As someone who relishes in the blend of gardening and tech, starting the setup of an NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) Hydroponic lateral system was similar to a geek taking on a new gadget adventure. The product, sourced from NFT Hydroponics, promised a great way to grow plants indoors, and it delivered — with some learning curves along the way. Here’s my tale of tubes, timers, and tomatoes.

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Unboxing: My First Impressions with the NFT Setup

The initial unboxing was intimidating; the system came in a multitude of pieces, reminiscent of a high-level LEGO set designed for the green-thumbed adult. My first thought? Don’t let the volume of parts scare me off. As I dove in, I discovered that each piece fit together seamlessly. Initially, I toyed with the idea of securing connections with glue, but wisdom prevailed. Opting for a test assembly saved me from a sticky mistake — it turns out, you will need to periodically disassemble the system for cleaning, and glue would have turned maintenance into a nightmare.

Erecting the Rack: The Backbone of the NFT System

The assembly of the rack, the skeleton that supports the hydroponic tubes, was surprisingly straightforward. The key here is to ensure the rack is as level as possible to promote even water flow and prevent any unsightly spills. I learned quickly that adjusting for levelness is much simpler before adding water, as the system becomes significantly heavier and less cooperative after. I later raised the system up a couple inches by adding bricks below the legs.  This wouldn’t win any interior design awards, but it was necessary to ensure the drain was above the water reservoir.

Tube Assembly: A Lesson in Patience

Putting together the hydroponic tubes was the most time-consuming part, though not particularly challenging. The process involves connecting four tubes side by side for each level, a task I found easiest to do on the floor before hoisting them onto the rack. This approach ensured the holes were aligned perfectly skyward, which is better for plants and is less likely to spill water. The design requires careful attention to the direction of the drain tube — any upward turns, and you’re looking at potential back-flow and flooding, a lesson best learned theoretically rather than practically. I also added some stickable rubber pads to the spots where the tubes rest on the rack prevents any sliding mishaps.

The Water Reservoir: Keeping Things Fluid

I chose a 5-gallon tub for the reservoir, covering it with a towel to block out light to prevent algae growth. Drilling holes for the pump and drainage tubes on the tub’s side proved to be a smarter choice than the lid, offering easier access for refills.  A trade-off is that I can’t fill it with as much water since it will leak if it the water level reaches the holes.  Another trade-off is that if I move the filled tub too quickly, the movement of water can cause some to leak out of the holes.  My setup is on a concrete floor so I don’t mind some splashing, but it could be a problem if you’re setting this up on carpet or a hardwood floor. Marking a “fill-line” with a label printer was a small but significant hack, saving future-me from guessing games during water top-offs.

Let There Be Light: Illuminating Growth

This hydroponic system did not come with grow lights, so I ordered these from Amazon.  Barrina T5 Grow Lights – The kit comes with eight 3-foot long, full-spectrum lights, four switches, and seven cords to daisy-chain them together.  The kit also comes with zip ties, double-sided tape, screws, clips, and other mounting hardware to suit whatever your needs may be. 

I used zip ties to mount two lights below the top and middle levels ensuring the lower two levels receive plenty of light.  I also built a hanging shelf above the top level and mounted two more lights on the bottom.  This ensures the top level gets plenty of light and allows me to raise the shelf (and the lights) for larger plants on the top.  The lighting kit didn’t come with a timer, which initially seemed like a drawback. However, this allowed me to integrate a Lutron Wi-Fi-connected timer, enabling precise control over the light schedule from anywhere. It was a techy solution that fit perfectly into my digital lifestyle, since I already use Lutron smart switches in my home.

Lutron Caséta products allow people to control their lights, and other devices, from their phones or assistant devices like Apple HomePod, Amazon’s Alexa, and Google Assistant. They also allow you to set schedules, so my grow lights daily turn on at 8am and off at 10pm.

However, if I wanted to save some money I would have gone with a much cheaper alternative; a 24-Hour Mechanical Outlet Timer.

Final Thoughts: Green Thumbs and Wi-Fi Signals

Reflecting on the journey of setting up the NFT Hydroponic system, it’s clear that the blend of gardening and technology offers a unique and satisfying challenge. The process taught me the value of patience, precision, and innovation in creating a thriving indoor garden. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a gardening aficionado, or somewhere in between, there’s a world of growth and learning awaiting in the tubes and timers of hydroponic gardening.

For those considering their own NFT system, my advice is simple: embrace the setup as part of the journey. Each step, from leveling the rack to programming the lights, is a chapter in the larger story of sustainable, tech-infused gardening. And remember, in the world of NFT hydroponics, there’s always room to grow — both your plants and your prowess.  Let’s continue to blend our geeky passions with green pursuits, creating spaces where technology and nature thrive together. Happy gardening, fellow tech enthusiasts!