Cost Projections

Now it's time to take a closer look. To help visualize your hydroponic system, we have provided details of our NFT growing module for lettuce and herbs. For your planning purposes, we have listed costs for the system so you can fit it into your plan.

Among other places, demand for clean lettuce in Mexico is immense.  Here is a picture of a successful lettuce operation in Oaxaca, Mexico.

Nutrient Film Technique:

Grow fancy lettuce, baby lettuce, basil, cilantro, parsley, arugula, watercress, head lettuce, bak choy, chives, mizuna, etc...

A complete system for Lettuce and herb-type crops  with all these items and packages will cost approximately $45,000.00 for a standard 30' x 132' greenhouse space. In this estimate, the grower must provide the primary nutrient tank (we can provide you with specifications and suitable vendors). 

NFT (nutrient film technique) technology is the best system ever invented for quick turn crops.  Our tried and true NFT hydroponic systems are composed of growing modules that fit in most greenhouse configurations. These modules consist of:

• Proprietary Heavy-Duty GroClean™ Growing Channels
  They are durable, one piece 2" x 4" flat-bottomed extrusions made from FDA approved food grade high density polyethylene (hdpe).They are 12' long, easy to handle, stack and very importantly, easy to clean.
• Complete, Galvanized Table Frames
  Our table frames are free standing, light weight and made from super strong galvanized tubing. They are available in (3) lengths; 5', 10', and 20' long, by 12' wide. They arrive custom to your operation with predrilled bolt holes, bolts and braces, as well as user-friendly instructions. They are easy to assemble and disassemble.
• Exclusive Crop Turn Technology™ (CTT)
  Our NFT system design utilizes a unique method that optimizes crop production and plant rotation. Many of our growers are experiencing between 20 - 26 crop turns per year. With our system, we teach growers how to achieve levels of production that are unparalleled in the industry.
• 15,120 plant sites total, 7,560 finishing sites, 7,560 nursery sites.
• At 12 crop turns per year, 1,745 plants per week harvest rate.
• At 26 crop turns per year, 3,780 plants per week harvest rate.
• Irrigation System
  Each growing module includes a fill manifold (see illustration at right) with one feeder tube per channel, a gate valve to regulate nutrient flow, and union (to easily disconnect from system). The nutrient collector is covered minimizing algae growing and allowing easy movement of channels in and out of the system and quick drainage back to the nutrient tank.
• NutriDose Nutrient Controller
  Utilizes in ground insulated nutrient reservoir that grower supplies controlled with an on-demand Nutridose controller. Includes nutrient stock tanks, pH stock tanks, peristaltic pumps, irrigation pump, float valve and nutrient aeration pump.
• Starter Growing Supplies
  Includes 6 months supply of custom nutrient formula, Oasis propagation cubes, pH adjusters, EC meter, pH meter and propagation trays.
• Nutrient Management
  We analyze your source water and design nutrient's specific to your water and crop, if necessary, we will recommend water treatment . We work with you through the first year interpreting nutrient solution and tissue analysis should you need them.
• Biological Control Package
  Sticky traps, Pyganic, Rootshield and Companion for basic pest and fungus management. We also have available Integrated Pest Management packages.
• "Up-and-Running" Pre-Delivery Site Preparation Guide
  Because there is plenty to do in preparation for delivery of your commercial hydroponic system, we provide you with complete details on how you should prepare your site so that installation goes smoothly.  This is designed to get you up-and-running as quickly and efficiently as possible, with no surprises.
• AmHydro™ Pro Grower Support
  One of the best features of our systems, you receive our grower support from system installation all the way through your first year with complete package.  We help you avoid mistakes and teach you to 'read' your plants so you can anticipate any breakdowns far before they happen.

Important Notes:

• Tank and controls located outside of greenhouse to maximize growing surface inside.

• If tank and controls are inside, you forfeit (24%) of total plant sites.

• Installs easily on almost any greenhouse surface or outside