What's the best and easiest and cheapest hydro system for someone who has 0 experience in Hydro

Easiest, cheapest hydro system for someone who has zero experience:

Five gallon bucket (black):

Lid with net pot for bucket:

An air stone to go in your bucket:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00564Q784/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1?tag=greenrel-20

Hose to connect your air stone to an air pump:

https://www.amazon.com/Penn-Plax-Aquariums-Flexible-Standard/dp/B0002563MW/ref=pd_bxgy_img_2/144-2279788-9241832?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0002563MW&pd_rd_r=c25db2e6-b427-42f1-9634-abd3fd83729a&pd_rd_w=sLFoG&pd_rd_wg=Ei34g&pf_rd_p=9d05ca86-8760-4334-a147-e5d5836a8859&pf_rd_r=979JP2GMWG2RBA68Z97V&psc=1&refRID=979JP2GMWG2RBA68Z97V?tag=greenrel-20

A totally over-engineered air pump that can run up to 6 buckets:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XDKRYC6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1?tag=greenrel-20

Some hydroton to hold your plant in the net pot:

https://www.amazon.com/Hydroton-Original-Clay-Pebbles-Lightweight/dp/B01KYYZ9DE/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=hydroton&qid=1584110128&s=lawn-garden&sr=1-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFHNzNQMUwxTTJYNVYmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTAwMjU1MzgxUU80QkZNSlA5S1ZaJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA1MjM3MThUU1dIOEtVTzNSS1Imd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl?tag=greenrel-20

After that it’s just nutrients, lights, water, and seeds.

11 Likes

@Bogleg

In my experience.

Bogleg’s advice is good.

Many DIY variations, products and adaptions can be used but starting with a solid foundation is the way to go in any project.

Some people are farmers.
Some people learning to farm.

Most people.
Eat.

Stay ahead of the herd.

2 Likes

I agree with @Bogleg. That is the best cheap way to start. It’s also the smartest way too. If you like it you can add to it, if you don’t you are not out very much.

It’s a great system. You can expand it easily. You can add an extra bucket and small pump and turn it into a recycling DWC system - PVC pipe and connectors and through-bucket bulkhead fittings are all you need.

I can tell you from past experience, that five gallon buckets SUCK. You have to change them weekly, your pH swings bad, etc. I use 27gal totes. 6 plants to a tote with a 27gal tote for the reservoir. You need to to keep your water @68° or below. I use water chillers in my flower room, and I keep my veg room @66°

1 Like

Use black air tubing. Blocks some light from contributing to algae

Hello I’ve been following this thread and this is the exact setup I have.


2 Likes