The first was a drip system which the first tomato pic in post 1 is using:
Following the success of this drip, I made some modifications to prevent some of the algae buildup, such as covering the clear tubes with tape/paint, and making sure I put covers over the hydroton clay pellets.
The next system I found online, I'll have to find the link to credit the author, but here is a photo of the building of the "11-pack" as I called it. http://www.treehugger.com/files/2005/05/hydroponics_onl.php is the closest I could find to the original author, so if you find the original link, please reply/post it for me here. Using leftover 2 liter soda bottles, some pvc, a pump and a rubbermaid tub, it worked like clockwork, and add a timer and you're all set. This unit is still working, and its modular in a way that the cups and holders just get cleaned and replaced when they wear down.
This unit just needs some regular bleaching/cleaning between crops, and occasionally the roots will grow down into the tubes and a coathanger is required to snake them out. Low maintenance and I intend on making another one this spring for outdoors. Hot peppers and tomatoes have lived together in harmony in this hydro system. I used general hydroponics powdered nutrients and had very good results with them. The regular rainwater-ph adjustment was the only other issue I had since the covers on the plant bases were not that good. Just something to improve this year with some light "sheet plastic".
I will post more pictures of my past and current crops in the days ahead. Drop me a note if you have any questions.
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