veng1
AGA Sprout
My logo is from a spectroradiometer I designed to measure a Sprout.
Posts: 51
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Post by veng1 on Nov 21, 2022 19:07:24 GMT -5
A number of people have been very kind in making suggestions to replicate something similar to an AeroGarden. Along the way I've been asked for pictures. Although I prefer not to publish something that is only partially done, maybe a few pictures will allow others to visualize what I'm doing and offer even more suggestions. I constructed a DIY grow tent on our screen porch by using some wire shelves. When the weather is cold, it is wrapped with plastic sheet and a space heater in the bottom keeps everything warm. I designed a simple te ![]() mperature controller to keep the inside at about 60 degrees F. When the weather is warm, I just remove the plastic so we can sit on the porch and enjoy the plants. Water level float made with 3D printed part and dirt cheap 3ml dropper from Amazon: Detail of water level float. This should work on an AeroGarden where the water level sensor has failed.  Nutrient being pumped through 3D printed deck to pod opening: USB powered pump. There are several of these on Amazon with different spec but the all seem to be labeled USB-1020 when received. Heater Controller. There is a small heater with a fan on the bottom most shelf. It is using a GFCI outlet in case of water spills or splashes. |
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veng1
AGA Sprout
My logo is from a spectroradiometer I designed to measure a Sprout.
Posts: 51
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Post by veng1 on Nov 21, 2022 19:53:53 GMT -5
I've not yet published the 3D printed decks that distribute the nutrient as I'm not totally happy with them. There are 4 in service that have locations for 6 pods and I have designed and printed one that has space for 4 pods for bigger plants.
I've also designed one that incorporates 8 pods but the nutrient flow on the early prototype was uneven, so I set it aside. These are so inexpensive to make that I may not spend any more time on 8 pods and just stick with fewer.
The decks are smaller than I want but I;ve had to modify my 3D printer to get a usable area of 331mm in the X direction and it still isn't quite enough. I really need at least 340mm and that will require several changes.
The decks are usable but not really done, however, I'm going to focus on the control system next.
If there are specific pictures or details that anyone wants, please ask.
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Post by lynnee on Nov 21, 2022 23:16:11 GMT -5
veng1, thanks for the photos! You're good with the 3D printer, to get such nice-looking decks. Others here have created similar systems by drilling holes in the lids of assorted containers (buckets, totes, etc.). I particularly like the way that you've organized the grow tent, with shelves. Do your floats ever get clogged with roots? 
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veng1
AGA Sprout
My logo is from a spectroradiometer I designed to measure a Sprout.
Posts: 51
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Post by veng1 on Nov 22, 2022 14:02:52 GMT -5
So far, no, the float has not gotten clogged with roots...yet. The tube that the float rides in is fairly long but I suspect the roots will find it eventually. The way it works, it is fairly simple to just pull it straight up and I'd expect the roots to fall out the bottom. But the first design is not always one that works, so we'll see.
Hopefully tomorrow I will receive some parts to start testing a sensor that uses light to measure distance. The sensor itself is fairly inexpensive but takes some support circuitry to interface it in order to read something human readable. Like everything else, I'll post complete details, most likely on GitHub. This forum doesn't seem like very many people want to get into that level of wiring up circuits nor do I think it is really required with a typical AeroGarden.
I'm mainly posting here for constructive criticism and helpful suggestions Obviously I'm very new to hydroponics.
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airscapes
AGA Bounty
Lettuce eat Cake!
Posts: 642
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Post by airscapes on Nov 23, 2022 7:48:22 GMT -5
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Post by lynnee on Nov 23, 2022 10:11:56 GMT -5
airscapes, I'm so glad you chimed in to answer some of the questions that veng1 has! I hadn't seen your thread on building a 3D-printed Bounty, so it's bookmarked now. Have you experimented at all with light sensors for tracking water levels? veng1 is just getting into that. As for me, I'm content with my many AG Bounties and Farms, because my primary goal is big tomato crops with minimal maintenance! I'm SO envious of the 3D printer skills that both of you demonstrate! 
