"Robbin" wrote in message
...
: Would you give us some details on your hydroponic system?
:

You asked for it ;-P

I've got 4 10' sections of 3" PVC connected with elbows into a 'W' shape.
There is an outlet in the middle.
The pipes have 1 1/2" holes drilled every foot or so. I have several 3
gallon 'bato buckets'/'dutch pots' that drain into these holes. They are
filled with rice hulls and gravel.

A 10 gallon reservoir is sunk into the ground below the outlet from the W.
There is a tube that runs from the outlet into a hole in the reservoir's
lid. Inside the reservoir is a small pump connecter to a tube that runs up
to a 10' section of 1/2" pvc. This has holes with 1/4" tubing that runs to
each bato. It's capped on the end. This all allows the nutrient to
recirculate 24/7.

I also have a trashcan with a hose attached to a float valve in the
reservoir. It tops up the reservoir. I just refill it with nutrient
solution every week or so. I use a tomato formula from hydro-gardens.com -
~$30 shipped for a six month supply.

The batos have a segment of pvc tube through the bottom. inside the bato,
the tube has two elbows, so the opening faces down. Otherwise roots grow
into it.

The batos have tomatos, tomatillos, pimentos, basil and chinese long beans.

In the spring, I grow strawberries directly in the 3"pvc holes 'NFT' style.

I also have a 32 gallon tub filled with vermiculite and pea gravel hooked
onto the system. I grow roses in that (Levenson-Gower in full bloom right
now)

Total cost for the system was around $75 three years ago, and it's been in
constant use since then (it's in a hoophouse frame, with the plastic off
from March - November). I'd stick with 2" pvc instead of 3" if I did a new
one.