Modular Hydroponics - Low Profile Reservoir

The latest and first addition to the Modular, Windowsill, Air Powered, Hydroponics Herb Garden/Experimenter is a low profile reservoir. It was going to be four feet long, but mistakes and practicality dictated otherwise. This is an improvement over the 2L bottle for many reasons, with volume being the main driving force and the rest as very pleasant side effects.

By laying the reservoir on its' side, we effectively increase the surface area that the air is pushing on. This allows the little air pump to move greater quantities of water over greater distances and heights, with little or no added strain. We also change from a 2L bottle to a drain pipe, allowing flexibility in size/volume.

Drain pipe was my obvious choice for cheap and readily available material, soooo I actually went and purchased a piece of pipe, the end caps, and the cement. I proceeded to cut and drill and glue it together. When I awoke after succumbing to the fumes of the cement, I came to two quick realizations. This stuff is EVIL and it's a good thing that I will not be having any more children. After it failed a pressure test, I also realized that I suck at using this stuff and/or am too impatient to let it cure for 48 hours. Probably both. Anyway, yet another reason to reinvent the wheel and nurture my masochistic tendencies. And to satisfy your apparent need for self abuse, please read on........

Step 1 Conclusions and Considerations

Due to the mistakes that I have made, and some that I haven't, I have come to the following...

Conclusions

1. The air inlet and vent MUST be as high as possible and DEFINITELY above the water line.
2. The nutrient siphon MUST be as low as possible.
3. It helps a LOT if you can see inside and therefore, know, what's going on inside the reservoir. Enter the 2L pop bottle.
4. I can do it better (suited to my needs), faster, stronger (sort of.... in some ways.... maybe... kinda), definitely cheaper AND easier on my lungs and immediate environment than if I used conventional methods... I think.
5. Most importantly, if you don't like the results, you can do it over for free.

Considerations

1. Modifications/alterations/experimentin' must be made from "free", easily replaceable parts aka recyclables. Purchased goods are to be treated as irreplaceable... as much as possible/practical.
2. Modules must be easily replaced around the "HUB" of the system for CONVENIENT maintenance. I LIKE SWAPPABLE SPARES.
Note - The "HUB" is only a TEE connector. It's a secret, don't tell anyone. It's the only "central" point I can see.
3. Must be simple in operation and construction and therefore, hopefully reliable and undaunting.
4. Most importantly, if you don't like the results, you can do it over for free.