The AcmeTank design was developed over a period of five years while I worked in the hydroponic industry, in both manufacturing and retailing. During this time I noticed that most people regarded hydroponics as being too complicated to be bothered with. This was unfortunate as the benefits of hydroponics are enormous.

The problem was that the garden systems offered for sale were both unattractive and high maintenance. They involved complicated plumbing that could easily cause problems, and required constant supervision. They were only capable of one method of growing - the systems were either run to waste, nutrient film technique, or flood and drain. I felt that there was a need to design a simple, attractive system which was capable of operating either as a run to waste system, a nutrient film technique system, or as a flood and drain system. Additionally, an ideal system would require very little maintenance.

After five years and hundreds of drawings, I finally produced what I consider to be the least complicated system available. The plumbing was reduced from the usual myriad of pipes and fittings to one short length of 13mm pipe. The pump required is one of the smallest submersible pumps available. The actual system consists of only 2 parts. As they say, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. It was time to trial the tank and see if it could grow plants fast and efficiently. I have now experimented with using AcmeTanks with all growing methods and mediums, and have been consistently delighted with the results.

My favourite method and the one I find the most forgiving and reliable is nutrient film technique using expanded clay as a growing medium. This is the method described in this web site. For someone new to hydroponics, this method is probably the best introduction. Once this is mastered, the AcmeTank allows the grower to go on to experiment with other mediums and methods. My hope is that the you gain as much satisfaction from your AcmeTank as I and thousands of others already have.

Happy Gardening.

Paul Johnson
Designer, AcmeTank.