A Cheap Alternative to RockWool and Net Cups

A cheap net cup and rockwool alternative in your hydroponic or aquaponic system. Nutrient film technique hydroponic farming at home.
Having taken my first step into hydroponic farming at home using a system known as nutrient film technique I tried to streamline the process of taking plants from seed to system.
Eliminating the need for net cups and rock wool, my puck system is the solution to minimising your cost and maximising you’re output with as little effort possible.
Here are some of my videos outlining the processes and how to build the systems I use in the method I have developed to take plants from seed to system in NFT hydroponics.
How to Build a NFT Hydroponic System:
• How to Build a Nutrien...
How to Build a Hydroponic Seedling/Clone Propagator:
• How to Build a Hydropo...
Seed to System in NFT Hydroponics:
• Seed to System in NFT ...
Planting Seedlings in NFT Hydroponic System:
• Planting Seedlings in ...
How to Change the Reservoir of a NFT Hydroponic System:
• How to Change the Rese...
For those worried about toxicity pool noodles and jigsaw foam sheets are made from ethylene-vinyl acetate. So is hot melt glue, shower curtains, and even as an additive for time-release drugs. EVA is considered nontoxic.
Hoochos explores the worlds of Hydroponics, Aquaponics, Permaculture, Homesteading, Fermentation, Technology Vanlife and DIY Builds to look at the world through a larger lens that can incorporate the best of everything into a rich and rewarding lifestyle.
Through self sufficiency we can reduce consumption and increase our hyperlocal household production.
Merch:
A way to support the channel and get some cool stuff too.
There are two stores because dependant on where you live in the world one will be cheaper than the other (shipping) and it gives a range of design flexibility.
Redbubble: www.redbubble.com/people/mjtch/
Teespring: teespring.com/stores/hoochos
Patreon: / hoocho
Reddit Community: / hoocho
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If you have personal queries about hydroponics or other matters please join me on Patreon for limited individual support or post in the Hoocho Reddit community and there are a lot of friendly helpful likeminded people that may have answers for you.
Happy Hydroponicing!

[@danbaker3214]

This guy is the best. The reluctant tone of his videos along with him saying it to some extent in every video "i am not doing this for attention, but to help share gardening techniques" is perfect.

[@kimvaughan2140]

This 60 year old just made some pucks! Although I could only make mine 85mm, it fits the 60mm hole beautifully. I punched a hole in the middle for the stems. I feel so proud of myself. Thank you so much for the wonderful idea.

[@narohit]

Hi, how do you punched in the puck ? And of what size ? What happens when stem width increases as the plant grows ?

[@oueuc2]

I love that cross design, and the support idea. Genius!

[@tonitouchberry894]

I'm so proud of you! What a great and simple solution! Sometimes the answers are right in front of us and we just don't see them! I was hesitating at starting hydroponics because of that extra, cup and wool coat!! Thanks!!😁

[@ML6103]

Accessible to everyone...what a legend! Love your work.

[@suecampbell8944]

Thank you I forgot about needing the wool for my Tower Garden and had a floor tile to use in my home! Worked perfectly!

[@lexboegen]

I got more useful information in the first five minutes of this video, than I have from hours of other videos on hydroponics here on YT. Subscribed.

[@davidjordan1821]

Great job, I will try your ideas in my green house. What about using a growing medium around the germinated plant, then transplant the seedling along with the growth medium into the hydroponic trough?

[@brianchristine9301]

Wow, you are a freeking genius! Thank you so much for this video. I'm just getting started in hydroponics after 30 years of soil gardening, and your info is gonna save me so much money and time. Thanks for shortening my learning curve! Blessings mate!

[@forageforage3520]

Hoocho - Eliminating the RW altogether. The easiest way to do this is use a tray filled with about 1" of fine/powder Coco Coir. I would use a double tray, and bottom water. Then carefully place your seeds on to the layer of coco coir. Purposefully Placing them/spacing them a distance apart. Once they've popped up/sprouted, and I wait till they've at least got their second set of leaves, you can now easily remove them individually from the coco coir, and put them into your foam puck or pool noodle. This method allows you to skip the extra handling, and you don't have to thin out the seedlings, like might with rockwool. You sort of get more bang for your money...making each seed and your handling time count.

[@Hoocho]

This is great. Thankyou for sharing!

