Hydroponic NFT End Caps with Drain, Convert 3x4" Vinyl Downspouts

thingiverse

A simple and inexpensive way to start an NFT hydroponic system. These 3d printed NFT down spout ends are used with the larger 3x4" downspout pipes available in most all US home improvement stores. One end is a simple cap, and the other has an integrated drain. Drain spout is printed in two separate pieces so the circular drain can be printed vertically. A stand pipe is also included and optional. This will raise the level of water in your pipes to the top of the stand pipe in the drain. While no longer technically a NFT (nutrient film technique), sometimes it is necessary to raise the level of the water in the system. I needed to do this because I used 2" net pots that did not reach the bottom of the tubes. I recommend you use 3" net pots so you will not need the stand pipe, and make a true NFT system. Even large lettuces can fill out a 2" net pot, use 3" if possible. If your printer is not dimensionally accurate you may have a hard time getting this to fit over the ends of the tubes. You may have to make one and test, then resize the object with your slicer program up or down a little to fit.