no!my system is better,than an ebb and flow. sorry I took so long to answer your queastion,the blue tubes on the top, pump the nutrient to each bucket making a water fall effect and the pvc on the bottom keeps it coming back too the main res continiously.there is no need for airstones in each bucket I just put one airstone in the main res.your system will stay cleaner longer than the origanal waterfarm.and yes everything was purchesed at lowes.theres only 2 things you should get from hydro store.the 1/2 inch tubing and the bucket inserts.you want the dark tubing so no light is penetrating threw to start mold and its just as cheap in hydro store.you may find darker hose at lowes.you only need about 10' and if im not mistaken that plastic company I gave you might have the bucket inserts.it sounds like a lot of shit but its worth having a better system cheaper.way better.this system makes it so you dont habe to have airstones and foggers all those do is oxegenate your water, with this system every thing is constantly moving. now to set your water level build your pipes and tap your pvc too your buckets and then fill main res to the point of the individual bucket insert is touching.right to the bottom of the insert.then thats were you put your float in the main res. the float keeps things from over flowing and you know howe much nutrient to put inn. in the wfarm system your nutes just sit there never moving back to the res.Im trying to tell you everything,so forgive me if I miss something.and know problem ask away with questions,its easier this way dont get fustrated just think about it for a while ,just look at the pictures and ask questions that what we are here for.