The DIY NFT System Build Guide is a complete 26-page, step-by-step guide to building your own NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) hydroponic system from scratch — every step, every measurement, every supply, and every lesson we learned along the way. It's the same 12-channel system we built and featured on our YouTube channel, now fully documented. Intermediate build level.
This is the same system from one of our most popular videos, How to Build an NFT Hydroponic System for Microgreens | Full DIY Guide — now written out in full so you can follow along at your own pace, with exact frame measurements, plumbing and pump details, and the components most builds get wrong.
What's inside
Build level: Intermediate. A complete 26-page build guide covering:
- Full supplies list with sourcing notes for every component
- Safety and tool guidance before you pick up a single tool
- Step-by-step frame build instructions with exact measurements for a 12-channel system
- Drainage, plumbing, feeder line, and pump setup
- Lighting, fans, and timer configuration
- Nutrient mixing, pH, and EC guidance
- Pre-germination and transplanting instructions
- What to grow, what to avoid, and crop planning tips
- Daily, weekly, and bi-weekly maintenance schedules
- Troubleshooting guide for common issues
- Tips, upgrades, and customizations from real community builds
- Scannable QR codes linking to supply lists and video tutorials
Note: the guide contains scannable QR codes only — there are no clickable links for digital readers at this time.
Specifications
- Length: 26 pages
- Build level: intermediate
- System type: NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) hydroponics
- System size: 12-channel
- Page size: standard A4 (8.27" × 11.69" / 210mm × 297mm)
- Access: instant access, lifetime, self-paced
- Covers: supplies, frame build, drainage/plumbing, pump and feeder lines, electrical/timer setup, nutrients, planting, maintenance, troubleshooting
- Based on: our own build, documented from the original YouTube video
- Extras: QR codes to supply lists and video tutorials
- Not included: supplies, tools, and equipment (build guide only)
Best for
- Growers comfortable with intermediate DIY — cutting EMT pipe and working with PVC and cement
- Anyone who watched our NFT video and wants the full written build with exact measurements
- Home hydroponic growers who want a 12-channel system for greens and other suited crops
- Builders who want a documented framework to customize for their own space
Not for
- Complete beginners who want a no-tools, ready-made system — this is a build-it-yourself guide
- Anyone expecting supplies or parts included — the guide is instructions only
- Growers wanting clickable in-guide links — this version uses scannable QR codes instead
FAQ
How many pages is the guide? 26 pages, formatted for standard A4 paper (8.27" × 11.69" / 210mm × 297mm).
What skill level do I need? Intermediate. The build involves cutting metal EMT pipe and working with PVC cement, with full safety guidance included throughout.
How big is the system? It's a 12-channel NFT system, with exact frame measurements included.
What does it cover? Everything from the supplies list and frame build to drainage, plumbing, pump and feeder lines, timer and electrical setup, nutrient mixing, pH and EC, planting, maintenance schedules, and troubleshooting.
Are supplies included? No — this is a build guide only. It includes a full supplies list with sourcing notes so you can buy the parts yourself.
Is it the same system from your YouTube video? Yes — it documents the exact NFT system from our build video, with every measurement and component written out.
What are the QR codes for? They link to supply lists and video tutorials so you can jump straight to the parts and footage referenced in the guide.
How long do I have access? Lifetime, self-paced — keep it and reference it for as long as you run the system.
Important notes
- This is a digital PDF download — no physical copy will be shipped. Once purchased, you'll receive an instant download to print at home or save to your phone or computer. The guide is formatted for standard A4 paper (8.27" × 11.69" / 210mm × 297mm). Supplies are not included — this is a build guide only.
- This guide is based on our personal experience growing in our specific environment in Zone 8a. Results will vary depending on your water quality, climate, lighting, and setup. Use it as a foundation and adjust to your space — it's a starting point and a framework, not a guarantee.
- This build involves water and electricity. Always follow proper safety precautions; full safety guidance is included throughout the guide.
- Your results may vary. Plant growth and system performance depend on many factors outside our control, including environment, water quality, plant variety, and user assembly.
Disclaimer & important information
- Digital products are non-refundable.
- This guide is the intellectual property of On The Grow, LLC and is intended for personal use only. Unauthorized reproduction, sharing, distribution, or resale — whether online or in person — is strictly prohibited and may result in legal action.
- All information provided in this guide is based solely on the personal experience of On The Grow, LLC in their specific growing environment. On The Grow, LLC makes no guarantees, warranties, or representations regarding the performance, yield, or success of any NFT system built using this guide. Results will vary based on individual growing environment, water quality, climate, plant variety, user assembly, and equipment sourced independently by the user.
- This build involves the combined use of water and electricity. On The Grow, LLC is not liable for any damage, injury, or loss resulting from improper assembly, operation, or maintenance of any system built using this guide. Users assume full responsibility for their own safety and the safe installation and operation of all components.
- This build also involves cutting metal EMT pipe and working with PVC cement. On The Grow, LLC is not liable for any injury or damage resulting from improper use of tools or materials. Always follow proper safety procedures and use appropriate protective gear.
- On The Grow, LLC is not responsible for the quality, safety, or performance of any materials, supplies, or equipment sourced independently by the user. It is the sole responsibility of the user to verify that all materials — including PVC pipe, fittings, and cement — are NSF-61 certified and appropriate for use in a food-producing hydroponic system.
- Some product references in this guide may include affiliate links. On The Grow, LLC may receive a small commission on purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.
- By purchasing and downloading this guide, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this disclaimer and accept full responsibility for your own build, safety choices, system placement, and any supplies you choose to use.