Description
Bare-root NFT growing for three to five plants, about 20 cm tall
The Nutriculture Gro-Tank GT424 is a complete nutrient film technique (NFT) kit: a 45-litre tank with the NFT top tray sitting on it, a pump that runs around the clock, and a Correx top plate that holds your plants over a thin, moving film of nutrient solution. Roots grow out of their starter blocks onto the spreader mat lining the tray, where they have water, nutrients and oxygen at the same time, and whatever they do not take up flows straight back into the tank. Because plants are never under-fed or over-watered and salts do not build up in the root zone, NFT is known for fast root development and vigorous growth, with no growing medium to buy beyond the block each plant was started in. At 101 x 48.5 x 20.5 cm it suits 3 to 5 plants, from salad leaves and herbs to fruiting crops, and two kits sit side by side in a 1.2 x 1.2 m grow tent.
What's Included
- Gro-Tank GT424 tank, 45 litres
- GT424 NFT top tray (the growing channel)
- Correx top plate
- Submersible pump with air line and adjustable air valve
- Delivery tube
- Spreader mat
- Fixings (plastic nuts and bolts, adhesive pads) and the NFT instructions and grow guide
Key Benefits
- Runs 24/7 with no timer: the pump runs constantly, so there is no feed schedule to set or forget
- Bare-root growing: the only medium is the starter block, which means less waste and less chance of disease
- Air drawn into the feed through the pump's air line, adding oxygen to the solution on every pass
- Low 20.5 cm profile that leaves the height of the tent for the plants and the light
- Up to 3x the yield of conventional soil growing, on Nutriculture's own figures
- A proven design: the Gro-Tank NFT system was first launched by NUT Systems in 1976
How to Use
- Assemble: stand the tank level, sit the top tray on it with the access opening at the same end as the solution level marks, and fix the two together with the supplied nuts and bolts.
- Fill a day ahead: fill the tank to the level marks 24 hours before planting so the water reaches room temperature and chlorine dissipates. Below 17°C, use a tank heater to bring it to about 18°C.
- Pump and mat: push the delivery tube onto the pump outlet, fit the air line, fix the pump to the tank floor with its suckers and pass the tube through the tray. Lay one layer of spreader mat along the tray, overhanging slightly into the tank, then switch on and check the mat soaks evenly; the vent on the pump adjusts the flow.
- Feed and pH: add nutrients at the label rate, check EC, and hold the pH between 5.8 and 6.5, adjusting in small steps.
- Plant out: transplant only once plants are root-bound, with plenty of white roots on the outside of the block. Remove any plastic wrap or pot, cut holes in the top plate and allow roughly one plant per square foot.
- Maintain: top up with plain water, wait an hour, recheck EC and add nutrient back to target; check pH weekly; and empty the tank for a full solution change at least once a month.
Technical Specifications
- System type: nutrient film technique (NFT), recirculating
- Dimensions: 101 x 48.5 x 20.5 cm (L x W x H)
- Tank capacity: 45 litres
- Plant capacity: about 3 to 5 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)
- Tent fit: two side by side in a 1.2 x 1.2 m tent
- Maker code: NS-GT424
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a timer for the pump?
No. The pump runs 24 hours a day so the nutrient film never stops, and there is no feed schedule to set. Just keep the tank topped up.
How many plants will the GT424 hold?
Nutriculture's rule of thumb is one plant per square foot, which puts the GT424 at around three to five plants depending on the crop. Smaller leafy crops and herbs can be spaced closer.
What should I start my plants in?
Stone wool (rockwool) cubes or blocks, compost blocks or aeroponic cuttings all work. Transplant only once white roots show on the outside of the block, and remove any plastic wrap or pot so the roots can reach the air.
How often should I change the nutrient solution?
Top up with water as the level drops and bring EC back to target. Empty the tank and start again with fresh solution at least once a month, checking pH after every change.
Works Well With
