DIY 3D-Printed Hydroponic Pot – First Prototype & Test Run

I’ve been curious about hydroponics for a while, and recently I noticed that the core electronics — pumps and power supplies — are surprisingly inexpensive. That was the spark I needed to design and 3D print a custom hydroponic pot from scratch.

This is my first prototype, so it’s definitely a bit rough around the edges. The design includes:

• A removable top section that houses a small pump and 5V power supply
• A base reservoir that acts as the nutrient tank
• A repurposed microgreens grow mat (likely jute or coir) as the grow medium, currently planted with kale seedlings

To be honest, I have no idea how well this will perform — it’s an experiment. The pump might run smoothly for weeks… or burn out by Tuesday. But that’s part of the fun. I’m planning to run it for at least a week and will post updates on how it holds up.

💸 Cost Breakdown

• Mini 0.6 LPM Pump: $5.50 AUD (~$3.60 USD)
  🔗 AliExpress link
• 5V Power Supply: $1.36 AUD (~$0.88 USD)
  🔗 AliExpress link

The total for the electronics came to under $7 AUD, which makes this a super accessible build for anyone looking to dip their toes into hydroponic design without breaking the bank.

🎥 Bonus: I made a quick YouTube video showcasing this setup and explaining the concept. If you’re curious how it runs or want to follow along with the results, check it out!

Let me know if you’d like the STL files or wiring diagram — I’ll gladly share as I refine the design. More updates soon! 🌱