DIY ebb & flow

I'm currently planning to build a flood and drain system. two questions.

How small of pots can I use, would 3 gallon be enough or can one large 9 gallon tray be used? only looking to grow 6-9 plants at a time.

if pots are used do i need two separate lines in each pot for supply and return or can i get away with one?

I am moving from 2 5 gallon top drip buckets to an ebb & flow specifically because I want to reduce veg time and have more smaller plants (I have a 2x4 tent with a 600W cool tube). I chose this tub as my base which will have 6x6" net pots with the entire tub filled with hydroton.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Plasgad-Black-Large-Concrete-Mixing-Tub-887102C/205451585?N=5yc1vZaq89

From a size standpoint, the tub is about the perfect size for 6 net pots. I don't think I would want to put any more plants, or use any smaller of a tub for 6 plants. I will use the same res I use today for my bucket setup, which is 19gallons total, but will likely only hold 5-10 gallons. (it can hold more, I just hope not to need it.

hbbum said:

I am moving from 2 5 gallon top drip buckets to an ebb & flow specifically because I want to reduce veg time and have more smaller plants (I have a 2x4 tent with a 600W cool tube). I chose this tub as my base which will have 6x6" net pots with the entire tub filled with hydroton.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Plasgad-Black-Large-Concrete-Mixing-Tub-887102C/205451585?N=5yc1vZaq89

From a size standpoint, the tub is about the perfect size for 6 net pots. I don't think I would want to put any more plants, or use any smaller of a tub for 6 plants. I will use the same res I use today for my bucket setup, which is 19gallons total, but will likely only hold 5-10 gallons. (it can hold more, I just hope not to need it.

Click to expand...

I have 2 of these exact tubs over one 40gal roughneck tote. I prefer the large tote (res) so ppm stays more consistent over the week between changes. Also, I use 8in pots, 5 per tray, tired 6in they were a little crowded for my likes. make sure when you drill your holes for the F&D Bulkheads that you are far enough in from the slope on the edges. They work great no leaks so far 2 crops in. Also looked at the MacCourt Super Tubs as a tray but to many ridges and areas for pooling. Best of luck to you both

I am also putting together my first ebb & flow/flood and drain system using that same cement mixing container. I am following the instructions from this video.
Seems pretty simple. I'll be using 8" square pots that are 10" tall (2 gal?), just two inches taller than the flood container. Medium will be Hydroton, but probably starting seedlings in rooters or Jiffy pellets first. I think I will squeeze six pots in this first go round, but I'll see how quickly things veg before making a final decision on how many to flower in each container. The plan is to have a couple of these DIY setups running a little perpetual harvest garden. This is a complete reset in my garden, starting from scratch again. Good look to all!