DIY Aquaponics Flood and Drain System
Build a simple flood and drain system to grow plants quickly.
You will need:
Rubbermaid-style table, two feet by three feet, four inches deep
Rubbermaid style 18 gal tote with lid
Small submersible pump
Timer
Flood and drain fittings
Two x ½ in fill and drain fitting
One x ½ in extension fitting
Two x ½ in screen fitting
Two x ½ in fitting washer
Four zip ties
12 feet of ½ in tubing
Fabric aeration pots
Vermiculate
Drill and bit
Drill a hole in the centre of the table, then fit the screen fitting with a washer and install. Slightly off centre, repeat the process with the drain fitting.
Cut a square in the tote’s lid and drill three holes for the fill and drain tubes and for the pump’s power cord. Attach the tubing to the fill and drain fittings, then attach the fill tube to the pump’s outlet. Fill the reservoir half to two-thirds full of water and the nutrient solution, connect the timer and turn on the pump.
Fill the pots with the vermiculate and let them sit in the system overnight before planting seeds or seedlings.
