psc=1
APEC Water Systems Tank-4 4 Gallon Residential Pre-Pressurized Reverse Osmosis Water Storage Tank,White
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LU28SHE?psc=1
PureSec Water Storage Tank Ball Valve 1/4 inch O.D.RO Tubing x 1/4 inch female pipe thread Push-Fit Elbow Shut-Off Valve (for accumulator)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N1RL2WK?psc=1
Timer Outlet, Nearpow Multifunctional 7-Day Cycle Programmable Plug-in Digital Infinite Repeat Cycle Intermittent Timer Switch for Appliances, 19 Programmable Settings, 15A/1800W (for timing the solenoid on/off period)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0752PHMTL?psc=1
Aquatec PSW-240 Tank Shut Off (TSO) Switch for Aquatec Booster Pumps (to automatically turn off the pump when we reach our target pressure)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007XVJYZQ?psc=1
Malida Water Pressure Test Gauge Stainless for Aquarium Meter 0-1.6MPa 0-220psi Reverse Osmosis System Pump with 1/4
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0124FAV6Q?psc=1
1/4" Stainless Steel Electric Solenoid Valve 110VAC Normally Closed VITON (you should consider using a 24V DC one instead, it’s safer!)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00APD6L2I?psc=1
Leviton 15 Amp 125-Volt Double Pole 3-Wire Grounding Plug, Black (for this specific solenoid)
Tefen Fog Nozzle with Stainless Steel Filter Misting Poultry 1/8" NPT 1 GPH 10 Pack
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017HWTEXC?psc=1
Tools
Acekit 2 7/8 inch Hole Saw With 3/8 Arbor HSS Bi-Metal Hole Saw Blade And Variable Teeth Pitch For Wood,Plastic Board,Pipe,Plywood,And Soft Metal Sheet (73mm) (for drilling holes for the netcups)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0895M57RW?psc=1
Drill America - POU1/8NPTW/DRILL 1/8" Carbon Steel NPT Pipe Tap and R High Speed Steel Drill Bit Set, POU Series (for tapping fittings to accommodate our nozzles)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M4RXY21?psc=1
.050 Short Arm Hex Key L-Wrench 2 Pack (.050) (for adjusting TSO pressure, necessary for running high-pressure)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073HGG7TQ?psc=1
1/16 allen key (for adjusting diaphragm pump pressure relief, necessary for running high-pressure)
Fittings
DMFIT filter strainer 1/4"x1/4" push-in 100 mesh ADMF0404
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O98ZJU0?psc=1
PureSec Water Pipe Stem Elbow Connector for 1/4" Tubing 90 degree elbow Push to Connect Plastic Quick Fittings for Reverse Osmosis System(Pack of 10)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MZ2PLCR?psc=1
Malida Male Push To Connect Tube Fitting ,water purifiers Quick Connector Drinks Dispense and water filtration system fittings (1/4 NPT Male x 1/4 OD Tube)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M2XEJZA?psc=1
Lemoy 1/4" OD Quick Connect Push In to Connect Water Tube Fitting for RO Reverse Osmosis Water Filter Fittings Pack of 30
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H2TR3LQ?psc=1
PureSec 1/4 Bulkhead Fitting 1/4 RO Tubing Use for RO/DI System(5, 1/4" Tube O.D.)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079KRRW2B?psc=1
Malida 1/4 inch O.D. Length 32.8ft(10 meters) RO Water Tubing, Hose Pipe for RO Water purifiers System,+ 1/4 O.D quick connector 10pcs
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CRMDDYG?psc=1
Misc
Mother Earth HGC714114 Hydroton Original Expanded Clay Pebbles, 25 Liter, Terra Cotta
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KYYZDUS?psc=1
3 Pack pH.1-14 Test Paper Extensive Test Paper Litmus Test Paper 240 Strips pH Test
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0811PYS6T?psc=1
General Hydroponics CALiMAGic 1-0-0
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GZRKI40?psc=1
General Hydroponics MaxiGro, 2.2 lb
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MKBC7OO?psc=1
5 Gallon Bucket and lid White food grade available at Walmart for $4, may need to be wrapped to prevent light leaking
20-50 Gallon (preferablly food-safe) Tub or 5 gallon buckets
Netcups - size is up for debate and depends on what plants you’re growing, but no less than 2". 2" is said to be good for leafy greens and herbs, only unsuitable for larger plants that need stem support.
Not Necessary but Nice to Have
PureSec Water Pipe Stem Branch Tee for 1/4" Tubing Push to Connect Plastic Quick Fittings for Reverse Osmosis System(Pack of 10)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MUB3PPI?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
PureSec Water Pipe Stem Elbow Connector for 1/4" Tubing 90 degree elbow Push to Connect Plastic Quick Fittings for Reverse Osmosis System(Pack of 10)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MZ2PLCR?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
Premium Silver Aluminum Tape, Foil Tape (2"x65 Feet,3.9mil)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6NDFXPN?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1
Double Bubble Reflective Foil Insulation: (48 in X 10 Ft Roll) (note that most plastic tubs and containers are NOT uv-stabilized! This means they will degrade under the sun and possibly your growlights as well. Besides more light reflectivity and reducing algae growth, this is why we insulate with mylar.)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G63TCQM?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
HM Digital COM-80 Electrical Conductivity (EC) and Total Dissolved Solids Hydro Tester, 0-5000 ppm TDS Range, 1 ppm Resolution, 2% Readout Accuracy (to get a rough idea how concentrated our nutrient solution is)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008SOPO10?psc=1
PTFE Tube Cutter - Look on eBay
https://i.imgur.com/OF4lF5c.jpg
Pair of calipers - Not necessary, helps a lot. Find the cheapest well-rated digital pair on Amazon.
A ruler
Combination square - Very handy for making measurements accurately based on the molded edges of plastic containers
Wire strippers - you might need depending on how you’re wiring your solenoid
Heatshrink - same reason as wire strippers.
Wago connectors - nicer than wire nuts, solenoid related
Fine tip sharpie or pen
Drill bits of varying sizes
H2 bit for a bit driver/screwdriver. No more allen keys for driving M3 screws/bolts.
Hardware
Note: this is specific to my build. You will not need these for a purely functional system.
M3x10 and M3x16 bolts, M3 nuts, M3 washers, all preferably stainless
M3x12 and M3x20 self tapping M3 screws (AliExpress)
PETG filament and access to a 3Dprinter
Intro to Hydroponics - Definitions
Simple NGINX File Server and How to Share Files With Your Friends
Plants