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airscapes
AGA Bounty
Lettuce eat Cake!
Posts: 642
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Post by airscapes on Nov 23, 2022 11:46:43 GMT -5
Have you experimented at all with light sensors for tracking water levels? veng1 is just getting into that. No, I did not. On the big DIY DW units, I used a float with a revivor to keep that full.. never did that to the Bounty |
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veng1
AGA Sprout
My logo is from a spectroradiometer I designed to measure a Sprout.
Posts: 51
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Post by veng1 on Nov 24, 2022 13:04:15 GMT -5
Although I started and was pretty far along before I found this forum, I've read all of your posts.
Although it is specified as holding 2 gallons like a Farm, it looks like 2.5 gallons with what I'm guessing is full enough to leave some room for air roots. Maybe even 2.75 gal.
I started out with a two piece lid but eventually came up with a single piece printed face down so it is nice and flat. When mounted upright there is a manifold on the underside that connects to a submerged pump. 3D printed channels distribute the nutrient to each pod like a standard AeroGarden. I've done a 4 pod and a 6 pod design that I'm happy with. Both have two extra holes for sensors, pump power, air stones and sensors.
I'm planning on using this software:
And am currently wiring up this sensor:
Because these are kind of expensive and I will need at least 8 of them, I'll probably design my own circuit board and have them made.
Using Mycodo, it will be fairly simple (I think) to monitor nutrient level, EC and temperature in each of 8 reservoirs, ambient temperature and humidity and maybe light levels. Mycodo can control all these things too but the critical thing is to alert me when EC levels need attention
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veng1
AGA Sprout
My logo is from a spectroradiometer I designed to measure a Sprout.
Posts: 51
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Post by veng1 on Dec 18, 2022 13:53:52 GMT -5
I've written up how to replicate my DIY AeroGarden and published the files for 3D printing the lid. I'm using both a nutrient pump per container to supply each pod and an air stone in each reservoir. That may be over kill but I can't see how too much dissolved oxygen is a problem. But one or the other could possibly be eliminated. www.thingiverse.com/thing:5705361 |
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Post by darais211 on Dec 18, 2022 14:19:36 GMT -5
I've written up how to replicate my DIY AeroGarden and published the files for 3D printing the lid. I'm using both a nutrient pump per container to supply each pod and an air stone in each reservoir. That may be over kill but I can't see how too much dissolved oxygen is a problem. But one or the other could possibly be eliminated. www.thingiverse.com/thing:5705361ummm no when there is too much oxygen the roots have less motivation to grow larger because they are getting everything they need with a smaller surface area. That can then translate to the plants producing less biomass resulting in less leaf tissue. So at some point too much oxygen can actually cause less growth. |
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veng1
AGA Sprout
My logo is from a spectroradiometer I designed to measure a Sprout.
Posts: 51
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Post by veng1 on Dec 19, 2022 20:33:25 GMT -5
How much dissolved oxygen is too much?
Do I need a dissolved oxygen meter?
Is one air stone per 2 gallons and pumping to the pods really excessive?
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Post by darais211 on Dec 23, 2022 13:34:46 GMT -5
How much dissolved oxygen is too much?
Do I need a dissolved oxygen meter?
Is one air stone per 2 gallons and pumping to the pods really excessive?
depends on the size of the pump and the size of the stone, i use: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009YJ4N6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 , have a 2" stone, and have a splitter so both sides of the aerogarden gets it (personally i think its a little strong, you should be able to see bubbles but the right now i got it going a little crazy but i figured with the pump on the aerogarden that will help break the tension within the water), i was actually thinking of getting a bigger stones so the air has more room to disperse but the peppers are so happy i may just keep things the way they are for right now and do a bigger stone next run.
but really the short answer to your question is every system is going to be different, i try to keep things on the lower end and work my way up instead of the opposite (i was always trained that you can add more but its a lot harder to take away)
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