How to Make Your Own Waterfarm

Use a hole saw to cut a hole in the side of each 5-gallon bucket approximately one inch above the bottom -- size the holes according to the recommendation of the manufacturer of the 1/2-inch bulkhead drain fittings (e.g., 1-inch diameter). Insert the male portion of the drain fittings through the holes from the inside of each bucket and screw the female portion (i.e., nut) of the fitting on from the outside of the bucket to secure the fitting tightly into place.

Fill the hydroponic grow baskets with hydroton clay pebbles and insert one basket into each bucket. Place the buckets on an elevated grow shelf or stand(s).

Use a hole saw to cut a hole in one end of the black plastic storage bin approximately six inches below the rim. Install a 1/2-inch bulkhead drain fitting using the same method as for the buckets. Place the storage bin under or near the elevated grow shelf.

Cut a length of 1/2-inch irrigation tubing to stretch the length between all three buckets -- this will be the irrigation manifold that will supply nutrient solution to the drip lines. Insert an end plug in one end of the tubing and insert an elbow fitting in the other end. Drill three, evenly-spaced holes in the manifold tubing using a 1/16-inch drill bit. Insert a barbed straight irrigation coupling in each hole and lay the finished manifold across the grow shelf.

Cut three lengths of 1/4-inch irrigation tubing approximately three feet long -- the tubing should be long enough to stretch from the manifold to each hydroponic basket. Insert a basket drip fitting in one end of each piece of tubing. Attach the other end of each piece of tubing to a barbed straight irrigation coupling on the manifold -- push the tubing onto the coupling. Bury the basket drip fittings in the hydroton pebbles in each basket.

Cut three, 2-inch lengths of 1/2-inch irrigation tubing and attach one to each bucket drain fitting. Insert an elbow coupling into the drain tubing on the bucket farthest from the storage bin and insert a tee coupling into the drain tubing on the other two buckets. Cut lengths of 1/2-inch irrigation tubing to connect the elbow and tee couplings to form a continuous drain line. Cut an additional length of 1/2-inch irrigation tubing to connect the bucket drain line to the drain fitting on the storage bin.

Cut a length of 1/2-inch irrigation tubing long enough to stretch from the inside bottom of the storage bin to the elbow coupling on the irrigation manifold. Attach one end of the tubing to the submersible water pump and place the pump in the bottom of the bin. Cut or drill holes in the lid of the bin for the pump plug and the tubing. Connect the tubing to the manifold and plug the pump into the timer.