Hydroponic Flood and Drain "How-To" Custom Build!! On The Grow

* This build is incomplete, see update video for single item to make this function better!* ➽ Link to quick update is here ➽ • UPDATE: Flood and Drai... **
In this video, CJ shares how to build a custom Flood and Drain system from scratch! This was built for Mandi's indoor edible flower garden using materials we salvaged from other previous builds!
A Flood and drain hydroponic system aka Ebb and Flow system, is great at automatically watering crops for you so that you do not have to manually water your plants. You can use a F&D system like this to grow small leafy greens, edible flowers, herbs, microgreens and more! This kind of system is also very easy to maintain
The estimated total for this is about $645.20 for all components (not including tools) - we have all of the supplies linked blow! And don't forget to look at our "Builds" playlist on our KZbin Channel for any updates on this type of grow system!
IN THIS VIDEO →
➽ 2x4 Flood Trays: shrsl.com/1w3ke
➽ Makerpipe: makerpipe.com/ (Use promo code: onthegrow5 for 5% off your order!)
➽ Fans: onthegrow.tv/Fans
➽ Our Favorite Microgreen Seeds: onthegrow.tv/Microgreenseeds
➽ Best 1020 Trays for Microgreens: onthegrow.tv/Trays
➽ Microgreen Grow Light: onthegrow.tv/Lights20W
➽ Free Seeding Guide: onthegrow.tv/OTGseedingguide
➽27gal Reservoir: www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-27-Ga...
➽3/4" EMT CONDUIT FOR FRAME: The 3/4" EMT conduit can be purchased from most any hardware store along with the 27-gallon reservoir! We got our conduit from Home Depot (www.homedepot.com/p/3-4-in-x-...) because they do not have a Prop 65 warning like the conduit from Lowes!
SUPPORT ON THE GROW
➽ Shop: onthegrow.net/
➽ Etsy Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/OnTheGrowLLC
LEARN MORE
➽ All Our Links: linktr.ee/Onthegrow
➽ Blog: onthegrow.net/blogs/news
➽ Facebook: / onthegrowfarms
➽ Instagram: / onthegrowfarms
➽ TikTok: / onthegrowfarms
➽ Twitter: / onthegrowfarms
ON THE GROW VIDEO PLAYLISTS
➽ All How To Grow Microgreens: • How to Grow Microgreen...
➽ All Microgreen Experiments: • Experiments - Microgreens
➽ Microgreen DIY Builds: • DIY - How To Build's F...
DISCLAIMER On The Grow occasionally links to goods or services offered by vendors to help you find the best products to care for plants. Some of these may be affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission if items are purchased. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. More info on our process: onthegrow.net/pages/disclaimer
#Microgreens #UrbanFarming #DIYHydroponics

[@barbarastefani254]

I love how this will save a lot of money building it myself thank you so much

[@LennyLeLizard]

Excellent video, On The Grow. In fact, it may be the best instructional video I've ever watched on KZbin. Concise, is nice! I already built a Bootstrap farmer grow rack clone, but never have installed the pump / reservoir system. I was lazy and just put a garden hose in the top rack and let the water drain, cascading down to the bottom (4 flood trays), and then the last one just ran to a drain. But I will upgrade mine before then end of week based on your example!

[@jeremyberger3505]

You guys are awesome , great job on the clear instructive videos, you taught me so much last few years ! :)

[@barbarastefani254]

Can’t wait to try this out thank you very much

[@bonniehoke-scedrov4906]

Your video was so informative. Thank you so much!

[@SassyLeeHillius]

thanks for sharing your knowledge I always get inspired by you two I just Love Love Love you both your Amazing

[@timbobjoe1]

The way you explain the entire video it's so amazing thanks!!!

[@OnTheGrow]

😉Tamerthegamer Would you Be~Leaf we're actively working on tasty recipes that will highlight the various flavors of your favorite microgreens in surprising ways...Not just a garnish...yum!!

[@OnTheGrow]

Thankyou for the compliments!😊 Tamerthegamer 😀We are so excited to announce that both our Microgreens Master Book and our first Microgreens Cookbook will be available very soon! 😃Please visit our new website at 0nthegrow.net for info and early sign up!!!

[@rodcobble]

I would of liked to have seen the system working at the end of the video. The satisfaction of seeing the water flow and how it worked.

[@OnTheGrow]

We will be sure to put that into the follow-up videos when we show how the unit works more in-depth!

[@bzntch323]

Nice build!

[@psychorooks]

Nice project. Thank you for sharing.

[@OnTheGrow]

Thank you for the support! It really means a lot to us!

[@billlumburg7594]

Thank you so much for this tutorial; It was step by step perfect 👍🏽

[@OnTheGrow]

Thank you for the support! We're glad you found it useful!

[@OnTheGrow]

Bill Lumburg 😃Again...we really benefit from your support and nice compliments!!! Have you visited our newest website... www.onthegrow.net ...we are so proud of the help it provides!!!

