Unboxing and Setting Up the 8 Pod IDOO Hydroponic System

So as some of you already know, my previous hydroponic system bit the dust yesterday after two years of service. I went online and ordered the iDOO ID-IG308, which is iDOO's 8 pod growing system. Today I will be unboxing and setting this up.

The Resevoir

First, let's talk about the resevoir. It's about the same height as the resevoir on the LaGute, but it's longer. I wouldn't say it's narrower because this resevoir is rectangular and the other is round.

It does have a window on the front to check the water level. 

It is hard to see the water level when the unit is in operation, but I was able to see it when I added the water.

The pump

The pump is screwed into the base of the resevoir, unlike the pump of the LaGute, which was easily removed. But they're both a typical small water pump.

Baskets, sponges, grow domes and covers

These were once not interchangeable. That is no longer the case. They are interchangeable! Note: the gray cover is actually for the water inlet, which is on the side.

Light covers are also interchangeable.

Here are the packets that come with it:

Now let's talk about the setup. Setup was quite easy. This setup uses 15ml of each nutrient solution whereas the LaGute used about half that. But you can use the same solution. In fact, that's what I'm doing.

The unit features two grow settings. One is for flowers and fruit and the other is for vegetables. This, along with power and pump operation, is located on a control panel on top of the light. Try copying and pasting the link to your browser to view the video.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/NL4f7gpJTCsvcPCa9

So I got my seed pods going. Since I've done this on another system I'm using my own pods. I'm going to do swiss chard.

With this system, once the seedlings sprout you can cut the sponge down one side and remove a seedling to be transplanted. They also recommend doing this for healthy spacing between plants.

And this is what the finished setup looks like:

Now for my review: the pump is screwed in so that might make it difficult for some people. However the system is easy to set up, and I like that they have gone to interchangeable parts and a control panel on top. I'm giving it a 9.9 out of 10, hoping that the pump won't be an issue.

Next week will be my first time cleaning it, and for those of you who want to get one, there are YouTubes on cleaning it if you want to watch. I'll put a link to what video I watched next week. Until then, happy gardening!

Update: it is now 5 days after receiving the iDOO and we now have some seedlings up!

Update: it is now a week and a half since we unboxed the iDOO. I've since discovered I can use a small trellis with this system, 7 out of 8 seedlings are up, and it looks like the 8th seedling is now coming up.