1st Timer grinding on Platinum OG

12/18/21- Trying to complete Grow diary backwards from week 3 of Veg. Germination fairly typical 4 of 4 popped and appear to be off to a decent start DIY BUILD - I wish I could go into all the technical calculations and detailed planning........ but there was none. Really, I was fortunate, I had most of the materials around the house for the whole room build but I did purchase most of my plumbing. Tip #1 Be realistic about the cost. If you don't have stuff, it might get expensive. Take a gander at the pics and if you have any questions contact me direct or ask me here. I really did try to keep it simple with the idea that I might want to add two units. If you have the space, I do, you should consider having the reservoir on the outside of your tent/room. Mine also needs to be re-oriented in my room for better access to entire unit. Now when I used these containers+uniseal+2" PVC it really pushes the amount of air-gap between the net pot and the Nutrient solution as well as the (side intake) pump that I am using. NOTE: I think I will bite the bullet and used square containers next. I used Uniseals as my bulkheads, I don't know how, but they work perfect for me. Just in case, FLEX SHEILD paste is great is you have a small leak. The solid, mandolin type, were just too expensive. Tip #2 be as careful as possible when cutting holes, nice round holes with smooth edges. Caution... don't smooth edges too much, you will make the hole too big. I think that's about it. Now some materials: I started Vegetation with 15 gal. This covered media and did not leave a gap. 12 gal will leave a gap between the pot and it will also cover the distribution pipe in each container. (Close shave) -5 gal containers from Dollar General - I considered how ridged the top and sides were. (Hold pot/drill hole) and how much liquid it would hold. Did not consider gaps, elevations of pumps, and other details but I got lucky, and it worked. At least so far. Also, they already have perfect holes in the handles for the air lines. -2" PVC. I used sweeps for all 90 deg turns. -Garden hose for distribution from pump and sized up to 2" Also, sort of a 1/2 design to use inline pump and waterfall return to reservoir. -Little Giant pump (25 yrs old) 170 gal per hr. Most said it was too small but again, seems to work... at least for now. I have purchased vivosun pump as backup and to use in reservoir changes. -1 coat of flat black, final coat of chrome on all the containers. Oh, reservoir is and old garbage can I had. -Piece of a horse stall mat as reservoir top. -Left over reflective tape to cover green hose and light leaks. I kind of just put those pellets around pot to cover some of my light leaks. -Tip #3 Wonderful tip, I wish I remember to give credit. But the black folder clips for LST to pots work great. If you hook to just the top you can even remove to inspect roots. They are also slide able. As simple as it sounds that is basically it. I discovered, as I have with my grow, that there is no real right or wrong way. Whatever works for you. No mystery designs. I think that as long as it circulates water, keeps out light, and does not leak you are good to go! Again, I will try and answer any questions you might have (about this system). Oh, I almost forgot. I used one of the ActiveAqua pumps. 8 outlet manifolds. Obviously, it left me with 3 extras if you count reservoir. So, I just dropped extra air stones in other containers. Tip #4 make sure your reservoir stone is not in front of your pump it effects flow. Buy coke can size stones, nothing with suction cups (in my opinion), these are heavy as heck and sit wherever you place them. Tip #5 Have fun... take your time! Tip #6 While I consider myself a fair outdoor gardener and a fair handy person however, all of this indoor stuff is new to me. So please consider the source. I am learning every day. I have and will make plenty of mistakes. You will also. But maybe you can learn from mine and have some fun.