Target "Kratky Tank"

Comments

GOAL: Design and build a Kratky-style research tank with approx 4 sqft of crop space, and environment monitoring gear.

Purpose: to be used for crop verification experiments.

The tank infrastructure needs to be able to measure:

  • room temperature
  • room humidity
  • tank water depth
  • tank water conductivity
  • surface light intensity
  • light power consumption

Deliverables:

  • tank, opaque
  • lid, opaque
  • internal root crop support rack
  • LED grow light
  • sensor pack, operational
  • controller module, operational
    • receives/logs sensor data fm multiple tanks
    • controls/tracks lights on multiple tanks
  • 3 days worth of baseline data tracking

Automated data collection

The Kratky tank can't be marked complete until I've got my telemetry monitor figured out. For details, see Targetsnitchboxkratky.

Manual data collection

Some measurements can't be easily automated but can be taken manually, so I'll also need a tool to integrate that efficiently with the automated data. For details, see Targetsnitchapp.

Data collection hub

Regardless of how the data is collected, it needs to be stored in a central repository that can also provide snapshot and summary views. For details, see Targetlabmom.

Containers

Lights

Tasks

  • [ ] print/make cylinder isolation insert ✔
    • appx 4" diam
    • vase mode?
    • water flow arches at bottom
    • radial fins
    • to isolate root systems
    • also keep center clear for depth readings

Log

  • [-] create pod-friendly lid
    • designed
    • need to adjust fit tolerance
  • [x] test PETG 0.3mm + 3 perims waterproof
    • printed and undergoing leak test
  • [x] test PETG 0.3mm + 2 perims waterproof
    • printed and undergoing leak test
  • [-] test jointed construction waterproof
  • [-] identify waterproof coating
    • wax and epoxy both seem popular
    • hopefully won't need this
  • [-] design stabilizer base
  • [x] Find a small multi-plant Kratky container ✔
    • no more than 4 sqft
    • min 14” tall, with lid
    • opaque walls
  • [-] Find single-plant Kratky container ✔
    • tall enough for a 12" root, + 2" seedling pod
    • appx 4"x4" base, as per seed spacing specs
    • nothing appropriate at garden center
  • [x] Acquire a grow light sufficient for a 4 sqft grow tank
  • [-] Design 3D printable Kratky container
    • after preliminary experiments, this doesn't seem practical
    • [x] tested PLA - osmotic leaking 👎
    • [x] tested PETG - 2 weeks no loss 👍
      • but 0.2mm layers + 5 perims too slow
      • 14" height too tall for printer

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