Build Cloner
Here are step by step instructions for a simple inexpensive cloner you can build yourself. 
This cloner can be built with locally purchased parts. The one we sell though a better unit, 
parts are not locally available and more expensive for you to build than this one.

A cloner is just a tub full of water and nutrients; the water is aerated with an air stone to give the roots oxygen. 
This system is referred to as DWS (Deep Water Culture). 

Step 1   Items you need for building, what to get and where to get it.

1) 4 Gallon Container   (Walmart or other store that sell similar containers)      
2) Air pump                   (Pet shop for 10 or 20 gallon aquarium)  
3) Air stone                    (Pet shop)
4) Air Check valve        (Pet shop)

Step 2   Items you need for planting

1) 2 net pots or more if adding more holes
2) 2 Rock wool cubes or more if adding more holes
3) Nutrients 
4) Seeds  (recommend starting with lettuce or Swiss chard)
5) 3 gallons of distilled water  ( to establish a base line)

Below is a picture of what you are going to build.
4 gal. container

Step 3 Gather tools you will need


1) Drill

2) Hole saw 2"

3) Drill bit 1/4"


Step 4 Build


Drill two or more 2" holes with the hole saw on the lid as shown in the pictures below, 

You can add as many as nine holes spread out evenly. Holes do not need to be perfectly aligned, As long as there is sufficient room for the net pots not to overlap.
4 gallon container lid
4 gallon container lid

Step 5 Drill hole on tub


Now remove the lid and Drill a 1/4" hole approximately 1 inch below the top edge of the container in one of the four corners just below the lip as shown in the picture to the left. Some containers have a thick overhang that can go lower than a 1" make sure that you drill the hole below that overhang.
hydroponic system assembly
Assembly

Now that you have built and acquired all the items to plant begin assembly and planting.

Step-1 Place 4 gallon tub in the place you want your system, place air hose hole to the rear.

Step-2 Place Air pump outside of tub connect a hose about 6" long to the Air pump.

Step-3 Connect check valve to the end of the 6" hose making sure the valve is pointed in the right direction. Most check valves have an arrow indicating the direction of air flow.

Step-4 Connect an air hose to the other side of the check valve, make sure the hose is at least 2 feet long or longer.

Step-5 Slide air hose through 1/4" hole on the tub and connect the air stone on the end of the hose and place the air stone in the center of the tub as shown below. Now turn on air pump and listen for air coming out of the air stone. 

Make sure check valve is placed in the correct direction otherwise air will not flow, If air does not flow reverse check valve. The check valve is used so that water does not flow back into your air pump and ruin it.
Place your container in an area that receives 6 hours of sunlight or better.  If planting indoors you can purchase an inexpensive full spectrum screw in LED 30 watts or better, they run around 40 dollars or higher.

 Add 3 gallons of Luke warm water into tub.
Add the nutrients and mix for a minute if liquid, 5 minutes if solid until
Solids are mostly dissolved. Place lid on tub. 

If you purchased your own nutrients add them as instructed by the manufacturer’s instructions.

If you purchased our kit you will have three nutrient packs labeled A, B and C just empty the contents of the pack into the 2 gallon container with the Luke warm water and stir for 5 minutes until most of the contents is dissolved.
Planting

Step 1 Items you need for planting

1)  2 net pots
2)  2 Rockwool cubes
3)  Nutrients 
4) Lettuce seeds (recommend Bibb lettuce)



Insert Rockwool cube into net pot by squeezing bottom 4 corners and pushing down on Rockwool cube.
planting with rock wool
Place net pot with rock wool under tap for 30 seconds and let net pot sit for 10 minutes until excess water drains out. 

Now plant four lettuce seeds into Rock wool 1/4" deep placed in four different holes around Rock wool, cover holes by slightly pinching the holes close with your fingers and place net pot into two holes on lid.

Plug in air pump, your lettuce will sprout in about seven days and in 25 days more or less you will be eating lettuce. After your lettuce sprouts and are about an inch tall thin out leaving the healthiest seedling. Lettuce will be fully grown in about 42 days depending on variety.
Lettuce in 4 gallon cloner
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