How to Build a Hydroponic Top Drip System for Tomatoes

Cut two small "V" shapes at the top of one end of one of the bins. This opening will allow the tubing and power cord for the pump to pass out of the reservoir bin. Drill a 1-inch hole in the lid near one end. This hole is for the drain tube from the plant tray. Set the reservoir in a low spot with a shelf above it for the plant tray.

Drill a 5/8-inch hole in the bottom of the other bin. Slide both halves of the bulkhead fitting in the hole, one from each side, and secure it in place by screwing the pieces together. This will be the drain for your plant bin. Place the square of screen or furnace filter over the bulkhead fitting on the inside of the bin to act as a filter.

Slide a piece of the 5/8-inch hose over the outside of the bulkhead fitting. This will direct your used nutrient solution back into the reservoir for recycling.

Fill the bottom of the plant bin about one-quarter full of rocks. Add perlite or clay pellets, the growth medium, until the bin is filled to about 2 or 3 inches from the top. Set it on a shelf above the reservoir. Plant the tomato plants in the growth medium.

Attach 1/2-inch tubing to the output vent of the submersible pump. Place the pump in the reservoir. Run the tubing and the power cord from the pump out of the bin through the notches. Fill the bin at least half full of nutrient solution. Plug the pump into one of the timers and set it to run six times per day.

Connect the air line to the air pump. Connect the other end of the air line to the air stone. Place the air stone in the reservoir to oxygenate the water. Plug it into one of the timers and set the timer to go on six times per day, starting about five minutes before the pump each time. Put the lid on the bin.

Run the 5/8-inch tube on the bottom of the plant bin into the hole in the reservoir lid so the overflow will drain from the plant bin into the reservoir bin.

Make a loop of 1/2-inch tubing. Use the "T" piece to hold the loop together. Heat the nail carefully, holding it with the pliers, and poke small holes all the way around the loop to create drip openings. Lay the loop in the plant bin around the tomato plants. Connect the hose from the pump to the open end of the "T." Plug in the timers and the system is complete.