Expensive Tray or Custom Table?

[Billj500]

I'm about to do my first REAL hydro grow room using an ebb and flow flood system. I'll be using 5x1000 watts on 5 tables. I'm wondering if I should spring for the $185 fancy trays at the grow store or if I should just build a custom wood table with 6-8" walls on the sides lined with pond liner as my friend suggested. Building the custom tables could potentially save hundreds but I'm a bit concerned about irrigation. Will all the nutrient water drain properly? What are some steps I could take to ensure proper irrigation? Thanks in advance to all you veteran growers.

 

[-=4:20=-Guy]

I used shitty homemade trays for years but they just aren't for the scale you intend.

However I have seen some VERY good homemade runner type systems that can be whatever size you chose. like this

 

[Billj500]

I used shitty homemade trays for years but they just aren't for the scale you intend.

However I have seen some VERY good homemade runner type systems that can be whatever size you chose. like this

Thanks for the reply, but I've actually decided to go with a hempy bucket system for my first grow. But if I ever do ebb and flow in the future I will consruct a table and line it with pond liner. And I will construct a wooden reservoir with pond liner below the table like this guy: https://www.rollitup.org/grow-journals/101199-400-plant-sog-5.html
This is a WAY bigger scale than I will be up to for quite some time! Looks like a great table/rez setup and easy to build for cheap compared to a store bought system.

 

[-=4:20=-Guy]

Ya defiantly for two 5'x5' trays you will be fine doing it yourself like that.