[@forageforage3520]

No Problem. I too am always looking for ways to save money, eliminate unnecessary steps. I've used rw for a long time, but..it does get spendy. so far the coco coir method works pretty well. Careful placement of the seeds on the coco coir surface does require a little more patients however. sometimes I get exotic seeds or special seeds from a customer..and they are generally in small qty..so this way I can insure I get the most from them.. If say all 10 germinate and produce a seedling, I can easily take it out of the coco coir..instead of thinning it out from a piece of rw which will result in a plant lost in all probability... :)

[@LukePWilkinsVids]

@@forageforage3520 Hey there, thanks for sharing the advice and technique. What size seedling trays are you using, and many seeds are you sowing per tray?

[@Hoocho]

@@forageforage3520 I now use this method in my system and have made a video 'seed to system'. It's my go to now so thanks!

[@Johhny5Fitness]

@@Hoocho Can you provide a link to that video please? Thank you.

[@angelsinthecloset8714]

I have to say, i really love your garden!!! It makes me long for living on a farm, or out of the city at least. But you have inspired me, and i am going to design a wall system for strawberries using ideas ive seen on your channel!

[@snapfreshfarm796]

Outstanding use of the pucks and noodles. I may try that in my system

[@savikynd7407]

U get the idea of future cultivation...I’ve been practicing aeroponics and you’ve helped me find a few ways to start my seeds from no dirt👍🏾

[@tastyfishsauce4410]

I know this is an old video, but I think your idea is brilliant. I have seen the pool noodle, the foam padding, the sponge, the rock wool, the expandel clay, the coco coir/peat. Yours combined the foam padding with the pool noodle, both easily obtained, relatively inexpensive and are reusable. The transition from seedlings in the DWC to the NFT appears seamless, Good job.

[@Kobe29261]

Your's also dear friend is the stuff that changes worlds and lives! Thank you for your generosity! Here's to the end of whole-food shortage!

[@kenvng]

Thank you. Pool Noodle to support the plants. Genius idea! Bravo sir. Thank you so much.

[@elverman]

Amazing idea! I did NFT 3 years ago and I wanna do it again soon. I'm definitely gonna do it the way you do it!

[@cindyholton7234]

Excellent idea - I'm just about to try hydroponics out for the 1st time, and will go with this to save money - so glad I saw your video - will watch the others now! thanks!

[@sleeplessinthecarolinas8118]

This is definitely more cost effective! Thank you!

[@rblyle382]

This is genius! My wife and I are wanting to get started and I've had a hard time finding good videos for beginners. This is a great one!

[@Hoocho]

rblyle382 cheers check out this video and it guides you step by step through the process Beginners Guide to NFT Hydroponics kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGnMYahtrLhrbLs

[@rblyle382]

@@Hoocho since we currently live with my parents until we can find a house, I'm making a self contained system inside a 25 gallon tub. But I just got finished cutting my foam cups like you use :) need a few more parts that will be here this weekend to finish it up. Can't wait to plant!

[@Willie_C.]

Wow, nice and cheaper alternative! Thanks for the video!

[@laneedward9670]

I know Im randomly asking but does someone know a tool to get back into an Instagram account..? I was stupid lost my login password. I would appreciate any tips you can offer me!

[@izaiahyahir3378]

@Lane Edward instablaster :)

[@laneedward9670]

@Izaiah Yahir thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site thru google and im waiting for the hacking stuff atm. I see it takes quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@laneedward9670]

@Izaiah Yahir it did the trick and I finally got access to my account again. I am so happy:D Thank you so much, you saved my account !

[@izaiahyahir3378]

@Lane Edward Glad I could help :)

[@Samoasoa]

Just about to hole saw the PVC pipe, your channel came to my stream. Good and practical and above all save me some money too. Thank you for sharing.

[@bluereason]

great idea and work. I've been mixing and matching between rockwool, clay pebbles, perlite and various cups/net-cups as my plants grew but using your pucks and noodle seem like an easier way. Will give this a try in my next transplant from seedlings to propagator.

[@annewertheim3556]

WOW - What a brilliant idea. Thanks for sharing!

