Need help finding a 2' x 4' tray

The only ones on-line I've been able to find are $50 minimum, and I was wondering if anyone could point me in the direction of a cheaper source. I need 3 trays and I'd like to keep it under $100 if possible.

Thanks for any assistance.

What are you calling a tray ? You could use rubbermaid containers, or get a sheet of plywood and make an edging around it. Depends on what you are trying to do.

yeah like i keep my clone trays in a boot tray (lowes 10$) for the floor so i can move them and cleanliness ..
High Tech Garden Supply

Boot Trays buy from Gardener's Supply

its one idea.

Thanks for responses. I'm looking to use 2 trays in an ebb and flow system and 1 in a drip irrigation system. I have everything else that I need, and I'm using a masonry tub at the moment, but I know that there are "flood trays" that are better suited for growing.

Hope that helps you help me.

Just go with rubbermaid containers and buy some Ebb and Flow fittings from the Hydro Store. Replace the rubbermaid container on bottom bout every year because they do split.

I seem to think there is a stigma in using clear trays. Am I right about that, or is there a way to get around using a clear tray- i.e. painting or covering in foil?

LibertarianGardner said:

I seem to think there is a stigma in using clear trays. Am I right about that, or is there a way to get around using a clear tray- i.e. painting or covering in foil?

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ive been told clear things can promote algae growth because the light can get to the water.. but that may only be in ur reservoir.. but painting the outside black or w/e would prolly work.

You are correct, if you let too much light get in the reservoir you will have an algae bloom. You could wrap a blanket around the outside or anything just to keep the light out, I believe most rubbermaids come in solid colors. After you find the rubbermaid row just start grabbing until you find one that fits in another the size you want and you are set. Getting paint to stick to plastic can be tricky, so be careful.

If you will buy Rubbermaid "Tuff" plastics, you will do better and they don't split as often. Speaking of splitting - If you will build a wooden tray that hugs the bottom and doesn't let it expand as much, the splitting will be minimized.

'nudder tip 4U - That really thick spray-on undercoating or truck bedliner spray is the best answer i have found for keeping the light out and it will also make the tray or tub stronger and last longer.

Any certain brand or name you recommend on the undercoating bed liner spray ?

LibertarianGardner said:

I seem to think there is a stigma in using clear trays. Am I right about that, or is there a way to get around using a clear tray- i.e. painting or covering in foil?

Click to expand...

I have checked out several different options and have built my own flood and drain tables using pond liner and mats. Now I build the tables and buy the trays. There is not anyway you could engineer the drainage of those trays for less. Period. About $70.00 for the size your asking about. None of the plastic containers will match its performance. You can save money by buying the plastic containors for your reses and stabilizing them compared to the ones the hydro shops sell. I posted how I did this in my blues thread if you want to take a look. VV

I in the mortar tray club. I sue a 18 gallon roughneck with the tray just sittong in the place of the lid. I in rockwool so res handling easier for that. Cant wait till i get a 3x3 or a 4x4 real tray. American trays use to worry me about ther 4 inch depth. But i got 4 inch cubes and that not a prob. The biotanicare ones are the best. They a little more expensive but they rock. I shop ninstop for trays till payday lol and youll find 3x3 trays are all overpriced. It irritating. 2x4 is cheap tho so is 4x4 lol