How to make an inexpensive low-pressure aeroponics system

How to make an inexpensive low-pressure aeroponics system

* added 5/3/17 I made a new version of this system, https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLx7XtYIVCogQDFR-aPhP2tPURBuPva7As Also all follow-up videos to this first version can be found here. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLx7XtYIVCogSaplu_KPqhT35CDKhWYAMg Thanks for watching!

I show step-by-step how to design and construct a low-pressure aeroponics (soakaponics) system using free and inexpensive parts. I built mine for growing peppers, but could be used for anything. The pepper I used for testing was a Bhut Jolokia Assam.

The cost is less than 10.00 in parts, plus the submersible pump which cost me 22.42. Add 1.35 for optional sight glass components. This helps to monitor the water/nutrient level.

Parts list/cost

PVC parts
1 x 5′ sched 40 1/2″ PVC pipe – 1.92
5 x 1/2″ caps – .38 each = 1.52
4 x 1/2″ slip elbows – .28 each = 1.12
1 x 1/2″ four-way cross tee – 1.26
2 x 90 deg tee – .35 each = .70
1 x 1/2″ adapter threaded/slip – .38

1 x Eco-396 submersible pump – 22.42 – http://goo.gl/n4cmuL
15 x Spray nozzles – .13 each = 1.95

1 x Icing container – free
1 x 3″ net pot -.35 https://amzn.to/31AsmVQ
1 x 2″ neoprene cloning collar – .35 – https://amzn.to/31GWUVW

Total 31.97

Optional sight glass parts
1 x 1/2″ elbow – .50
1 x 1/2″ grommet – .35
1 x 10″ piece of 1/2″ clear tubing – .50
Total 1.35

Here are some of the parts used to make this system that I purchased through.

EcoPlus 728310 Eco 396 Submersible Pump, 396GPH (You can probably get by with one not as powerful, like the 210 GPH one, and save money)
http://goo.gl/n4cmuL

Hydrolux 360 Degree Red Replacement Micro Sprayer (100 count)
http://goo.gl/heVsJh

Drillco 2000C Series Carbon Steel Hand Threading Tap 10-32
http://goo.gl/hPbuIY

50 Comments

  1. John Denaci on August 31, 2022 at 8:06 am

    Great video!



  2. Dan Whitfield on August 31, 2022 at 8:06 am

    Very nice build … how do you fill the container when more feed is needed .. does it have a fill point or do you need to remove the lid each time



  3. kolkolah nabi on August 31, 2022 at 8:06 am

    hows the update? is the plant growing well?



  4. Kavik Runner on August 31, 2022 at 8:06 am

    Thank you.



  5. Max love on August 31, 2022 at 8:07 am

    🤔🇵🇷👍



  6. *** on August 31, 2022 at 8:08 am

    This is fantastically thought out. Hydroponics stores charge and arm and leg for stuff like Current Culture systems or TurboKloners.



  7. Dan Lough on August 31, 2022 at 8:10 am

    Wonderful explanation thank you. Something i think the world over should be doing. Could you tell me how often do you run the pump?



  8. mario Tuatagaloa on August 31, 2022 at 8:10 am

    Thanks for the how to win the purchase of stuff tomorrow



  9. NotoriousPyro on August 31, 2022 at 8:10 am

    1: Don’t drill clockwise into PVC with a wood drill bit (bi-metal hole saw or wood drill bit), you will guaranteed split the plastic or fray the edges. Always cut counter clockwise.
    2: This is single tank DWC hydroponics, not aeroponics. The droplet size is far too big you will not get the level of aeration that aeroponics provides and your roots will be drenched, not moist.
    3: A dual tank system works better with this. Where you have the reservoir in a separate tank that the plant growing tank drains into. You can put a bigger bucket into a slightly smaller bucket to achieve this, or use a bigger bucket with a smaller bucket suspended inside. Have the pump in the bottom tank with the PVC leading into the top tank with a drain, leading back to the bottom tank. This keeps the roots further aerated and costs a few bucks extra.



