Well ladies and gentleman, I'm finally doing it. I've been tossing around ideas for maximizing cabinet space for growing. I just-so-happened to have a cabinet that is 4'W x 6'H x 2'D. So, either I could have grown vertically, horizontally, or inverted. I chose to grow horizontally.
I'll try not to lose anyone as I explain the method behind the madness.
  • First the hypothesis: Growing in a horizontal arrangement has the potential to grow an equal amount of bud weight with the same plants in a vertical arrangement while costing less money for set-up.
  • Theory: I understand that I cannot simulate true scientific conditions because I simply do not have the facilities to have an identical control group. However, for the sake of simplicity, we'll use educated experience to judge whether yield suffered, stayed relatively the same, or if there was a marked increase.
  • Explanation of method: By maximizing both the use of space and the use of light, it is reasonable to expect yield per cubic ft. to increase.
[align=left] Again, I really wish I could be more accurate in the comparison, so that a definitive, concrete result can be obtained. But realize I'm as poor as a church mouse right now, and am doing the best I can to add meaningful research to our cause.

With that said, lets get to it!

Here's the cabinet layout. The 45* elbows are where the net pots will reside.
The spray heads will be mounted to the sides of the pvc pipe. The jury is still out on their precise placement. I'll most likely start out with them being close to the bottom of the net pots, then add a second spray head to each pipe nearer the mid-point--vertically speaking. I will be drilling a hole into the pvc, then just inserting the tip of the spray head. Sealed with silicone, and securely fastened by some other undetermined means.

The reason the pvc pipes are at different heights, left side low; right side high, is because this is where "maximizing the use of light" comes into play. The idea is to have a canopy of plants growing horizontally from the set of pipes on the right forming a "ceiling" of sorts. Then have the pipes on the left growing another set of plants, creating a "floor" of sorts. The lights will be right in the middle.

Keeping the plants from touching the light, will be a pc of hardware cloth(wire mesh). The one on the top will provide a sort of trellis for the plants to run on. The hardware cloth below, just above the bottom set of plants, will provide a ceiling, so that those plants can't reach the light either.-----Basically I'm creating a "tube" of wire that will suround the lights, keeping all plant matter from getting too close.

The drainage back to the reservoir, from the pvc pipes was definitely an issue. As it is now, the "lower" pvc pipes on the left, are going to be draining into the reservoir below the waterline. I realize this could pose an issue. However, if the air pump is aggressive enough, I believe it will move fluid well enough to cause a fluid exchange of sorts at the drain tubing exits.

That's all I gots for now! Be patient. I'll update as I can afford the rest of the parts.

Alright, let the criticism begin! Seriously. This is an experiment for all of us, so give me some feedback.


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ProGroWannabe Reviewed by ProGroWannabe on . Horizontal aeroponic cabinet under construction! Well ladies and gentleman, I'm finally doing it. I've been tossing around ideas for maximizing cabinet space for growing. I just-so-happened to have a cabinet that is 4'W x 6'H x 2'D. So, either I could have grown vertically, horizontally, or inverted. I chose to grow horizontally. I'll try not to lose anyone as I explain the method behind the madness. First the hypothesis: Growing in a horizontal arrangement has the potential to grow an equal amount of bud weight with the same plants in a Rating: 5