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The Rain Tower Vertical Hydroponic System

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published by SleestaksRule on Thu, 01/31/2013 - 06:35
 
 
 

The Rain Tower Vertical Hydroponic System

Vertical Hydroponic System

I was looking for a way to grow vertical using hydroponics and after seeing some larger and expensive aeroponic units I came up with what I call the rain tower.  I used a 5 gallon bucket and lid from the local hydroponics store.  The main tower is 5" x 5" PVC fence post and there is 3" PVC pipe that holds the net pots diagonally into the tower,  The pump is an ECO 264 pump on a timer that turns on every 15 minutes and runs for 15 minutes.  The most difficult part of this whole unit was getting the right shape for the net pot holes in the tower.  I created templates and a video with step by step directions which are now added lower in this article.

Below is a video I made explaining how it works with results of my first test run growing hydroponic lettuce.

 

How To Build The Rain Tower:

 

Items You Need to Buy for this Project

Tools Needed for this Project:

  • Miter saw
  • Tape measure
  • ruler
  • Drill
  • Various drill bits : 
    • 1/2" for cut out pilot hole and also for Tee barb,
    • 5/32" hole for hinges
    • 1/8" holes for water tray
  • Jig saw with fine blade
  • Soldering iron
  • 2 clamps
  • Exact-o knife
  • File

Things to Gather that Will Make the Job Easier:

  • Pencil
  • Rubber bands
  • Scissors
  • White out
  • Paper
  • Tape
  • Paper or plastic plate or piece of cardboard for mixing epoxy
  • Plastic knife for applying epoxy

PDF Templates to  Download for this Project:

The video below should explain everything but I will be adding to this page over the next few days with even more information to make it as complete as possible.  I have since updated the construction so watch the video just underneath this one last.

 

UPDATED CONSTRUCTION VIDEO AND TIPS!

 

In the update video I reviewed Ocean Solution Fertilizer which you can purchase on their website at a discount if you use the coupon code "tomorrowsgarden" at checkout.  You can also now buy it on Amazon although you will not be able to use the coupon code.

 

Below I will be sharing videos and photos of systems that other people made from the Rain Tower System.

 

This version by Gina Ragan over on YouTube is doing fantastic!  She has built 4 of the towers and really have them all producing loads of veggies.  This is the first video I have seen where somebody has them going in full production.  MUST SEE!

Here's an update video for Gina's towers:

This version was made by Dax from ACALLTOPAUL.COM.  This is the first aquaponic version of The Rain Tower.  He made it very fast....within 10 days or so of the original rain tower video.

Mike Walker on Youtube created this version of The Rain Tower which is 6 feet tall and has even more openings for net pots.  I also think the top is a neat touch.  Here are two of his video posts to give you and idea of what he did.  Very cool.

Mike made a new video on improvements he made and shows what he did to change the way the nutrients disperse.

Below is Mike's "how to" video with all the mods he's added.  He's continually working on the concept and has a video where he used a cooler as a resivour if you check out his YouTube channel.

Mike shows an update here in this next video to show how well his spinach and lettuce are growing in the tower.

Mike also came up with a way to keep the tower's reservoir cold in the hot summer months.  Check out the video below.

Mike just did an update showing how well his basil is doing in the tower.  It looks great! Video Below.

Here is a version by Matt Wilson on YouTube.  It has a different container on the bottom.

Here is a dual tower version by James V on YouTube.  He put a more detailed description in the forum on this website.  Here is the link to if if you'd like to read more: http://www.tomorrowsgarden.net/content/my-version-vertical-rain-tower

HydroponicsIsCool from YouTube built this version.  He didn't follow up with results but said on his blog that everything died.  He left the pump run without a timer and it was on all the time.  It could be that or the nutrient levels.

George Wilson posted this modification video to his YouTube channel.  He modified the top of the tower to eliminate the use of hinges which looks like it it more durable, a little deeper well at the top, and will keep out outside elements.

Terrence Fradet sent me a photo in my email of his aquaponic version of the tower.  Looks great!

Aquaponic Rain Tower

I stumbled on this version on YouTube by rcnacura.  He's making a dual tower system and has 1 tower built and running.

This smaller dual tower was sent to me by Alvin W.  He also built a CFL grow light from the growlight page and I have picture of his creation there.

Small Dual Rain Tower Hydroponic System

Here's a tower that is able to rotate.  Great idea.  This was created by Dutchbucketsbykirklee on YouTube.

 

Comments

Submitted by gseaver48 on Thu, 05/30/2013 - 12:42.

I am new to all of this and I am wondering what kind of lighting would be used with this? I would be growing indoors with minimal light 

SleestaksRule's picture

Submitted by SleestaksRule on Thu, 05/30/2013 - 13:32.