[@dennissmithjr.5370]

Nice job guys!

[@OnTheGrow]

Thank you!!! We're excited to keep customizing different systems and sharing those with the community!

[@mikec3820]

neat build. i use a 4x2 metal shelf and clf shop lights to over winter my tropical bonsai

[@bonilla2022]

GREAT instructional build. You put your OCD to good use in the details.

[@OnTheGrow]

Thank you :D

[@johnreefervermont4874]

I love these videos!!!

[@OnTheGrow]

Thank you so much! They're a lot of fun to make and can't wait to keep building more systems :)

[@harrymyhero]

Thanks for this great demonstration!

[@OnTheGrow]

Thank you so much Penny!!

[@OnTheGrow]

On The Grow 😃Again...we really benefit from your support and nice compliments!!! Have you visited our newest website... www.onthegrow.net ...we are so proud of the help it provides!!!

[@forageforage3520]

Awesome job.

[@OnTheGrow]

Thank you so much!!

[@johndowd7010]

Fantastic job.

[@OnTheGrow]

🙂Thank you so much for the support!! It really means a lot to us John Dowd! Hope our ideas worked well for you!!!🙂

[@johntheawsomeful]

Thank you for this video hell yeah 👍

[@glennyespinal3551]

Thank you guys I'm going to build one like this for my onions

[@OnTheGrow]

No problem!! 🥳🥳

[@OnTheGrow]

😀 Glenny Espinal Again...we really benefit from your support and nice compliments!!! Have you visited our newest website... www.onthegrow.net ...we are so proud of the help it provides!!!

[@Davidmc23]

Excellent video, thanks for creating it. A suggestion: consider replacing your analog timers with smart plugs. A 2 outlet outdoor wifi plug is like $40 Canadian. Apart from how easy it is to make a schedule they open up a ton of things for you. But just the ease of programming is worth switching. I have a kasa that's been out in the rain and freezing cold of BC with no issues. Just a thought for you.

[@cesargr772]

Great video

[@OnTheGrow]

Thankyou for watching and complimenting! Thank you so much for the support cesar gr!! We are going to be making new content soon! 😄

[@barbarastefani254]

I love it

[@barbarastefani254]

Thank you for this I want to do an indoor one this sounds great I think it’ll work what about lighting

[@gilbertbalana8666]

Awesome video bro, very satisfying. Going to change my career to farming. 😁🥬🥦🍅

[@OnTheGrow]

hahaahaha Thank you 😄😄

[@OnTheGrow]

😀 Gilbert Balana Again...we really benefit from your support and nice compliments!!! Have you visited our newest website... www.onthegrow.net ...we are so proud of the help it provides!!!

[@rgoo519]

Great vid

[@OnTheGrow]

Thank you for the support! 🌱🌱🌱

[@rgoo519]

@@OnTheGrow absolutely. I'm totally building one of these thanks to you.

[@keithmikkelson8813]

Thanks dude!

[@OnTheGrow]

Thank you for the support Keith!!

[@butchwampler7557]

I hardly ever comment on videos. But this video is very well put together and very informative.

[@NorepinephrineMunjakovic]

Thank you so much ! :-)

[@barbarastefani254]

Thank you

[@SkylinersYeti]

Good home system. On mine I added an aquarium heater in reservoir because grow room in cool basement.

[@OnTheGrow]

Good call! We had to do the same thing when we had our system out in the garage last winter!

[@OnTheGrow]

On The Grow 😃Again...we really benefit from your support and nice compliments!!! Have you visited our newest website... www.onthegrow.net ...we are so proud of the help it provides!!!

[@JSin1969]

Great info. One tiny detail though on your air pump you may want to use a check valve so that if the pump fails it does not syphon all the water out of the tank. They are cheap insurance against potential flooding.

[@OnTheGrow]

Thank you so much for the Feedback J Sin! We appreciate your support! J Sin 😀We are so excited to announce that both our Microgreens Master Book and our first Microgreens Cookbook will be available very soon! 😃Please visit our new website at 0nthegrow.net for info and early sign up!!! J Sin 😉Hello again from "On The Grow"...We apologize for not being timely on your last request or comment!!! We've been blessed to have so many welcoming responses as well as questions from the "MicroGreen Community". 😄Fear not for the future...we have two new grow team members here to assist with all aspects of your grow needs and questions. Please feel free to jump back in to sharing and looking to us for assistance!!

[@tombrunschwig4041]

Thank you so much for this DIY ! How many watts does this installation make in total ?

[@2006engine267]

Great video, I wish I found it last week and I could modified a few items before finding out the hard way. I like the added valve for the bucket drain. What type or model fans are you using, I need to add some to my grow rack? Thanks.

[@OnTheGrow]

Thanks for the support! Here is a link to the items we used on this build: www.amazon.com/shop/onthegrowfarms?listId=1A6XHT42A6XKI The little fans do a surprisingly great job!

[@velcrots]

Are those flood trays made to fit an 18" wide shelf, or do they work on a 24" as well? Bootstraps description is a little confusing. Thanks!

