Rethinking Hydroponics

As in how on I’m going to tackle the build, and not whether I’m still going to do it or not.
Greetings Cannabals, what’s the good word?

Since visiting the farm last week, it was quickly obvious to me that their set up was not ideal for what I was trying to accomplish with my build. their system was a horizontal setup using several open ended custom made square tubes resting on open troughs. While very effective, I’m looking for something a little more…contained/closed and vertical, so I won’t worry about anything taking up too much space, or leaking on my carpet.

As an alternate, I’m now looking at using some vinyl downspouts and/or eavestroughs (gutters) for the body in lieu of pipe. There doesn’t appear to be the same shortage on these as the pipe, and there are a couple of advantages to switching gears like this… first off, price! Down spout is significantly cheaper, plus it is easier to work with and can be shaped with a hairdryer, meaning I won’t necessarily need to buy endcaps. (which cost more than the pipe/eave they are closing off, which is a potentially massive cost saving.

Unfortunately, Canadian Tire, where I have points to spend instead of money, doesn’t carry vinyl downspouts.
They have the aluminum ones, however I can not use those as they will react with the fertilizer solution, and start leaching into it.
No Thanks!

I’m going to have to think about this and consider new options; I’d rather not spend the money if I don’t have to.

I also wanted to take a moment to mention that I pulled out the old aquarium pump I had tucked away, and it still works, just fine! Its nice to know I won’t have to worry about that part of the build when the time comes.