[@leemarks4543]

Hey Hoocho going to try this method with my new plants from tomorrow, thanks for sharing another great video and good money saving advice too

[@debbieexcell5088]

😍. Thank u for being so creative, innovative and for recognizing the financial constraints that others may face. Please continue to make more videos like this. I really appreciate the level of practicality that ur video brings. As a single parent, and only income earner, I just love ur video.

[@Hoocho]

The greatest reward I can get is the knowledge that any video I’ve made has helped anyone. So thank you for this comment.

[@jimrogers7841]

Wow, really smart with the pucks!

[@ni7suj]

Excellent! Gives me all sorts of ideas for my aquaponics system.

[@joebarwick7779]

extremely brilliant idea

[@keng528]

Fantastic ideas...thank you for the savings you have brought to my budget for hydroponics.

[@icu6870]

Thank you for this idea! I’m from the Philippines and Cocopeat in a styro cup is a common substrate we use. I’ve adapted your idea and it seems to be working very well! This is awesome. I’ll be sharing this with my fellow hydroponics enthusiasts. Cheers!

[@myronalcock4716]

Well done, ingenious use of materials!

[@cherfieldm]

That is really good, very economical and very wise of doing it. Thanks.

[@mred3608]

Good thinking mate. Terrific!

[@eduardochavacano]

This is so much more interesting in buying those cups or cubes. Brilliant and great video.

[@charlestampy2621]

Now that's an idea. I'm gonna use some old rubber slippers for smaller pucks in the seedling tray. Thanks!

[@user-lf7ye7pt8o]

Thank you for all the tips and tricks.

[@thandoc3934]

Thank you for that, now am just waiting for the lockdown to pass and I am going to get materials for my own hydroponics

[@breacherb3739]

Hoocho, this is an awesome system and thank you very much for the information. I'm looking to set up systems like this to once I start my homesteading. Very cost effective way to get it done. Thanks again Bro! Keep up the good work!

[@jeffreygrebe3328]

Thanks for your videos. Practical and simple!!!

[@BrokeButBountifullyBlessed799]

I love the pucks. Great idea.

[@rexfordgarrison4883]

That's brilliant, thank you for that. I will be subscribing and following you. I'm just starting hydroponics.

[@randikavishman3971]

That's a good idea and inspires us to think out of the box man. Because I'm in SL, we don't have access to these resource in everywhere around here. So we definitely have to find alternatives. Thanks 🙏 😊 & Cheers!

[@nicossoloyo]

This is so simple and sooo useful!!!

[@sassygil6675]

Outstanding find! Thank you. You just made it way easier to get into Hydrophonic for me. I appreciate this video and your insights.

[@LK-3000]

Excellent video. Very clear, informative and easy to understand. Thank you!

[@-Rickster-]

New sub. Came because someone posted your video on the homemade terra planter on hydroponics group on Facebook. Looking through,l this channel is perfect for me! Thanks for posting them

[@mikedisher30]

Amazing great job, love the NFT

[@CandiceWA]

That is brilliant! thank you so much for sharing. I am going to give a try with your ideas.

[@willjohnson5042]

Thanks alot for the info! I definitely want to try this method

[@garywellings2281]

The guys a magician of innovation..nice saving $$$

[@DanteVelasquez]

That is such a great idea. I've been looking for something like this :-)

[@trumpsahead]

I knew about the foam but your notching four corners is smart, and the pipe insulator foam is a good idea too. Excellent. I had thought to use good quality paper towels which are economically cheapest way to go, and roots grow right through them. I'm doing aeroponics this year. ciao. Good show.

[@sharonwallace9018]

trumpsahead I’m trying Viva towels. So far so good. One day & they’re still wet. When the roots go down I’ll let the water level drop.

[@chrislrob]

Whoa! I've just started the pool noodle way, but assumed I'd have to move my pepper plants because they wouldn't be supported. Now, I see I can extend the time by using a longer piece of pool noodle! Subscribed!

[@cstomi990]

Pure genius, I am amazed!

[@markperry3517]

You sir are a genius. Thank you.

[@hjpapow]

This is brilliant! Thanks for sharing!

[@homedaddies]

I did your method in a small square container of biscuit. I have 3 seedlings now growing and still germinating other seeds to place in the container before moving to a bigger container

[@johngodwin3828]

The foam I used is an old excersize mat, 20mm thick 1.8 l8tr long by 600mm wide, the same as your blue pucks.