[@eastcoastgrower420]

Did you have enough pressure with that pump or did you have to modify the water intake past the first table in order for the top table to fill as well? I'm just wondering if the lower table filled first as that would be the path of least resistance, which in turn would not leave enough pressure to force the water upwards

[@daveborchard2019]

When drilling the holes with hole saw blades, there is an easy trick you can do to get perfectly clean holes every time. These can be holes that you drill in your reservoir or grow trays. Drill the small pilot hole in the forward drill motion. For the larger hole, put the drill into reverse. The hole will be drilled slower, but the edges will be perfectly clean every time. The hole saw needs to be the type that allows you to drill in reverse, without the drill bit falling out of the mandible.

[@OnTheGrow]

Great suggestion! I did try this technique on the lid of the reservoir, but it ended up creating melted “beads” around the holes edge and I still had to clean it up with the deburring tool. I also drilled it at a very high speed so I think with less speed there would be less friction and less likely to melt. Thanks for sharing, I’ll have to try this differently next time!

[@whyu3864]

Hi, I have bought the same flood and drain kits. What kinds of plastic hoses should I buy? I mean the black hoses you were connecting to them. Thanks

[@alafrance22]

So I want to start by saying thank you SO MUCH for these videos y’all make!! I didn’t know where to start to get info and it seemed like a daunting task! I found one of your videos and I’ve just been watching them all. Now I’m no longer daunted and I’m super excited to start!! I’m here on this particular video because I have a seedling cart that I bought that is almost exactly like this. I want to grow Microgreens in 10x20 trays inside the larger trays. I’ve heard you mention in a couple of your other videos about the roots browning because of not having enough water. If I flood twice a day after the weighted and blackout period, will it harm the roots/growth if there’s only water flooded twice a day? If so, would the remedy be to set it up so it floods more times every day? How many would you recommend? I’m starting with 3 radish types from TrueLeaf market. Thanks again for all the info you’re putting out there!! It’s such a huge help!!🤗🤗🤗

[@OnTheGrow]

😀 alafrance22 Again...we really benefit from your support and nice compliments!!! Have you visited our newest website... www.onthegrow.net ...we are so proud of the help it provides!!!

[@jonogaza7766]

How can you water plants differently? I’m wondering about doing this for microgreens, but my basil for instance needs less water than my sunflower. How can I set up a system that would accommodate these differences?

[@kayepellow7010]

Just a hint for you to help others. I live where the electricity is questionable-outages mess with my timers so I use battery backed up timers from BN Link on Amazon. You may want to add those to your store. Also, you In your store you mention a recipe with H2O2 but it doesn't say what strength in the recipe. Fantastic success to you.

[@OnTheGrow]

😀 Kaye Pellow Again...we really benefit from your support and nice compliments!!! Have you visited our newest website... www.onthegrow.net ...we are so proud of the help it provides!!!

[@forageforage3520]

I did something like that... sort of. I build it out of 1/2" PVC and tee's/elbows, but it was designed for much much smaller trays.

[@OnTheGrow]

Very cool! We've found that the tubing like we use can sometimes be more cost effective and doesn't have to be as "exact" since they are more flexible... PVC is another great option since all the fittings and materials are very accessible and abundant! Would love to see your system if you want to share with us through instagram! Thank you again for the support, it means a lot!

[@availpropertiesinc]

How deep should the water be in the flood trays when the pump is on?

[@matteos69]

Is there a way to fill the trays and drain them after 5 minutes after they hit a certain level?

[@ironoaok]

What lights are you using please?

[@bitboxbear1432]

In your Flood and Drain trays you have what looks to be 1020 trays that hold net cups... or are one complete unit. Could you please tell me what these are?

[@tochtzin]

Great informational and instructional video. The details, instructions, and design ideas were exactly what I was looking for. Do either of you have an academic background in horticulture or engineering? I'm considering a graduate horticulture program but not sure whether it would be beneficial. Any thoughts?

[@OnTheGrow]

🙂Can't wait to hear how it turns out Enrique Dominguez! Sounds like you have a passion for the field...lol!!! 🙂Let us know if you have any questions!!

[@highcraftglassworks3253]

I have the same set up, except instead of a storage tub at the bottom, I have a Aquarium for Aquaponics.

[@OnTheGrow]

Cool! 😀 HIGHCRAFT LLC Again...we really benefit from your support and nice compliments!!! Have you visited our newest website... www.onthegrow.net ...we are so proud of the help it provides!!! HIGHCRAFT LLC 😀We are so excited to announce that both our Microgreens Master Book and our first Microgreens Cookbook will be available very soon! 😃Please visit our new website at 0nthegrow.net for info and early sign up!!!

[@codytibbitts657]

Sick flood system keep up the vids!! Where do you guys get the lil fans? I’ve been looking at 6” clamp on fans and they’re about $13...

