Define the Problem:
For our survive to thrive project we were tasked to create a hydroponic system because its an efficient way to grow food that can be built with household supplies and uses little water. It would then be featured as a part of our film. The hydroponic system my group chose was Ebb & Flow. Ebb & Flow has a pump set on a timer, in a reservoir, that pumps the water into your plant container. Flooding the container up to your plants roots, until the pump turns back off and the water drains back to the reservoir. Repeating this process multiple times a day. Some pros of this system are that its easy to use and build, since the roots are constantly getting flooded theirs no lack of nutrients from the water. Some cons of this system are possible breakdowns since the system runs on a pump, and unstable pH levels for the plants because of the drainage of the water back into the reservoir.
Research:
To start off the different group's choose their systems of hydroponics, I got Ebb & Flow, so to begin my research I started off with how my system works. From there I looked at other peoples versions of this hydroponic system, taking note of the materials they use. Estimating the day I begin to germinate my plants, I researched what plants would be in season, the space they need to be apart, and which plants are typically grown together for different purposes.
Design:
To start off the process we made a materials list between the group with items we searched up and would aid in our initial design. From their we got our list checked off and got from home / purchased any materials needed. With all of our materials ready I began to create my hydroponics space. I measured, cut, drilled, and screwed in wooden panels on the Ebb & Flow box garden space to support the weight of a water filled container. After that I created a 4' x 2' wooden frame that will be covered with cardboard panels to cover the reservoir and stop algae from growing in it. Once that was finished I got my plant container, marked, and drilled holes for the pipe connectors. Then I screwed them in, and cut my pipe pieces so that the water could drain from the plant container. Next I connected the pump to a hose with a 90 degree angle piece at the end to screw on to the pipe connector. Lastly I cut holes the size of my net pots into a Styrofoam board for my plants to fit in and filled my reservoir with nutrient rich water.
Present for Feedback:
Select Best Solution:
Our final design was a Ebb & Flow system with only one container. It uses only one hose instead of two with a hose splitter. The plants are lifted using a Styrofoam board, and it uses minimal supplies and resources. With a water reservoir that could be shared with other systems and a timer your able to monitor from the outside table cover.
Prototype:
Before we started to build our system, we created a cardboard model of what our second draft would be at that moment.