[@KJ7JHN]

nice job dude. that is something I'm going to try.

[@lochannel8838]

Thanks I am happy watching and learning it

[@barbarastefani254]

Thank you for all your help

[@wncmartin]

This is brilliant! Thank You for the video.

[@julie99nl]

This is brilliant! I want to start some hydroponics and it's all a bit overwhelming. This takes at least one area and makes it easy to understand.

[@Hoocho]

Check out my other videos. I try and break all areas into bite size bits.

[@TheOneAndOnlyNomad]

Thanks Hooch! I've been using net pots and vermiculite for my systems. Vermiculite gets washed out sometimes into the system and with your puck system it would make for a clean system! 👍

[@bamboocreativebali7474]

this is such great advice! I'm new to hydroponics but have been experimenting with bamboo grow gardens instead of pvc... am keen to try some seedlings using your method and love the foam pucks ! we have lots of washed up thongs/flip flops so hopefully can get enough circumference with them.

[@damonclark5742]

Genius idea. Thanks for sharing.

[@CCEASER2002]

Omg you are a effing genius. No sarcasm, no joke.

[@user-ts9hm1gz2p]

Genius thank you for making the time to share may your journey in this wild crazy life be fruitful and abundant as you have helped mine God bless. If your ever in alabama come stop in

[@Unwantedbaby]

Very intuitive. I’m impressed

[@cortleyjames]

Nice 👍 I’ve been doing hydro for 30 years flood-drain old car floor Matt’s work great too

[@buynsell365]

Another great video. I have learned all sorts of things from your videos.........like this one......great work around ..........love it.

[@bofaceof6541]

Cheers for making this video brother. Hail hydro

[@oilspeculatorhater]

Great information. Thank you for sharing!

[@trashtotrove]

Thanks mate. These goes perfectly well with my logo too. I shall try them.

[@eddiesanchez9095]

Thanks for sharing!!! Love your idea!!

[@eskoven]

Thanks for sharing your great idea! I've been looking to get into hydroponics but the cost of the systems have held me back so far. Will build a system based on your design.

[@flotodlana1318]

Excellent basics for beginners

[@GetUrbanLeaf]

So cool! Thanks for sharing!

[@KYjchan]

This is genius! Thanks for sharing!!

[@XoshBitt]

Awesome! I have a few piece of extra matt already. Great idea.. trying it!

[@Runeite51]

You're a legend, thank you for sharing.

[@jungsomewhat]

Good system, I also enjoy double pucking ...😁

[@roamingalone5226]

Oh thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@2-trueman918]

Simple but effective 👍👍

[@robinson101011]

You are a genius, we'll done.

[@approachingpassive]

Well done mate. Just got a sub from Southern California.

[@njineermike]

Fantastic video, great explanations for each step! 👌

[@Cheriesgardenvegplot]

This has been really useful thanks. I am just looking into aquaponics using my fish pond to grow food.

[@abdullahaakruwehy3146]

Great simple ideas, a lot of thoughts full of money saving ideas

[@InsanityisSanity]

AMAZING. Thank you Sir

[@BluegrassStoic]

Love it, thanks! All costs accumulate I love your approach and method super smart

[@hettyrichards2377]

Nice will copy this. Thanks for the share!

[@RaymondLohengrin]

Pure genius! Thanks, great idea.

[@roses7952]

Thank you so much. Great information.

[@victoriawalters9961]

Great thanks. So much to learn!

[@Schallerotto]

Great vídeos! Salute from Brazil!

[@pingpong9656]

You gave it nailed down so well... only improvement I could think of was adding overhead string support for bigger plants.

[@markuslandington2593]

Very informative, I really appreciate your sharing of knowledge!

[@garygosine8846]

Wonderful idea, will be using

[@lilyh1039]

Thank you for new technique using rubber mat. I was about to run to Home Depot to buy a drill for making a hole for the rubber mat as the hole saw doesn’t work but i tried cutting it with scissors and it worked. The next step is to mix the Masterblend fetilizer and set up my Kratky hydroponic method. This will be my second attempt as the first one was not successful. This time I am following your method step by step.Will give an update of my progress.

[@cesarmarin4091]

Easy simple and excellent idea with noofles 🤩

[@cesarmarin4091]

Thank u👍🏻