[@codytibbitts657]

Nvm found em on your store cheers

[@OnTheGrow]

Thank you man!! I want to try out those 6” fans... have you used them before? I’m actually surprised with how well the computer fans work though... not overpowering to knock over plants to create dry-out spots, but enough airflow to prevent mold and strength the plants...

[@codytibbitts657]

On The Grow I’m going to get some at my local Home Depot in Canada today. I’ll let you know how they go. Btw have you looked at sourcing hemp pads from Canada’s hemp farms. Terrafibre is a big one in Alberta

[@OnTheGrow]

@@codytibbitts657 Excited to hear how they work! We have looked at terrafibre, but we found most of their mats are like $3.00 USD each which is 3 times as high as the most expensive mat that we use... We are trying to find more locally sourced hemp and other grow mediums that are more ecological.

[@OldFartGrows]

Looks GROOVY, however I would never have that many 90s. Messes with flow, especially in a low pressure system. Just one more thing, I always run plumbing either through the sidewall of the rez or I cut the lid so it can come off w/o messing with the plumbing. I was a finish carpenter and made many artful hydro systems before I learned the true art was function not eye candy. Nice vid thx

[@OnTheGrow]

Yeah, it is a lot of resistance from the 90's... I was looking to do the same thing with going through the sidewall, but I was weary of doing that with the amount of pressure from the water and didn't want to compromise the reservoirs integrity. Good call on cutting the lid! I will do that for our system since I already pre-drilled those holes so close to the edge... Thank you so much for the support!

[@xxtimkimxx]

Could you explain what you mean by "cutting the lid" to prevent it from messing with the plumbing? Having a hard time imagining what this would look like. Thanks!

[@OnTheGrow]

@@xxtimkimxx So where we drilled the holes right next to the edge of the container, you could simply continue a cut straight out towards the closest outside edge that is wide enough for all tubing to pass through... I will make a video showing it soon as a follow up to this video...

[@xxtimkimxx]

@@OnTheGrow Thanks!!

[@OnTheGrow]

Timothy Kim 😃Again...we really benefit from your support and nice compliments!!! Have you visited our newest website... www.onthegrow.net ...we are so proud of the help it provides!!!

[@robt2151]

I've come to this a bit late but if you are still taking questions ... Do the trays actually drain? It seems that this system would maintain a water level corresponding to the difference in the inlet and outlet heights (subject to any evaporation). Would it not be better to have the inlet and outlet connections at opposite ends of the trays? With them close together the first water to drain out is likely to be that with the most nutrients. Did you mention that you need some way of levelling the frame? Not so critical on a level floor but in a greenhouse location it might be significant.

[@SeamusHarper1234]

The trays will completely drain once the pump is switched off. Water will flow back trough the supply line (and the pump) and empty out the tray.

[@WhatDadIsUpTo]

You don’t need a pump! I built flood-and-drain systems over 50 years ago and never needed a pump. I grew lettuce and spinach; flooded it and drained it twice a day. All I did was build a large porous “header pipe” underneath my substrate in the growing bin and covered it with a fine-mesh screen. One end was capped and the other and went to a hose, which protruded through the side of the growing bin using a “bulkhead fitting“. To water (flood) I raised the water container. Once flooded, I lowered the container to its original position, below the growing container. That’s it. This method kept the growing medium saturated with nutrient solution, while allowing oxygen to penetrate into the root area keeping all the roots pristine white. I used an EC of 1.2 for both cultivars. Simple.

[@OnTheGrow]

Smart. I like the simplicity of it! It does take a little effort, but sounds effective! Thank you for sharing that technique!

[@UncleJaco]

Busy building a gravity feed system as electricity can be "hit-and-miss" in Africa. At times we experience 2-3 hours without electricity per day. Found a battery driven water timer to schedule the watering/flood ( www.plantit-growit.com/product/plantt-water-timer ). I then use a pump with a float switch to fill the top reservoir from the bottom reservoir, when electricity is available. I really like the idea of a the drain via pump solution! Keep up the good work guys!

[@OnTheGrow]

😀 Jaco Steyn Again...we really benefit from your support and nice compliments!!! Have you visited our newest website... www.onthegrow.net ...we are so proud of the help it provides!!!

[@charleskings-road2087]

I been following you guys for a while now and came across this as I am looking into self watering systems. I haven't seen you using this system in you recent videos. Do you still use it and any chance of an update on their use??

[@OnTheGrow]

We hope to do more tests and builds of different hydroponic systems soon. We have just finished our microgreens master book and our first cookbook and will be back to more videos and tests soon!😊 Charles Kings-Road Have you signed up for our Master Class yet? Please get ready to take advantage of all the information we've assembled for you!!!

[@timgoffard]

In a system like this, is there an increased risk of spreading pathogens between the trays since the trays share the same water?

