How to Build a Dutch Bucket Hydroponic System - Dutch Bucket Hydroponics

Dutch bucket hydroponics is a great way to grow large and long-term plants. In this video, I'll show you step-by-step how to build a dutch bucket system.

This system can be used both indoors and outdoors. If you plan to use the system outdoors, it works best in a greenhouse or in an area where rain can’t easily contaminate the system.

If you'd like to know how dutch bucket systems work, scroll down for a brief explanation.

NOTE: In the video, I refer to using 1/2" rubber grommets. I should have said 3/4" inner diameter rubber grommets commonly used for 1/2" PVC pipe. The link below to the grommets are the correct size for this build. If you're buying grommets from another source, you'll want to use 3/4" inner diameter rubber grommets.

🌎 Happy Hydro Farm Website 🌍
https://happyhydrofarm.com

📖 VIDEO CHAPTERS 📖
00:34 Measurements & Dimensions
01:01 How to Build a Dutch Bucket Stand
01:49 Pipe Clamps
02:08 Dutch Bucket Drain Assembly
03:06 How to Straighten Irrigation Tubing
03:34 How to Install the Feed Line
03:44 How to Make Dutch Buckets
04:38 Painting the Reservoir Lid
04:57 Fitting Feed & Drain Lines to the Reservoir
05:30 Pump Selection
05:49 How to Make Drip Lines
06:04 Adding Drip Lines
06:35 Installing the Aerator
07:02 System Test
07:35 Adding Media
08:08 Adding Bucket Lids
08:34 How Dutch Bucket Hydroponics Works
10:12 Bucket Colors

📃 MATERIAL LISTS 📃
I've broken down the material list into separate sections to make it easier to find specific things. This is simply a list of what I used, feel free to change/adjust to fit your needs!
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

🪑 STAND MATERIALS 🪑
2"x4"x8' Pine Board - Qty: 3
2" Wood Screw - Qty: 36
3" Wood Screw - Qty: 4 (optional)

🌊 DRAIN MATERIALS 🌊
1-1/2" Rigid One Hole Conduit Strap - Qty: 2
5' Section 1-1/2" PVC Pipe - Qty: 1
1-1/2" PVC Cap - Qty: 1
1-1/2" PVC Elbow - Qty: 1

🥙 FEED LINE MATERIALS 🥙
1/2" EMT One Hole Conduit Strap - Qty: 2
7' Section 1/2" Irrigation Tubing - Qty: 1
1/4" Irrigation Drip Tubing - Qty: 1 Small Roll
1/4" Irrigation Valve - Qty: 6
1/4" Irrigation Barb Fitting - Qty: 6
1/4" Adjustable Drip Nozzles - Qty: 6 (optional)
1/2" Irrigation End Cap - Qty: 1
1/2" x 1/2" Barbed Hose Adapter - Qty: 1

🌱 DUTCH BUCKET MATERIALS 🌱
5 Gal Bucket - Qty: 3
3/4" ID Rubber Grommet - Qty: 3 - https://amzn.to/33IQFHz (aff)
3/4" x 3/4" Barbed Elbow - Qty: 3
5' Section 3/4" PEX - Qty: 1

💨 Pumps & Accessories 💨
Active Aqua 250GPH Pump - Qty: 1 - https://amzn.to/3GzafVh (aff)
Active Aqua 15 l/min Aerator - Qty: 1 - https://amzn.to/33p5Jdw (aff)
Air Stones - https://amzn.to/3tuyZKn (aff)
Air Line Tubing - https://amzn.to/3FAFvSl (aff)

🛠 TOOLS USED 🛠
Miter Saw - https://amzn.to/327g7pI (aff)
Drill - https://amzn.to/3A63SX5 (aff)
Hole Saw Kit - https://amzn.to/33gZxV3 (aff)
Drill Bit Set - https://amzn.to/33FhD2w (aff)
Deburring Tool - https://amzn.to/324NpWl (aff)
PVC Pipe Shears - Kobalt Brand from Lowes is my favorite, or https://amzn.to/33h7Yja (aff)
Tubing Shears - https://amzn.to/3Fy275Z (aff)
Heat Gun - https://amzn.to/3IdqUy6 (aff)
Irrigation Tubing Hole Punch - Mister Landscaper All-in-One at Lowes

❓ How Dutch Bucket Hydroponics Works ❓
A Dutch bucket system is a simple recirculating drip irrigation system. A reservoir holds nutrient solution. Inside that reservoir is a pump that’s connected to an irrigation line. When the pump cycles it pushes nutrient solution up into drip or irrigation tubing that flows into the buckets.

The Dutch buckets have a drain positioned about 2” above the bottom of the bucket. When the water level reaches the drain, it flows into a drain pipe and recirculates back into the reservoir. That 2” drain position in the bucket maintains a small reserve of water in every bucket at all times.

Coarse media like perlite works well with this standing reserve of water since it won’t wick up large amounts of moisture. This reserve of water in each bucket also acts as a nice failsafe to keep plants healthy in case of a pump failure.