I used a 400 watt metal halide to grow the lettuce but I think if you used regular T8 fixtures with 2 bulbs in each on every side vertical that would work for lettuce or other greens.  Just be sure to get 6500K T8 tubes for growth.  The fixtures are about $10 each at Walmart.  I'm trying the tower outdoors right now where the sunlight is free.

Jordan L.'s picture

Submitted by Jordan L. on Thu, 01/22/2015 - 12:45.

I'd recommend using T5 lights. T5 lights can giving you a 50-80% energy saving over T8 or T12 fluorescent bulbs with less heat and noise. There are a few plug and play tower light systems out there like this one from Foody Garden Towers. My neighbor uses this system with his tower and it seems to work pretty well. You could also build your own... not sure how pricey it would be.

Submitted by atari1974 on Sat, 06/01/2013 - 14:59.

How are you controlling the water temp outdoors?  I want to do one of these outdoors and was planning on putting the bucket in the ground. 

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Submitted by SleestaksRule on Sat, 06/01/2013 - 15:48.

A white bucket and lid with an opaque inside would be great but there is no such product.  I was thinking of making a skirt of white tyvek to reflect the heat.  The temps are still cool here in Illinois for the time being but they jump suddenly.  There are at least 15 people experimenting with this and improving it so we shall see trials and failures in the coming months.

 

Submitted by okiedivot on Mon, 02/09/2015 - 13:30.

The buckets are only $2.50 at Lowe's and they fit tightly into each other.  White bucket with identical black bucket inside seems to be an efficient solution.

Submitted by SoCalRo on Sat, 07/27/2013 - 18:55.

I would think that a design like this would have issues with vertical stability.  I know most plants don't weigh much, I would just be a bit concerned that the dog or one of the kids would knock it over.  Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

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Submitted by SleestaksRule on Sat, 07/27/2013 - 20:23.

When we first designed this, we thought we were going to have to build a brace at the bottom of the post to keep it from moving around, however it was completely unnecessary.  Not only is the post very secure without any additional bracing but the entire tower is bottom heavy making it difficult to tip over.  The 30 - 35 lbs of water in the reservoir is pretty heavy and keeps it upright automatically.  Because other people might also wonder about this, I think I'll make a video and put it up next week to show how stable it is.

Submitted by mlalib on Tue, 07/30/2013 - 10:08.

Just finished building two of these babies.

I partially buried the buckets (90%) hoping that it's going to help for the water temperature.

But it definitely looks better cause those 5 gallon buckets are ugly.

Here's a pic :

Vertical Hydroponic Rain Towers

http://i40.tinypic.com/2150i9e.jpg

 

 

 

 

 

 

SleestaksRule's picture

Submitted by SleestaksRule on Tue, 07/30/2013 - 10:54.

Nice work.  I went head and embedded the image.  Somebody mentioned burying buckets to keep them cool.  I think it may have been Mike Walker.  I know he built one using an old cooler to control the temperature.

What are you growing?

Submitted by mlalib on Tue, 07/30/2013 - 13:53.

well for now, mostly Kale, lettuce, green peppers, cucumbers, basil and mint...

kinda late in the season, maybe 1.5 months before temperature drops, so don't know what/how much  I'll be able to harvest.

Hoping that the "boss" (gf) will let me take one inside for the fall/winter :D

Submitted by okiedivot on Mon, 02/09/2015 - 13:32.

Nice idea, especially for Oklahoma wind.  Did you have to apply sticky tape around the outside of lid to deter tomato caterpillars, etc?

WhittakerJ's picture

Submitted by WhittakerJ on Sun, 11/17/2013 - 21:35.

All,

I'm getting ready to build one of these Aero gardens.  Everything seems to make sense to me except the process of mixing the water.  What I've concluded so far is to use RO water and the correct measurements for the Maxigrow.  I keep reading on the forums people talking about PPM and PH levels.  Is there a simple getting started guide that explains what types of measurement tools and how I can make sure I have the perfect water?  I have never used a PH meter or have any idea which is a good one or what I should buy to measure this and the PPM.

-Jeremy

http://www.JeremyWhittaker.com

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Submitted by SleestaksRule on Mon, 11/18/2013 - 07:16.

For a PPM Meter I use this:  TDS METER

For a PH Meter I use this: PH METER

For the water...Just get a 5 gallon bucket and run an aquarium pump with an air stone for 24 hours to get rid of the chlorine and your good to go.

Here's a chart of PH and PPM for different veggies: http://www.tomorrowsgarden.net/node/11

 

Submitted by dwlambooy on Fri, 04/04/2014 - 09:25.

Just joined the site and love the look of the rain towers. I also just started in with indoor hydro growing, Have a 2x4ft ebb and flow system up and going, but love the space saving idea of vertical.