[@charlesbernardcuevas3471]

Hello! I want to start an indoor hidroponic business to grow and harvest comestible flowers such as pansies/viola. Would you recommend the EBB and Flow sistem for what I am trying to do or is there a better way? Thanks for all the precious information on your videos

[@wildandliving1925]

There's Dwc just an air stone in a bucket ebb and flow just the pump or both like this. The advantage is you have one container to change out instead of many. You have to change the water out regularly. If you want to scale and automatically do stuff then blue labs guardian is a good option to ph adjust your water. The system they show is good for scalability as you just add a bigger pump and more trays to flood more lights ect. Some growers like soil and water or coco core then add nutreanints by hand to grow trays. Makes harvesting micro greens simpler so it depends on what you grow

[@OnTheGrow]

😀 Charles Bernard Cuevas Again...we really benefit from your support and nice compliments!!! Have you visited our newest website... www.onthegrow.net ...we are so proud of the help it provides!!!

[@OnTheGrow]

Thank you so much for the Feedback WildandLiving! We appreciate your support! WildandLiving 😀We are so excited to announce that both our Microgreens Master Book and our first Microgreens Cookbook will be available very soon! 😃Please visit our new website at 0nthegrow.net for info and early sign up!!!

[@measeor]

Is there a place I can download the STL files for the 3D printed brackets you used for the lights?

[@OnTheGrow]

😀 Kevin Mease Again...we really benefit from your support and nice compliments!!! Have you visited our newest website... www.onthegrow.net ...we are so proud of the help it provides!!!

[@michaelm1099]

which maker pipe connectors do you use? the link brings me to the site but there's different connectors

[@OnTheGrow]

💚Thank you so much for the support Michael M!! We are going to be making new content soon! 😄 I chose the connectors with the same diameter as my pipe diameter measurement.

[@mrogers6126]

Why don't they have maker pipe connections and fittings in stores?

[@jasonbuckalew1255]

I have an aquarium filter in my reservoir where water flows out the top of the water level creating a lot of bubbles. IYO is an air stone still necessary to oxygenate the water?

[@OnTheGrow]

Jason Buckalew 😉Hello again from "On The Grow"...We apologize for not being timely on your last request or comment!!! We've been blessed to have so many welcoming responses as well as questions from the "MicroGreen Community". 😄Fear not for the future...we have two new grow team members here to assist with all aspects of your grow needs and questions. Please feel free to jump back in to sharing and looking to us for assistance!! Jason Buckalew We are so excited to announce that both our Microgreens master book and our first cookbook will be available very soon!

[@user-ve2vs5ju5e]

I built this system using some different shelving and things work pretty well on the fill when the valve to the bottom bed is partially closed. The issue I am having is that when the pump stops, the top bed drains into the bottom through the inflow. The bottom bed does not drain below the overflow at this point. If I manually open the valve to the bottom bed the bottom bed will drain albeit incredibly slowly. Do you have any ideas on how to resolve this issue?

[@matteos69]

Raise the inflow above the drain? Could a check valve be used to prevent back flow?

[@ericfaulkner5153]

Just curious I may be missing something, why didn't you let the drain from the top tray feed the bottom tray?also if you added a third rack you could put your sump tote on the rack which would make the whole thing easier to move around

[@OnTheGrow]

Great question! Flowing into the next tray would absolutely work! Supposedly the nutrient content drops as it flows to the trays below (at least in an NFT setup) so we showed it with individual paths to each one. In our first setup, we had 5 shelves that all drained into each other and it worked great! I just wanted to show the “best way” (supposedly) of doing this to ensure they all get equal nutes.

[@62avocado]

​@@OnTheGrow do you have a video of the five tray set up, which drain into each other?

[@OnTheGrow]

😀 62avocado Again...we really benefit from your support and nice compliments!!! Have you visited our newest website... www.onthegrow.net ...we are so proud of the help it provides!!!

[@dougmate2378]

for clarification I would like to state that the tool used to cut the pipe is called a pipe cutter, and the bit with the Titanium coating (the gold coating) is called a uni-bit. run the hole saw forward till the pilot bit cuts through the plastic then switch the drill into reverse for the hole saw to make a cleaner cut. It's a good looking set up, how is it working now, would there be any changes you would make?

[@OnTheGrow]

Thank you so much for the Feedback Doug Mate! We appreciate your support! Doug Mate 😉Hello again from "On The Grow"...We apologize for not being timely on your last request or comment!!! We've been blessed to have so many welcoming responses as well as questions from the "MicroGreen Community". 😄Fear not for the future...we have two new grow team members here to assist with all aspects of your grow needs and questions. Please feel free to jump back in to sharing and looking to us for assistance!!

[@dougmate2378]

@@OnTheGrow no worries you guys are good 😀love the content you guy keep up the good work! 😀🤙🍻

[@SeamusHarper1234]

Why do you need an airstone in a flood and drain system?

[@bsdgodgivenrights1181]

How about raisers for the lights that way if you want you the on one micro greens you child or the lights

[@vermontapple]

Did I miss the part where you bought/built the lids to the trays that hold the netcups?

