A complete description, assembly instructions, and expected outcomes can be found here:

https://www.protocols.io/view/dzakovich-lab-3d-printed-hydroponics-system-setup-e6nvw4pw9lmk/v2

Modelers: Suraj Chandramouli and Ethan Shaw

The Dzakovich Lab Modular Hydroponics Ecosystem consists of three main parts: 1) The nutrient solution bin; 2) the 3D printed lid; 3) the 3D printed tower(s). We have designed the ecosystem to be configurable in either a Single or Double Tower design to maximize its utility for a variety of end users (researchers, educators, etc.) while remaining relatively inexpensive to manufacture. Users can easily mix and match components for their application or integrate components into other growing systems. This hydroponics ecosystem was designed to work with Uline S-20588GR 20L Round Trip Totes (ULine; Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, United States).

Individual parts (e.g. plant pots) can be adapted and used for other hydroponics systems outside of this tower system. We recommend printing in PLA or PETG at 20% infill and recommend using stainless steel print nozzles to minimize potential lead contamination associated with brass.

Version Control Notes:

V4 (02/24/2026) features two additional models of plant cups. These plant cups have a slightly narrower internal diameter which allows them to be used with neoprene plant collars in the absence of polyester felt wicks. These altered plant cups are available in a short and standard size and still integrate with the rest of the modules in this ecosystem.