Description
A compact, easy NFT kit for one to three plants
The Nutriculture Gro-Tank GT205 is the smallest kit in the Gro-Tank range and a straightforward way into nutrient film technique (NFT) hydroponics. A 20-litre tank carries the NFT top tray, a pump lifts nutrient solution onto it around the clock, and the solution runs as a shallow film across the spreader mat and over bare roots before draining back for the next pass. With water, feed and oxygen all reaching the roots at once, plants avoid the over-watering, dry spells and salt build-up behind slow growth and weak roots in pots, and the only medium you use is the small block each plant was started in. At about 69.5 x 38.5 x 18.5 cm it holds 1 to 3 plants and fits a small grow tent, a cupboard or a bench - well suited to herbs, salad leaves, chillies and other compact crops.
What's Included
- Gro-Tank GT205 tank, 20 litres
- GT205 NFT top tray
- Correx top plate
- Submersible pump with air line and adjustable air valve
- Delivery tube
- Spreader mat
- NFT instructions and grow guide
Key Benefits
- Quick to set up: the GT205 tray simply rests on the tank and the top plate sits on the tray - no bolts needed
- No timer or controller: the pump runs continuously, so roots are never left waiting for a feed
- Almost no media: just the starter block, so there is little to buy, little waste and less chance of disease
- Extra oxygen drawn into the solution through the pump's air line
- Low 18.5 cm build that leaves the headroom to the plants
- Small 20-litre tank that is quick to mix, check and change
How to Use
- Assemble: stand the tank on a level surface and rest the top tray on it, with the access opening at the same end as the solution level marks.
- Fill a day ahead: fill to the level marks 24 hours before planting so the water warms to room temperature and chlorine dissipates; below 17°C, heat it to about 18°C.
- Pump and mat: fit the delivery tube and air line to the pump, fix it to the tank floor, lay one layer of spreader mat along the tray and switch on to check the mat soaks evenly. Slide the vent on the pump to adjust the flow.
- Feed and pH: add nutrients at the label rate, check EC, and keep the pH between 5.8 and 6.5, adjusting a little at a time.
- Plant out: wait until plants are root-bound, with white roots showing outside the block, remove any wrap or pot, cut holes in the top plate and place it on the tray.
- Maintain: top up with plain water, recheck EC after an hour and add nutrient back to target; check pH weekly and make a full solution change at least once a month.
Technical Specifications
- System type: nutrient film technique (NFT), recirculating
- Dimensions: approx. 69.5 x 38.5 x 18.5 cm (L x W x H)
- Tank capacity: 20 litres
- Plant capacity: 1 to 3 plants
- Pump: submersible, runs continuously, with air line and valve
- Timer: not needed
- Recommended pH: 5.8-6.5
- Growing media: starter blocks only (stone wool, compost or aeroponic cuttings)
- Assembly: tray rests on the tank; no nuts and bolts
- Maker code: NS-GT205
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GT205 a good first hydroponic system?
Yes. It has no timer or controller to set, the pump simply runs around the clock, and the small tank is quick to mix and check. The main things to learn are keeping EC and pH in range and waiting until plants are root-bound before planting out.
How many plants can I grow in it?
One to three, depending on the crop. Nutriculture work on roughly one plant per square foot, so compact herbs and salad crops can go at the upper end and larger fruiting plants at the lower.
Does the pump need a timer?
No. In NFT the film must keep flowing, so the pump runs 24 hours a day. Keep the tank topped up so it never runs dry.
How often should I change the solution?
Top up with water between changes and bring EC back to target, then empty the tank and refill with fresh nutrient solution at least once a month.
Works Well With