[@OnTheGrow]

See the update!😊 SOVT 😉Hello again from "On The Grow"...We apologize for not being timely on your last request or comment!!! We've been blessed to have so many welcoming responses as well as questions from the "MicroGreen Community". 😄Fear not for the future...we have two new grow team members here to assist with all aspects of your grow needs and questions. Please feel free to jump back in to sharing and looking to us for assistance!!

[@jasskaya1]

What is your timing on this?

[@aniketpawar18]

Please let me know What will be total power watts of this structure including all motor fans lights , and what modification needed for growing lettuce in same system , thank you

[@OnTheGrow]

You can easily grow lettuce in this system and the total watts are quite low. Each light is 18watts, there are 6 of them so 108 watts from the lights... Each fan is 2.9 watts, there are 4 of them so 11.6 watts total for the fans. Air pump is 6 watts.The water pump is the most intensive at 276 watts but it is only on for a few short periods throughout the day. So about 401.6 watts total running, but not everything is going to be running at all times. The air-pump and fans are the only things that run 24/7 and then the lights are on for 17 hours of the day and the water pump comes on 4 times a day for 15 minutes at a time so a total of 1 hour for the water pump. Hope that helps!

[@aniketpawar18]

@@OnTheGrow thank you so much @onthegrow , this really clear most of my questions, n thanks again for amazing video share :)

[@OnTheGrow]

Aniket Pawar 😃Again...we really benefit from your support and nice compliments!!! Have you visited our newest website... www.onthegrow.net ...we are so proud of the help it provides!!!

[@kevinnguyen8436]

Thanks for the videos you posted. Although I don't plan to do microgreen, l learn a lot from your DIY videos. I just want to plant lettuce, herbs, and onions. May be tomatoes, and cucumber, pepper, and strawberries down the road. I assume the net pot tray you use on the video are these www.bootstrapfarmer.com/collections/seed-starting-equipment/products/1020-net-pot-tray? 4 of those net pot trays can fit on this big tray perfectly and block lights out? If we keep the water pump running 24/7, would this kind of turn this system into a RDWC system? What I'm trying to do is DWC trays system with 1 reservoirs to manage all the tray.

[@OnTheGrow]

😀 Kevin Nguyen Again...we really benefit from your support and nice compliments!!! Have you visited our newest website... www.onthegrow.net ...we are so proud of the help it provides!!!

[@WickedSlick]

Hey do you have a parts list with links by chance?

[@WickedSlick]

NVM i found it in the description! thanks

[@tylermorales9043]

What's the difference between this system and just bottom watering microgreens? Is there a benefit to flood and drain for microgreens?

[@OnTheGrow]

The system is automated, and bottom watering is manual. It's basically the same process, just one does the job for you. I'd say the benefit is that it gives you the opportunity to go do things like camping for a day or three, without having to worry about them dying. However, you'll have to make sure that it doesn't over flood the trays and cause mold/rot. Hence why we personally don't use this system for microgreens, instead we like it for Adult crops and edible flowers more.

[@zakyvids6566]

I’m very new to the channel and a beginner to plant/ hydroponic world can I ask you some question regarding micro greens if it’s okay with you

[@OnTheGrow]

Thank you for the support! We would love to answer any questions you might have... You can ask here or send us your question through our website: www.onthegrow.net Thanks!

[@zakyvids6566]

On The Grow thanks for the reply I will definitely try your website. However, for now I’m asking here and my questions are Is it possible to grow seeds for micro greens at home Can microgreens be grown since I live in an apartment If its possible to grow in apartments then I want to know, since I live in an apartment that is at an angle which is very far from sunlight, hence I find that I have very little sunlight coming, So are there any micro greens that can be grown in little to no sunlight and are there any easy to grow microgreens which grow faster as well -in a lot of your videos I have seen you guys cutting the leaves but leaving a little in the tray does that mean that the microgreens grow on their own or more seeds needed to be added to ensure that they grow Sorry for my long list of questions, I would really appreciate if you can provide any information on where to learn more about microgreens and sprouting so I do not have to ask you a long list of question It’s only 2 -3 days that I found your channel and it seems like you guys are very organised and make very detailed videos so keep it up. However, a suggestion is to upload more frequently Kind regards Love from Australia

[@OnTheGrow]

@@zakyvids6566 Thank you for the support! Yes they can be grown in an apartment, though it is challenging to do with little or indirect light... If light seems to be a problem, I would suggest getting some form of artificial light. We use daylight spectrum (6500K) LED's that are fairly cheap. As for the fastest growers, I would suggest broccoli, radish and sunflower. Broccoli and Radish are two of the easiest to grow and they will grow quickly as well. Sunflowers are a challenge, but grow quickly when you figure them out... Some varieties of microgreens do grow back, but we have never done that because everytime they grow back, they are less healthy and produce lower harvest weights... We prefer to just start another tray of microgreens. We are planning on uploading more videos soon, right now this is a hobby and we share as often as we can! Thank you again for the support!

