White 4-Tier Hydroponic Rack – 28 Plant Sites NFT Grow System

The White 4-Tier Hydroponic Rack from Shabbiri Hardware is a complete vertical NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) hydroponic system designed for homes, schools, restaurants and small-scale urban farmers across Nairobi and Kenya. Four stacked rectangular PVC grow channels each hold seven plants, giving 28 growing positions in the footprint of a small shelf.

A submersible pump lifts nutrient solution from the reservoir tank at the base to the top channel. The water then flows as a thin film through every tier, feeding the roots before draining back into the tank. The same water is reused, cutting water use by up to 90% compared with soil gardening, while plants grow faster because roots receive nutrients and oxygen constantly.

The bright white finish reflects sunlight and keeps root-zone water cooler, which reduces algae and heat stress on plants. The rigid PVC pipe frame stands on adjustable feet, is UV-stable, rust-free and easy to wipe clean.

Space-Saving Vertical Design

Grow 28 plants on a footprint smaller than a dining table. Perfect for apartments in Nairobi with limited garden space.

Faster, Cleaner Harvests

Roots feed directly from nutrient water, so greens mature faster and stay free of soil, mud and most soil-borne pests.

Saves Water

The closed loop recycles water back into the tank, using a fraction of the water of a traditional shamba.

Cool White Finish

White channels reflect sunlight, keeping roots cooler in warm weather and limiting algae build-up.

Easy to Assemble & Clean

Push-fit PVC fittings, removable end caps and a lift-out reservoir make setup and maintenance simple.

Great for Learning & Business

Ideal for schools, agribusiness training, restaurants growing their own herbs, and small urban farming ventures.

1Choose the Right Spot

Place the rack on a firm, level surface with at least 6 hours of sunlight, or indoors under LED grow lights. Keep it near a power socket for the pump and shelter it from strong wind.

2Assemble the Frame

Join the PVC uprights, tees and cross bars, then fit the four grow channels with the end caps facing the feed side. Use the adjustable feet to level the rack so water flows evenly.

3Connect the Plumbing

Place the submersible pump inside the reservoir, connect it to the vertical feed pipe running to the top tier, and check that every channel's outlet connects to the return pipe draining back into the tank.

4Mix the Nutrient Solution

Fill the reservoir with clean water and add a hydroponic nutrient mix (A + B) as per the manufacturer's dosage. Aim for pH 5.5 – 6.5 and EC 1.2 – 2.0 mS/cm for leafy greens.

5Start Your Seedlings

Germinate seeds in rockwool cubes or cocopeat plugs for 10 – 14 days until they have 3 – 4 true leaves and visible roots.

6Transplant into Net Cups

Place each seedling in a net cup, pack lightly with clay pebbles or cocopeat, and drop it into a planting hole so the roots just touch the flowing water.

7Run the Pump

Switch on the pump and confirm a thin, steady film of water runs along each channel. Run continuously, or use a timer such as 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off.

8Harvest & Replant

Most lettuces are ready in 3 – 5 weeks after transplanting. Harvest the whole head or pick outer leaves, then replant the empty site for a continuous supply.

✔ Do

✔ Check water level every 2 – 3 days and top up with plain water.

✔ Test pH and EC weekly and adjust as needed.

✔ Change the full nutrient solution every 2 – 3 weeks.

✔ Rinse channels and the tank between crops.

✔ Clean the pump intake filter monthly.

✖ Avoid

✖ Letting the pump run dry when the tank is low.

✖ Using soil or garden compost in the system.

✖ Leaving the reservoir uncovered in direct sun.

✖ Overcrowding plants beyond one per site.

✖ Ordinary fertilisers not made for hydroponics.

✔ Trusted hardware and building materials supplier in Kenya since 1990.

✔ Two convenient branches along Magadi Road serving Ongata Rongai, Tuala, Kiserian, Karen, Langata and greater Nairobi.

✔ Large stock of plumbing, irrigation, PVC pipes and fittings to customise or expand your hydroponic setup.

✔ Friendly expert advice on choosing and running your system.

✔ Contacts of independent installers available on request.

What can I grow in this hydroponic rack?

Leafy greens and herbs grow best: lettuce, spinach, sukuma wiki, kale, managu, dhania, basil, mint, celery and strawberries. Heavy fruiting crops such as tomatoes need a larger system.

Does the hydroponic rack need soil?

No. Plants sit in net cups with a light medium such as cocopeat or clay pebbles while a thin film of nutrient water flows past the roots.

How much electricity does it use?

The small submersible pump draws roughly as much power as a low-wattage bulb. Running it on a timer reduces consumption further.

Can I use it indoors?

Yes. Outdoors it needs 6 or more hours of sunlight; indoors, add LED grow lights for 12 – 16 hours a day.

How often should I change the water?

Top up with plain water as it drops and replace the full nutrient solution every 2 – 3 weeks.

Where can I buy a hydroponic rack in Nairobi?

Visit Shabbiri Hardware at our Ongata Rongai branch on Magadi Road opposite Hashi Petrol Station, or our Tuala branch past Nazarene University.

Contact Shabbiri Hardware

Call, WhatsApp or email us for availability, delivery within Nairobi and expert advice on your hydroponic setup.