I do not have all the tools (specifically saws) that you used to build the tower. In your opinion would it just be easier and cheaper to buy and use some sort of stackable pots/baskets (not even sure if anything like that is available) to come up with something similar?

Thanks.

Submitted by Angie J on Wed, 04/16/2014 - 06:22.

Hi SleestaksRule, I love your tower!  Thank you for making your idea available to the world.  Do you happen to know if the type of vinyl in the fence post is a food-safe type?  I would love to make one, but have that concern.  Thank you.

Angie J

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Submitted by SleestaksRule on Wed, 04/16/2014 - 06:44.

I called the post manufacturer a few months ago and they said it was totally safe PVC 4 LDPA.  They make the posts for Home Depot and Lowes.  You can call them at 1-800-336-2383.

The 3" pipe used is Schedule 40 PVC which is food safe.

Submitted by Angie J on Fri, 04/25/2014 - 05:41.

Thank you!

Angie J

Submitted by Abe51 on Wed, 05/03/2017 - 11:09.

SleestaksRule    I also call that company and they told me the 5x5 fence post are NOT food safe. I would suggest using 3&6" plastic pipping, as it is also used in our water pipping. PBA's are not good .

Submitted by asder on Wed, 04/16/2014 - 06:31.

I was seriously searching for a better way to grow up my rain tower vertically upwards and it is only form you that I came to learn about the same in a very detailed manner. I will <a href="http://www.microneedleskins.com">microneedle skin care system</a>​defnilty try this

Submitted by morrisot on Sat, 05/03/2014 - 11:46.

Has anyone found a way to grow tomatoes or squash using this type of system?

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Submitted by SleestaksRule on Sun, 05/04/2014 - 09:10.

You could probably do small tomato plants like tiny tim or red robin at the bottom of the tower.  Squash would probably vine out and send roots into the ground around the tower.

Submitted by SCFalconry on Sat, 05/31/2014 - 23:17.

I have Better Boy Tomato, Bell Peppers, Hot Banana Peppers, and Strawberries in my tower.  I plan to put a cage around it soon (2"x4" garden wire) Shouldn't be any problems.  But I guess I'll find out soon if I am wrong... as the tomato plants are blooming... so fruit will be forming soon.  :)

SleestaksRule's picture

Submitted by SleestaksRule on Tue, 06/03/2014 - 13:48.

Now it's plants vs. gravity!  Please post what happens.

Submitted by Ktomco on Sun, 06/08/2014 - 20:14.

What's a good watering schedule for the rain tower? I'm currently running 15 mins on/off, but I'm wondering if this is too much. Any suggestions would be great! Thanks! 

SleestaksRule's picture

Submitted by SleestaksRule on Sun, 06/08/2014 - 22:49.

I bet you could get away with every 30 minutes running 15 minutes at a time.  I never tried it but seems like it would work.

Submitted by SCFalconry on Sun, 06/08/2014 - 20:30.

FWIW... I am running a 30w fountain pump. (396gph).. it runs 24hrs/7days (No timer). Everything is growing like it is possessed. LOL. 30watts over the course of an entire year was less than $20 increase on power bill. (Less than $2/month ).

Submitted by kattkd on Sun, 06/15/2014 - 08:45.

Hi There, 

Thanks for the great site! I bought a towergarden this year with the purpose of reverse engineering it so that I can build several and place them in a greenhouse for year round produce. I wish that I would have found your site first, but I am looking forward to trying it and also perhaps putting in some of my own modifications. 

I see the argument between the TG people and the manufacturer of the fence posts whether it leaches toxic chemicals or not. I was thinking that the best way to settle it would be to run a simple experiment. Let water stay in a post for a month and then test it. However, I'm not sure what tests would be needed or if it could be done at home or if it would have to be sent into a lab. 

SleestaksRule's picture

Submitted by SleestaksRule on Sun, 06/15/2014 - 09:09.

I'll look into getting water tested (as long as it's cheap) .  I'm actually editing a new tower video right now.  It's just tips and extra information that I didn't have in the first videos.  I show the modified net cup holder and how to cut them as well as nutrients that I'm using.  I should have it posted Tuesday morning.

Submitted by Dan on Thu, 06/19/2014 - 07:47.

Hi,

 

Has anyone had any luck finding this part in Ontario?  I'm starting to think I'll have to cross into the US to pick some up - having terrible luck so far.  Thanks!

Submitted by Sherry W on Mon, 10/06/2014 - 12:24.

Just getting ready to build a rain tower to grow some vegetables indoors this winter. What do I start the seeds in? Soil or another medium? Thanks!

 

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Submitted by SleestaksRule on Mon, 10/06/2014 - 13:20.