[@jimmy.christian]

Can you grow lettuce with this setup? How many week before you need to refill the nutrition solution in that container? Thank you

[@OnTheGrow]

Yeah you could! We had some growing a long with kale and what not on the bottom shelf. At first you really don't have to refill it often at all, maybe once a month. But if your growing adult veggies it will drink up the water much faster and you'll probably have to do it either once a week or once every 2 weeks.

[@OnTheGrow]

😀 Jimmy Christian Again...we really benefit from your support and nice compliments!!! Have you visited our newest website... www.onthegrow.net ...we are so proud of the help it provides!!!

[@moodswingcafe]

i see that you are using 4 LED strips per level. how much lux are you trying to reach? thank you for sharing.

[@OnTheGrow]

🙂We suggest using Three 20watt T5 LED’s per shelf. We look for a minimum of 6,000 lumens per shelf. We have used these for a while with great success www.amazon.com/dp/B07F2WMCP2?tag=onamzonthegro-20&linkCode=ic5&ascsubtag=amzn1.infl.us.product&creativeASIN=B07F2WMCP2&ref=exp_onthegrowfarms_dp_vv_d

[@stoicguac9030]

Would 1/2 inch EMT pipe be strong enough to make a 5 or 6 shelve unit?

[@OnTheGrow]

That’s a great question... That would probably create a huge amount of weight for a flood and drain system so I’m not sure how it would handle it. I think 4, no problem, but I worry about the connectors once you have 6. I could try to test it!

[@stoicguac9030]

@@OnTheGrow wow would you really? That be amazing. 5 would be fine. I was thinking 6 because the top could be for germination. Since seends and budding micrograms grow in a similar temperature. I keep it at 74 to 76 degrees.

[@OnTheGrow]

😀 Samson Taylor Again...we really benefit from your support and nice compliments!!! Have you visited our newest website... www.onthegrow.net ...we are so proud of the help it provides!!!

[@twosongs7396]

Do you add anything to the water, like nutrients or gold fish?

[@OnTheGrow]

🙂 We feature several additives on our web page...sorry animal protection agencies frown on the goldfish method!

[@ancient_gamerr]

A n00b question but what purpose does the fans have?

[@OnTheGrow]

They give the plants more resilience because they have to fight the airflow to stand up and they also help with preventing disease and molding issues... 🤗🌱

[@ancient_gamerr]

@@OnTheGrow Aha...Has the airflow also the same effect on larger plants and not only micro greens?

[@OnTheGrow]

@@ancient_gamerr Yes! When we grow without any air circulation, we always end up encountering some kind of problem... Plants do better with a more "natural" environment.

[@ancient_gamerr]

@@OnTheGrow Thank you for the answers🙂👍

[@JanhiaFlores]

how long did it take you to build this system ??

[@OnTheGrow]

I think it was around 2 hours. Not too bad! 🌱🌱

[@IAMGiftbearer]

Can this be made with PVC pipe instead of metal?

[@OnTheGrow]

I'm sure it could be made with PVC. You'd just need to make sure that the structure is sturdy enough!

[@tanzhongming8743]

is it that normal LED shop light? 22w?

[@OnTheGrow]

😀 Tan Zhong Ming Again...we really benefit from your support and nice compliments!!! Have you visited our newest website... www.onthegrow.net ...we are so proud of the help it provides!!!

[@norcoatomik1]

Elbows take away pump efficiency(psi) so does all the T's, and length of pipe and how high your pumping the water. Lol lots of parts in your set up lolol I would straight tubed it haha

[@OnTheGrow]

Lol, yeah, we are aware! We wanted to share the basics on how to do it! Take what you need and leave what you don’t 🤗🌱🌱

[@musicjewell9329]

Darn dont see any new flood updates

[@OnTheGrow]

This video is the newest we have on the system! kzbin.info/www/bejne/oajZhH-Hit59prs

[@sjay67]

It's that food safe plastic ??

[@OnTheGrow]

Yes. We only use food safe materials to grow in, and these are made for hydroponic growing.

[@steelemicrofarms6346]

CJ not sure if you found that quick disconnect since the video is over a year old but here you go: www.freshwatersystems.com/collections/quick-disconnect-fittings?page=6

[@OnTheGrow]

THankyou so much for your help on that!😊 Steele Microfarms 😉Hello again from "On The Grow"...We apologize for not being timely on your last request or comment!!! We've been blessed to have so many welcoming responses as well as questions from the "MicroGreen Community". 😄Fear not for the future...we have two new grow team members here to assist with all aspects of your grow needs and questions. Please feel free to jump back in to sharing and looking to us for assistance!!

[@harshkabra7645]

Is that lord Ganesha on your left wrist?

