I've grown a 7 Pot Peach in one of these. I also currently have a Sugar Rush Peach Stripey in it, that was started in Jan'21 and is still growing in it on a window sill. I've used the Stripey plant as the mother for several crosses. The flood and drain systems are good. Ignoring the pricing, from my experience the biggest things to watch out for with this Botanium are: 1. The small rubber grommet in the bottom section can come out when removing the top half or when emptying the bottom section, if that happens the seal is broken and nutrients will leak. It's ok if you make sure it is always seated correctly. 2. You do get salt build up around the join between the two sections over time and that discolours and looks untidy, I have the white model. 3. Occasionally also get salt build up in the nozzles that needs to be cleared. 4. If on a window sill, try and keep the water level indicator facing away form the light, I've just taped some foil over it to reduce algae growth and add H2O2 occasionally. That said, the current plant I have in it is still happy after 15 months and I plan to leave it in there until at least the end of the 2022 season so the product does work!
I think if I were to spend that much on a single spot for a plant I would like to see some sort of UV light in the pump to keep the nutrient water clean. And like you said a microusb power in is pretty standard even for cheaply made gadgets these days.
Your review will be great because you have a lot of experience with mini system. Thanks for the reminder that I need to start more lettuces. I like that little machine. Looking good. Love the review.
These are really pricey for what they are but they are very attractive from an industrial design perspective. What would be cool is if it had an integrated telescoping light ring and the ability to daisy chain the units.
Yeah... I think the product is nice for something like kitchen herbs. More of a design item than something that you get a real use out of. Like you said the reservoir is pretty small, but making it bigger with a similar footprint, would also make it less round and good looking. The system itself is decent enough with your improvements, but still not something too interesting for me personally. I rather live with a more productive unit, that I can design around my needs but doesn't look as refined. For a first time grower or as a design piece, it's still nice enough.
I joined the crowd campaign for their upcoming ebb/flow system that includes a light. Crossing fingers. I expect they sent these Botanium units out to start seeding the field for the new one.
It will be nice to have measurement line on the base unit. If I want to use flora series or dyna grow, I don't know what the amount of nutrients is. 1 tea spoon or half tea spoon etc
Very cute but not practical at all. Might be fun for kids as a teaching tool but price wise. Way over priced for something without lights. My first hydroponics experiments were with one quart yogurt/sour cream containers that had smaller yogurt cups as the plant holder or pool noodles. Cost me nothing extra as it was all found material from my recycling bin. I even used plain old blue fertilizer before my nutrients got here. Grew great lettuce. But I bet a lot of city/apartments dwellers would love how cute and pretty the unit is.
It's attractive. But based on the review, I would prefer to use my aerogarden units. I keep 6-8 units running and growing lots of greens. This one seems to require more maintenance for just one plant with no grow light.
Great review and I agree on the improvements you suggested. I've seen this in stores here in Sweden and I like the idea and design but it is way to expensive for what it is.
If it's $70-80 as others have mentioned, then that is way too pricy for something like that. I agree on your suggested improvements, but I'd also say to make it sturdier on the bottom base as I can see it toppling over if you grow peppers or something else in it that gets big and it will be off balance. I do like the way it looks, though.
That is a pleasant appearing small scale self contained plant growing system Khang! Very easy on the eye, especially in its white color. Would typical hydrotons or perlite work within that system in addition to some of your fine suggestions? Almost outdoor garden time! -Bob...
Has to be a pretty clean solution, otherwise the pump can get clogged. I had a similar system to this and the roots went down into the pump and through the protective mesh, and clogged the impeller.
Low quality gadget. I liked your solar air stone bubblers. The pump used in this product is the only thing of value here and it’s basic and inexpensive and I would rather use the inverted folgers can with the same pump for under $10
