How to build a Super-NFT grow-pod
This page provides instructions for building a super-size NFT hydroponics unit with a 28x42cm surface for growing Marchantia. This large modular grow-pod can generate up to a kilogram of fresh plant material.
Like the other grow-pods, the design is based on stacked components, with (i) a large reservoir and pump for nutrient media at the base, (ii) custom 3D printed tray that supports the growing surface and (iii) a propagator lid and multispectral LED light source with custom 3D printed support.
The system is based on use of components from the Nutriculture/NutSystems X-stream range of spray aeroponic propagators. I'd been introduced to these components when I was exploring the use of aeroponics and fogponic techniques for Marchantia propagation. Although the experiments with alternative hydroponic techniques weren't very encouraging, I was impressed by the quality and size of sturdy bases and propagator lids that were available. The X-stream propagators come in various sizes
1.Vessel
X-Stream propagator tanks and lids were purchased from The Greenhouse Effect online store (https://ghedirect.co.uk)
These can be purchased separately from the X-stream spray systems
Model External Internal(base)
20x 45 x 38 x 22cm(tall) 30 x 22 x 21.5cm(tall)
40x 60 x 41.5 x 22cm 44 x 26 x 21.5cm
[20x tank (£17); 40x tank (£21); 20x lid (£15); 20x lid (£21)]
2. Super-NFT tray
NFT tray inserts were printed in halves on a Bambu Lab H2S printer, after support was stripped off and surfaces cleaned, the interlocking halves were glued together with epoxy resin glue (fast curing). After curing, the tray surfaces were sprayed with Rain-X Anti-Fog and thoroughly air dried. After drying, the trays were rinsed with cold water to remove excess surfactant.
The new NFT designs used 1cm radius, 1cm high, 2cm spaced support pegs. They were design for the lower mesh support to cover the pegs. Klavermat 300 covers the full tray and is tucked into the upper trough with two entry ports. This helps ensure that the capillary mat is fully hydrated, and nutrient flows through the matting to support transplants in the early stage of growth, before the rhizoids can penetrate the mat and reach directly the nutrient flow. The micro perforated black plastic film covers the entire tray.
Measurements for the 20x X-Stream trays
Plastic mesh: 25cm x 30cm
Klavermat 300: 25cm x 33cm
Microperforated film: 31cm x 38cm
Measurements for the 40x X-Stream trays
Plastic mesh: 28.5cm x 43 cm
Klavermat 300: 28.5cm x 46cm
Microperforated film: 33cm x 52cm
Below: 3D printed NFT tray for 20x X-Stream tray
Below: 3D printed NFT tray for 40x X-stream tray
3. Setup
Note: a custom 3D printer bolster was built to raise the height of the lower (drainage) end of the X-Stream 40x tray. This lifted it 20mm, and produced a ~4º downward angle towards the drainage ports. This halves the drainage angle from the original design and produces a more even and slower flow of nutrient media across the trays.
A single mini-aquarium pump is used to supply media for each tray - set on full flow. The feed is split to two entry ports, using 5mm ID silicone tubing and 6mm irrigation T-connectors.
Below: split feed from pump to dual entry ports.
The trays were loaded with 3mL per litre of each Shogun Samurai Grow parts A and B. About 12.5 litres for each larger X-Stream 40x tank. The trays were layered with (1) Plastic mesh, followed by (2) Klavermat 300. Ensure that the Klavermat 300 is tucked into the top channel for media entry.
Below: Flow of nutrient is from the entry port (right) to the drainage ports (left). The first image show nutrient flowing about a third of the way through the mat. The second image show full hydration (after 5-10 min).
4. Grow lights
5. Plant Culture
After checking full hydration, the tray is covered with the micro perforated black plastic film. Thallus pieces from sterile grown Cam-1 and Cam-2 were placed on the growing surfaces. (07 Jan 26 PM), and cultured with 2x 50% and 80%+20% LED power for the 20x X-Stream vessels. (The larger X-Stream 40x trays were illuminated with single LED strips as the plants recovered from transplantation.)
Below: Cam-1 transplants (Day 0), left; Cam-2 transplants (Day 0), right. X-Stream 20x tanks.
Below: after 18 days Cam-1 transplants, left; Cam-2 transplants, right. (X-Stream 20x tanks)
X-Stream 40 vessel with dual-layer media stream (capillary mat on 20mm support pegs) was planted on Monday, 26 Jan 2026, and harvested on 19 Feb 2026, after 24 days of growth under a single LED bar