[@lesbetts5694]

THANK YOU you guide saved me 2000$ buying a overpriced prebuilt kit from .....i wont say because he has good priced stuff just his prebuilt kit is way overpriced

[@OnTheGrow]

Thank you so much for the support les betts!! We are going to be making new content soon! 😄

[@damienfoster256]

Teep elbow teep elbow elbow ooowee KO

[@OnTheGrow]

Worked great for over a year with zero issues 💪 KO

[@johntheawsomeful]

The Amazon business is A1

[@essi1982]

Ok I'll be the first to admit I came here with little experience, and looking for knowledge however wouldn't this water flow be an absolute nightmare, and never work correctly? I don't understand not including the use of 20 fittings which are weak spots in any piping, you have two trays to flood on a vertical platform. I think the flow of water should go to the top pan, and using the already made drain, drain into the pan below, then back to the reservoir. Your version will flood the lower pan, and maybe fill the top at a slow rate. So excess use of electricity, and running the pump, and uneven watering because you'll have to flood the bottom level to achieve the right amount for the top tray. Either that or clever usage of restrictors to accommodate different flow rates, but even that is excessive when you could just let gravity do the work I think that's why there was no demonstration of the fill drain section. I'd also like to mention from what ive read adjustment of lighting is beneficial depending on what you're growing, so I would try and adapt a hanging light system, you easily adjustable racks. I love the pans you got, as well as the general assembly of the racks, but you're lack of talking about the flow of water really makes me think you've made a serious mistake there.

[@OnTheGrow]

Designated Decoy 😉Hello again from "On The Grow"...We apologize for not being timely on your last request or comment!!! We've been blessed to have so many welcoming responses as well as questions from the "MicroGreen Community". 😄Fear not for the future...we have two new grow team members here to assist with all aspects of your grow needs and questions. Please feel free to jump back in to sharing and looking to us for assistance!!

[@kskorner74]

you can get a stainless steel shelving unit that you can assemble as you like for $40 at walmart

[@OnTheGrow]

Thankyou for the information! We have also found decent ones at restaurant supply stores! Keep Be-Leafing!❤️ 😀 K's Korner Again...we really benefit from your support and nice compliments!!! Have you visited our newest website... www.onthegrow.net ...we are so proud of the help it provides!!!

[@kskorner74]

@@OnTheGrow I use them for my canning jars, so i'm a professional unit builder...lol

[@torrencekrepps757]

Love the idea for sure but definitely I would just buy a metal or aluminum frame 🤔😀or racking instead of doing all that work 💪and 👍🤔save some money and time

[@OnTheGrow]

🙂Thank you so much for the Feedback Torrence Krepps! We appreciate your support! Most things like growing microgreens can be a thing more of passion than making sense sometimes...

[@SpringerPumpsLLCTelford]

Not all polypropylene and polyethylene materials are food safe. Polypropylene and polyethylene are both generic names for the many plastic compounds used. Don't assume because the FDA has rated the broad category of material as ABLE to be food-safe, that everything called that is food safe. Very good, low-cost way to get around using wire racking. Why aren't you using hose clamps? Thanks for sharing.

[@OnTheGrow]

We encourage people to do their own research... The majority of polypropylene products are food-safe as it is one of the safest plastics to use. It is very heat tolerant and unlikely to degrade from UV exposure. Since these will be holding room temperature water, PP, HDPE and LDPE are all great options to be used. If you’re putting boiling water into these containers while leaving them in the sun, then there is a high chance of the plastics degrading, leaching into the water and into the food. We will be using it in a space that stays between 70-80F and where it only gets indirect light on the outside... Again, do what feels best to you but we recommend that people at the very least look to use containers that are these types of plastic. We suggest these types so that people aren’t buying and using polycarbonates or polyvinyl chloride containers which are more likely to leach toxins into the reservoirs water... You can use hose clamps if you want! I’ve found that triple barbed connectors work incredibly well and I’ve had systems that haven’t leaked after years of use... We share all this so that people can make their own decisions and build systems for their spaces how they feel comfortable instead of being limited to what is being sold... Thanks for the support!

[@wildandliving1925]

Instead of drilling through the top why not cut the side of the container then lift the lid off then lift the pump out way simpler

[@OnTheGrow]

Thank you so much for the Feedback WildandLiving! We appreciate your support! Thank you so much for the support WildandLiving!! We are going to be making new content soon! 😄

[@Impulse_Photography]

LOL " Rigidity" ... maybe swap that word with ' Stability '

[@OnTheGrow]

Okay. Thanks for sharing!

[@OnTheGrow]

😀 Robert Hamm Again...we really benefit from your support and nice compliments!!! Have you visited our newest website... www.onthegrow.net ...we are so proud of the help it provides!!!

[@bonilla2022]

We must BOYCOTT ~HomeDepot~ Thanks

[@OnTheGrow]

Why?

[@bonilla2022]

BOYCOTT HOME DEPOT.

[@OnTheGrow]

Yeah we just read about whats going on!

[@harshkabra7645]

Is that lord Ganesha on your left wrist?

[@OnTheGrow]

You’re the only person who’s ever got that right :) yes, it is! I spent 7 months in Rishikesh and loved it, so I have it as a reminder.

[@harshkabra7645]

@@OnTheGrow that's amazing 😍