Closed for editing Long overdue guide on how to build an aero system yourself. Of course, change parts if you want to, because I didn't do it DIRT cheap, but it's certainly cheaper than buying a $900 AeroFlo, and works better! I starred the parts you'll probably need to buy online. [FONT="]Tools needed:[/FONT][FONT="] Drill 3/8” Bit – for male branch tees (drill into ¾” pvc) 7/16” Bit – for 6mm grommets 1/8” bit 1 7/8” Hole saw – for 2” netpots. 3” Hole saw – for drain access. Maybe bigger (I have small hands) Hacksaw (small tooth saw) Measuring tape Ruler or straight edge Caulking gun Small adjustable wrench Scissors Parts needed: 10’ Vinyl Fence post JACKET (not post) 15’ ¾” schedule 40 PVC pipe (for the manifold) 10’ ½” sch. 40 PVC (to hold up the other end of the tubes) **1 ½” Bulkhead fittings 1 ½” grommet to prevent bulkhead(drain) leaks (needed on both sides of bulkhead fitting) Clear PVC glue ¼” black drip tubing **¼” Male branch T (or similar) **6mm grommets for the 1/4" drip tubing to secure tube to vinyl post. **360 degree sprayers **420 gph pump (Rio 1400 plus) – low heat because it’s not too strong ¾” Threaded coupling 4 ¾” 90 degree elbows 2 ¾” PVC T’s 2” net pots 2” neoprene disks DAP 3.0 to seal post caps to post Air pump and airstones recommended for reservoir Storage bin of your choice for reservoir (25-30 gallon capacity recommended). I used a heavy duty moving box from lowes. [/FONT]
Cut 10’ fence post to desired length. I did 3 32” lengths to minimize waste Drill as many holes as you want in the post for net pots. I did 6 on each post, 2 inches apart (from the edge of the hole) Drill the 3” hole for the drain access Drill the drain under it, about 1” from the end of the post for good drainage. Drill 7/16” (or 3/8” work too) holes in between each net pot for spray heads Since I have two outlets on the male branch T, I needed 8 holes, so I put 2 sprayers by the drain. Screw your bulkhead fitting in. I cut some slots in the raised fitting so the water could drain easier. Make sure there is a grommet on the inside and outside of the fitting to prevent leaks. Cut 1-7/8” (2” is better if you have the saw for it) into the reservoir lid for the drains to slip into. I drilled them so there is 4” between each post. Next is the manifold.
Cut your ¾” PVC a little longer than you measured your posts out to be. Depending on how far apart you spaced your posts, cut some “between” pipes for each posts spray pipe. Keep in mind that an elbow or T take up a half inch of tubing when you assemble. Drill 3/8” Holes for the branch T’s to screw into After the top part is done, take the necessary measurements to assemble the pump side of the manifold. I glued all the pieces together except a part near the pump so I can detach easily if I want.
I might've prematurely put this online. I need to get better pics up and address some crucial steps so your measurements aren't off, so stay tuned.
i use to same system! i made mine as well. god bless fance posting! hah. i ended up changing mine from aero to a slightly different setup evbentually. also if anyone cares the system also qualifies as a nft system. pretty cool!