  10. spanky on August 31, 2022 at 8:11 am

    your roots will clog the bottom 3 spayers



  11. 謝藤福 on August 31, 2022 at 8:16 am

    Hi, where can I buy those red spread heads?



  12. Joe's Hydroponics on August 31, 2022 at 8:17 am

    You have a lot great ideas..! Love this channel.



  13. A.L.P.D. on August 31, 2022 at 8:18 am

    hi. Thnx 4 the video but there is much more eazy way to make an aeroponic system. Look here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FN23p9KrkRQ
    He uses the same nozzles as. But there is even much easier way to do this. Just drill very tiny holes into the hose with a very thin pin and thats it. U then have also smaller droplets which spreads more widely and the roots like it much more 😉



  14. Raghu Peethambaran on August 31, 2022 at 8:22 am

    This is really clear, crisp and neat! Thanks for Sharing.



  15. إسلام أبوقايد on August 31, 2022 at 8:22 am

    I relly not understand .. that thing u put in pump that thing contain from some tubes what it do ?

    And irrigation hose where in and out ?? My english is bad sorry but I try to understand



  16. Ambient Mechanical Systems inc. on August 31, 2022 at 8:25 am

    How often does the pump run? Thanks



  17. 99only shop on August 31, 2022 at 8:26 am

    good design



  18. CLAY Thomas on August 31, 2022 at 8:29 am

    Meticulous comes to mind and OCD



  19. Living Life on Life's Terms on August 31, 2022 at 8:29 am

    I like this set up man. Im still contemplating going this method or Kratky method. I the latter is more cost effective, but may not produce as healthy pepper plants. What are your thoughts?



  20. Kodali Harshini on August 31, 2022 at 8:30 am

    How to take pipe measurements in inches or by foot??



  21. Robert Hamm on August 31, 2022 at 8:31 am

    That clear water level tube will enable Algae to form in your system. I would use a simple float through the top with a scale mounted next to it.



  22. 1948tc on August 31, 2022 at 8:33 am

    I had trouble hearing your soft voice !



  23. Jon Osterman on August 31, 2022 at 8:35 am

    Also, cool idea using the neoprene plug for the power cord. I usually just cut and splice the cord to fit through a gromet, but I hate cutting and splicing, so I think I might try your way next time.



  24. Onna-lisa Kyom on August 31, 2022 at 8:36 am

    Very thorough tutorial. Really appreciate your work. Hope you are well.



  25. Drew on August 31, 2022 at 8:36 am

    Those red nozzles always fail at the thread



  26. Ramesh Theresa on August 31, 2022 at 8:39 am

    Hats off to you… wonderful video but you can be more loud and clear



  27. CrankCase08 on August 31, 2022 at 8:41 am

    Those red spray heads tend to be a poor design. They’re sold as 360 degree spray heads but actually tend to be 2 x 20 degrees, and produce coarse droplets instead of something more like a mist. Consequently, not only are they liable to manage poor coverage, but they do not aerate the water well either. Unfortunately, there appears to be nothing better on the market. However, these have recently appeared but I’ve no experience of them: https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/262291399435?ul_noapp=true



  28. GroBuddy420 on August 31, 2022 at 8:42 am

    Don’t waste your time with this check out my invention it takes grow into a next next next level



  29. Jessica Sprague on August 31, 2022 at 8:42 am

    now can you create a version of this that are like the very expensive aeronautics tower gardens?



  30. I'm a Star Citizen on August 31, 2022 at 8:43 am

    Stay away from pvc



  31. Jennifer Westberry on August 31, 2022 at 8:44 am

    Water sprinkler head 360 degree head straight up off the pump.



  32. My Bytes on August 31, 2022 at 8:47 am

    Thank you for this video, in your oppinion which system give the fastest leaf growth? For my next project im still deciding between deep water culture and low pressure aeroponic for my lettuce. Im currently using NFT method.