I get them from Amazon usually: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002IU8UW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=17...

Just soak them, put the seeds in (maybe 2 per cube depending on how old the seeds are).  I keep the cubes in an ice cream bucket with plastic on top or any clear container from the bakery department at the grocery store (Keep it moist).  When the roots pop out of the sides of the rockwool then your ready to put them in the tower.

Submitted by joaoxfranco@gma... on Tue, 10/28/2014 - 15:52.

Can I buy a 4" x 6' vinyl fence post instead of 5" x 8'? If yes, would I have to change anything in the instructions? Is there any downside to this size approach?

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Submitted by SleestaksRule on Thu, 10/30/2014 - 05:50.

I'm not sure.  The tower would be a bit less stable since the bottom of the post would be smaller.

Submitted by Ivaan on Sat, 11/15/2014 - 03:05.

O wow! You did a great experiment!
Twitter cosas seguidor socialseguidores.com en yahoo

Submitted by doctorman on Sun, 01/11/2015 - 10:16.

Hey guys,

I have a rain tower a bit over 6 feet high with 20 net pods sticking out of it in a 12 gallon water reservoir.

I have been struggling with bad root rots and lost all my strawberries and most of my other plants to.. the water temp is kept around 70-75F and that is the best i can do without a chiller

there is 2W air pump with 3 stones bubbling in my reservoir with usually less than 10gallon of water

the water pump comes on ever 15 min and off in 15min

I am thinking perhaps those timing might be the issue 
I think 15min is way too long for the water to run on the roots perhaps 5min is more than enough and perhaps 30-40min off after each watering to let the roots dry a bit and get more air

I was wondering what you guys think about the timing..

I have read that you need minimum 1W air pump power per gallon water and I am far below that.. what air pump do you guys recommend? I need a silent one as this is in my living area

PH is kept at 5.5-6.2

nuts are under 1000ppm generally

I have tried mycrozihia beneficial bacteria and fungus with no help

moved on to H2O2 and we all know that does magic but that is not the way to maintain the system.. 

 

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Submitted by bockal on Wed, 02/18/2015 - 09:16.

Hey Fellow Growers!

I loved this idea and have created two Raintowers. I want to make some improvements for indoor growing and was curious if anyone has tested it with a drip line. I am trying to reduce noise as I want to give my tower a permanent home in my dining room window. Would nutrients clog a drip line? Has anyone tried a grocery store veggie mister instead? Thanks for any feedback you have to offer!

 

Submitted by doctorman on Wed, 02/18/2015 - 10:32.

If you use chemical hydroponics solutions there should be no solid in your system to clog it, of course you need a filter by your pump.

aeroponic misters are quite and work great few minutes on and off cycle 

bockal's picture

Submitted by bockal on Wed, 02/18/2015 - 11:06.

Thanks doctorman! I am currently using Maxigrow but could switch to a solution. The misters look like a viable quiet option. How many would you put in your tower? Would one 360 mister on top do the trick? I have a feeling that wouldn't hit all the plants! Would you place a few along the tube? Would this require a different pump? Glad I built two towers to play around with this! 

Submitted by doctorman on Wed, 02/18/2015 - 11:53.

I believe maxigrow is chemical based and should be fine

you will need multiple sprayers 

regular submersible pump should be fine

Submitted by Malangon on Tue, 03/29/2016 - 10:24.

Hi everybody, just started this project and have a couple quick questions:

1)  I watched the build video and marine loctite epoxy was specified.  Is there any reason PVC cement would not be used for a more welded application?

2)  Can somebody recommend a link that shows how to do the actual planting using rockwool and hydroton?  I'm still learning and I'm concerned I'll make a stupid beginner mistake and end up with nothing to show for it.

3)  I'm planning on this being an outdoor system, any advice?  anybody heating water for example? 

  

Thanks in advance!!

Submitted by thewoollyworm on Sat, 04/02/2016 - 21:40.

This is an awesome rain tower design, and I'm trying to build one myself now! However, there is one slight problem: the link to the tubing up above doesn't send you to a correct tube :( You suggested 1/2'' inner diameter 3/4'' outer, and the amazon link takes you to a 3/4''inner 5/8 outer diameter tubing.

Also, what kind of nutrient solution do you use?

Thanks again for sharing all your brilliant ideas! :)

Submitted by Lilly on Tue, 06/28/2016 - 06:24.

test

Submitted by Abe51 on Wed, 05/03/2017 - 11:25.

I check with the makers of these 5x5 post. They tell me they are NOT food safe.1-800-336-2383  I suggest changing your plans and using 3" and 6" plastic water pipping. It food safe and they are using in our drinking water. I am building one today from plans I found on youtube.

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