TSG Hydro Systems

Not every household is the same size. Neither is every garden.

Our hydro system range gives you the right size for your kitchen, your space, and your household — with the same open-hardware platform, the same solar backbone, and the same precision automation underneath all of it.

Choose Your System

All systems run on the same ESP32-based controller, the same GrowGood API integration, and the same solar/LiFePO4 power system.

Core vs. Pro: Choose Your Precision

Both sizes are available in Core and Pro editions. The difference is sensor depth, not build quality.

The Core gives you everything you need to grow well and be notified if something goes wrong. The Pro gives you the chemistry data — pH and EC — that tells you why your plants are behaving the way they are. For most growers, Core is enough. For those who want to push yield quality or grow more demanding varieties, Pro is worth it.

The 24-Hole Unit: Right-Sized for Compact Households

For a household of one or two people, 36 holes is more production than you’ll consistently harvest. Lettuce bolts. Herbs glut. The 24-hole is sized for a realistic kitchen — producing continuously without overwhelming it.

Monthly Production Estimate (Organic Equivalent)

• Gourmet Lettuce (8 holes): ~$40
• Culinary Herbs (8 holes): ~$44
• Superfood Greens (4 holes): ~$20
• Asian Greens (4 holes): ~$16
• Monthly Savings: ~$120 | Annual: ~$1,440

The ROI Case

At $1,500 (Core) with a $45/month operating cost, the net monthly saving is approximately $75. Payback falls around Month 16. After that, the system saves you over $900 per year — on groceries you’d buy regardless, grown in roughly 10–15 minutes of effort per week.

First Four Months: 24-Hole Crop Rotation

The 36-Hole Unit: Full-Output for Families

For a household of three or more — or for a serious grower who wants a system that makes a genuine dent in the weekly grocery bill — the 36-hole delivers consistent, high-volume production across a full range of crops.

Monthly Production Estimate (Organic Equivalent)

• Gourmet Lettuce (12 holes): ~$60
• Culinary Herbs (8 holes): ~$44
• Superfood Greens (8 holes): ~$40
• Asian Greens (8 holes): ~$32
• Monthly Savings: ~$176 | Annual: ~$2,112

The ROI Case

At $2,000 (Core) with a $45/month operating cost, the net monthly saving is approximately $131. Payback falls around Month 14. After that, the system saves you over $1,570 per year. At roughly 15–20 minutes of tending per week, the “earning rate” is approximately $180 per hour.

First Four Months: 36-Hole Crop Rotation

All savings estimates based on organic-equivalent retail pricing at South Australian supermarkets (2025–26).

Custom Builds

If neither standard size fits your space, your layout, or your goals, talk to us.

Custom builds have included wall-mounted systems for narrow balconies, L-shaped configurations for corner courtyards, and extended multi-panel units for community gardens. We work from the same open-hardware platform — so the controller, the sensors, and the software are identical regardless of the physical configuration.

Custom builds are quoted individually. Deposits and lead times vary by complexity. Get in touch to start the conversation.

What’s Included (All Standard Units)

Every TSG Hydro Unit — 24 or 36 hole — ships complete and ready to grow.

• PVC grow board with handcrafted timber frame and finish (sized to unit)
• Integrated solar panel with LiFePO4 battery backup (30W/20Ah for 36-hole; 20W/15Ah for 24-hole)
• Nutrient reservoir with sealed lid (60L for 36-hole; 40L for 24-hole)
• Submersible water pump - smart pump cycles depending on temperature and time of day
• Smart sensor suite (edition dependent)
• Wi-Fi / LoRaWAN controller (pre-configured)
• Plumbing kit: tubing, fittings, and drip emitters
• Initial starter pack: nutrients + seedling plugs (12 for 36-hole; 8 for 24-hole)
• TSG App dashboard access (lifetime basic tier)
• Setup guide and onboarding video

Technical Specifications

Founding 5 Builders

We are accepting $900 deposits for our first five commissioned builds — 24-hole or 36-hole, your choice. These systems are built, wired, and commissioned by hand. You get direct access to our technical team throughout the process.

Reserve Your Slot — Only 5 places available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which size is right for me? As a rough guide: 24-hole for two or three people cooking regularly from the garden; 36-hole for three or more, or for anyone who wants surplus to share, preserve, or sell. If you’re genuinely unsure, start with the 24-hole — it’s easier to add a second unit later than to manage a system that overproduces for your household.

Will it really pay itself back? Yes. The 36-hole Core reaches payback at Month 14; the 24-hole Core at Month 16. The exact timeline shifts depending on what you grow — high-value herbs and gourmet lettuces accelerate the return significantly.

What if I travel or go away? The system monitors itself. You’ll receive alerts via the TSG App if anything goes wrong. For extended absences, connect with The Hive’s Local Contact network — fellow members who check your reservoir and keep things running.

I’m not good at gardening. Is this still for me? Yes. The system handles the watering, the nutrients, and the timing. You harvest. The learning curve is real but short — most growers are comfortable within a fortnight.

What if something breaks? Our systems are built on open-source, repairable hardware. We provide priority technical support (24-hour response) for subscribers, and all schematics are available to any Hive member. Nothing is proprietary. Nothing is designed to be thrown away.

What’s the difference between Core and Pro? Core handles everything a healthy system needs: flow monitoring, reservoir levels, temperature, and humidity. Pro adds inline pH and EC sensors for precise nutrient management — particularly useful if you’re running advanced crop varieties or want to troubleshoot nutrient issues before they show up in your plants.

Can I order a custom size? Yes. Contact us with your space dimensions and household needs and we’ll work through what’s possible.