  33. Jerry Whatsworth on August 31, 2022 at 8:47 am

    where did you get your spray nozzles



  34. press on August 31, 2022 at 8:48 am

    Amazing! Super informative and interesting. Your voice is very soothing as well lol! Just two questions: how often do you clean the PVC piping? Do you take it all apart to clean? Thank you for uploading this video!!



  35. Leo and Paulo on August 31, 2022 at 8:49 am

    Do you let it run constantly or do you put it on a watering cycle? Thank you



  36. Sarah McKay on August 31, 2022 at 8:50 am

    so if u put your nozzles ate different heights your system will fill with air and create problems all the noozzles should be at the same height



  37. Keanu Quinn on August 31, 2022 at 8:51 am

    Where can I find a rubber elbow to fit in the grommet? Can someone find me a link to them please?



  38. Jon Osterman on August 31, 2022 at 8:51 am

    Hey, just wanted to ask a question about your sprayer manifold. I am looking at planning out some aero systems for flower rooms, and I had the idea of using only vertical sprayer jets, with threaded PVC risers instead of slip shedule 40, so that all one needs to do to fix a clogged or broken sprayer is unscrew the vertical sprayer/riser and thread a new one right in, instead of having to remove the whole manifold or replace lengths of it. Are you having any problems with the vertical parts of your sprayer manifold? Do they create enough coverage?



  39. Harry Sibben on August 31, 2022 at 8:52 am

    Great video. You might want to watch some video’s on sharpening your drillbit mate 😉



  40. A F on August 31, 2022 at 8:52 am

    Nice video



  41. Elyo on August 31, 2022 at 8:53 am

    Hi, we are students who is willing to use this design for our project. How do we use Nutrition Solutions and how often do we need to change them?



  42. Morgan Lee on August 31, 2022 at 8:55 am

    Hi, do you make a timer for water spray? Let say if I am not able to monitor the root moisture at times.



  43. ruffnut on August 31, 2022 at 8:59 am

    why imperial measurements they went out 50yrs ago try metric thats right forgot America is 50yrs behind the rest of the world



  44. WY not - N - Wyoming on August 31, 2022 at 8:59 am

    Would love to incorporate to my indoor pond



  45. Michael Sego on August 31, 2022 at 9:00 am

    Start hole saw backwards works just fine just takes a min



  46. Robert Rollins on August 31, 2022 at 9:01 am

    Sorry if this is a repeat question, but how does this compare to a dwc build? Would you recommend one over the other for growing peppers? I’m new to anything that isn’t dirt growing and looking to build this, or a dwc for my Ghost peppers.



  47. Rashmi Raikar on August 31, 2022 at 9:01 am

    This is really amazing …



  48. Grant Wolter on August 31, 2022 at 9:01 am

    Reverse hole saw tip for plastic is the BEST TIP! I learned this myself a while back



  49. ASS OG on August 31, 2022 at 9:02 am

    I know this is a old video. But this is more of a hydroponic system than a LPA system. Due to the fact that you have your pump in your grow chamber.
    Which is a BIG no no in the first place because the roots will get caught up in it.
    I’ve been growing with LPA in the SOG for about 8 years now.
    The first thing is you want a separate grow chamber and reservoir.
    You want your grow chamber to drain back into your reservoir after each cycle. So your roots are not sitting in your nutrients.
    Then you say saturate your roots.
    That’s one of the biggest mistakes people make when they try and grow with lpa.
    Is soaking their roots.
    That’s why most people get root rot.
    It took me 3 years to get my on off times correct. To get the best yield and product.
    Just remember it’s areoponiics not waterponics.
    And a little bit is better.
    When I first started I was spraying my roots for 1 minute every 5 minutes.
    Now I spray every 20 minutes for a few seconds.
    Just to give you all a idea.
    I’ll tell you all one thing.
    This is the easiest and fastest and cheapest way to grow anything.
    I can’t believe that there are so few people that grow this way.



  50. Adrian Hasette on August 31, 2022 at 9:03 am

    Those S’ are really something. Lol.