Rack-Mount Hydroponics

The author repurposed a spare 42U server rack cabinet into a flood-and-drain hydroponic system for growing lettuce, using grow trays, a reservoir, pump, and grow lights mounted on rack shelves. The flood-and-drain method was chosen for its simplicity despite being prone to mould and algae, with each grow tray given about 10U of rack space. The project involved drilling holes for plumbing, improvising shelf fitment, and threading pump and aerator lines through the reservoir lid.