Tote
Tote
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In this chapter, we prepare the aeroponics tote made from a large, light-proof polyethylene plastic tub. We are going to drill holes in the tote's front side for the misting loop, water output, bypass solenoid, and sensor input. On the lid, we need holes for the net pots that will support the plant stems. The tote also serves as a reservoir and has pH and temperature sensors. In this example I’ll be using a 90 liter / 24 gallon tote (external size H:30 x L:78 x W:50 cm) optimal for 1-2 large plants.
Table of contents
Drill points for connectors / sensors
Rubber strip around the top for light/mist sealing
All holes on the tote are 26 mm / 1 -1/16” in diameter to fit a 3/4" male thread:
Misting loop: Close to the top as possible, taking into consideration the tee fitting size that will be installed on the internal side.
Sensor hole: pH, EC, and temperature sensors are routed through this hole through a piece of waterproof closed-cell foam.
Output: Has a 3/4" threaded barrel connector for the high-pressure pump. Inside the tote, the bulkhead has a 90-degree elbow attached, rotated downwards to be able to suck water out even at low water levels.
Bypass: Has a 3/4" threaded barrel connector for the bypass circuit. Inside the tote, the bulkhead has a 90-degree elbow attached, rotated sideways to circulate the water.
Bulkhead fittings at the bottom of the tote
Bypass - Connected to the pressure tank bypass output, Outlet - Connected to the pre-filter
Sensor intake, covered by closed-cell foam
Water temperature and pH sensors are routed into the tote through it
Tote with lid
90 liter / 23.7 gallon Preferably with a tight sealing, strong lid
PVC foam board
White, 6 mm thick24 x 48 Inch / 120 x 60 cm Only needed if the tote has no lid
Lid
Lid
The lid is made out of a 6 mm thick extruded PVC foam board that has several 5 cm / 2” round holes drilled in it for the net pots holding the plant stems. When positioning the holes consider the distance from the misting loop/misting heads. Plants should be equally distributed, as far as possible from the misting loop and from each other. To ensure mist does not escape around the edges place self-adhesive rubber strips along the tote`s rim.
Adhesive rubber draught excluder
10m, D profile Only if the tote has no lid or seals bad
Bypass bulkhead fitting
Bypass bulkhead fitting
Mounted to the bottom side of the aeroponics tote, used to channel the nutrient solution back into the reservoir from the bypass solenoid.
Outlet bulkhead fitting
Outlet bulkhead fitting
The outlet bulkhead has a metal mesh pre-filter to protect the high-pressure pump from any plant material/debris.
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