Beer Can Hydroponics

SummaryThis is hydroponics project re-uses beer cans to serve as hydroponics pots. There are 3 parts to this project. The Top, the Spout, and the Post. Build Video: https://youtu.be/QD7ZpgD1QkoInstructionsParts: 1) 10in Bowl 2) a water pump: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JWJIC0K/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 3) Tubing that fits your pump 4) 6 empty beer cans 5) Some kind of controller: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00P0TZ5CY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Step 1: Print the Beer_Hydro_Spout Step 2: Print the Beer_Hydro_Post Step 3: Print the Beer_Hydro_Top_Test Step 4: Place the Beer Hydro Top Test across the 10in pot. The edges are beveled so it will sit partially on top as well as partially into the pot. This will allow it to sit on top, fairly stable. You also want to make sure the post fits. Due to some types of filament used, this post hole may need to be adjusted. So you want to make sure this is right before printing the next piece. --There is a Beer_Hydro_Top_Test scad file. At the beginning are the adjusters. If your top does not fit correctly on the top of your pot or the post does does not fit correctly , adjust the top parameters until you have a print that fits. If the post does not fit into the slot, adjust the post_slotX and post_slotY parameters. --Getting the post to fit into the top is probably the most difficult part of the project. I also included a Beer_Hydro_Top_Slot_Test file which allows you to print a small test piece to work with the post size. Step 5: Print the Beer_Hydro_Top using your adjusted settings from Step 4. Step 6: Push the Beer_Hydro_Post into the Top. It should fit tightly but you don't want to break it. Step 7: push your tubing up the post and attach it to the Spout. Step 8: attach your pump to the tubing and place everything on top of the 10 pot/bowl. Step 9: Cut the tops off of the beer cans. I used a plain old can opener. Step 12: Make drain holes in the bottom if each can Step 13: Fill the pots with your growing medium, I use rock wool. Step 14: add the plants and place a can into a slot Step 15, Move the spout around so that its is very close to the plant and the plant can grow around it. Step 16: You will need to control the timing of the water. I used a simple timer and printed a box for it. You can use a raspberry pi, or Arduino also. Ill leave this part up to you to figure out how to do it, it should be straight forward.