Hydroponics can be aesthetically pleasing. You just need the right container.

I agree with Hank  you can put your systems in a container or decorate around it. You can put a decorative molding or tile material in front of the pipe systems to cover them up. A gutter system can be made more attractive with an artistic background. Once the plants start growing, the unattractive features may be less apparent.

Hydroponics practice is open to one's imagination. It is both a science and art. You can do anything for as long as the basic principles are followed.

Krylon Fusion Plastics paint! w00t! ~Ryan

I am a designer as well, and I was really taken aback by the ugly plastic equipment that was available at my local supply house. I have built my own trough out of birch plywood that i have then coated with westsystem epoxy with makes a very nice clear finish that is totally water proof and quite attractive.

You can use any container for your hydroponic system with a little modification... the tubes can be a bit tough still, but I've run them as hidden as possible and since they are all mat black, they are fairly unobtrusive when organized neatly.

The westsystem epoxy is great for sealing porous anything. I use it all the time when I need to make custom tanks or basins that will hold water. It is very durable, totally inert when set, and very easy to use if you invest a couple of dollars in thier little plastic measureing pump system. As it is used mainly for building and repairing boats, it is available at most marinas or through the west marine catalog... though I believe that UPS doens't like to ship it.

One of the nice things about it is that it has very low VOCs so you can use it safely in your house with out maskes etc and it will not stink things up or hurt you... though I am careful to use gloves and not get any in my mouth while it is still wet. The cheaper polyester based resins have a horible smell and are really not healthy to be around... though the old boat yard guys will tell you that they've soaked themselfs in it over and over and they are just fine.

Good luck.

B

Hi bgray

Is it possible to post a couple of pictures?

bgray,

That is very interesting, thank you. At first I thought you were saying a plywood structure to *hide* the works, but I guess you are really saying it is itself the water trough.

I am familiar with that epoxy for my work, though not for waterproofing usage.

I too would be most interested to see pictures if you have any convenient. It would be most interesting to see what a designer would come up with.

Thanks bgray, and thanks to all others who responded as well!

Rick Clark