homestead.fyi / HYDRO-DWC6

6-Site Deep Water Tote

A 27 gal opaque tote with 6 net pot sites in the lid, an air pump and stone, on a 2x4 stand at waist height.

Draft plan, generated from the model. Not yet build-tested.
6Plant sites
27 galTote
30 1/2 x 21 inFootprint
about 22 galSolution
2.75 inHole saw
3 to 5 hrBuild time
~$229.84Materials, part estimate

Drawings All dimensions in inches

3D viewnet pots not shown
3D view
Lid, from abovehole centers
Lid, from above 30 1/2 in 21 in 12 3/4 in 2 1/2 in
Front elevation
Front elevation 30 1/2 in 44 7/8 in
Right elevation
Right elevation 21 in

Cut list: lumber Long-point lengths; angles noted

QtyStockLengthPartCut
12x433 1/2Stand rail fronton edge
12x433 1/2Stand rail backon edge
42x425 3/4Stand leg2x4 set on edge, or use the offcuts
12x421Stand rail lefton edge
12x421Stand rail righton edge

Cut list: sheet goods

PartStockSizeNote
Stand top3/4 ply33 1/2 x 24

Lumber cutting diagram Lengths chosen for the lowest cost; 1/8 in kerf, 1/2 in end trim

2x4 x 10 ft
Stand rail front 33 1/2Stand rail back 33 1/2Stand leg 1 25 3/4Stand leg 2 25 3/4
2x4 x 8 ft
Stand leg 3 25 3/4Stand leg 4 25 3/4Stand rail left 21Stand rail right 21

Sheet cutting diagrams Dashed = openings to cut out

Sheet 1: 3/4 in plywood, 4 x 8 ft
Stand top33 1/2 x 24

Shopping list $194.84 checked / $35.00 estimated

ItemStoreQtyEachLineNote
2x4x10 stud, SPFHome Depot1$5.46$5.46see lumber cutting diagram
2x4x8 stud, SPFHome Depot1$4.15$4.15see lumber cutting diagram
23/32 in (3/4 in) CDX plywood, 4x8 sheetLowe's1$46.57$46.57see sheet cutting diagrams
27 gal storage tote with lid (HDX, black and yellow)Home Depot1$8.98$8.98opaque, with lid
3 in net pots, 25 packAC Infinity or Garden Supply Guys1$16.99$16.996 used
2-3/4 in hole sawHome Depot1$22.00$22.00hole saw, reusable
Hydroponic nutrient: General Hydroponics Flora trio, 1 quart eachPremier Hydro Shop1$44.84$44.84
Clay pebbles, 4 L bagWalmart1$13.26$13.26clay pebbles around each pot
Black spray paint 12 oz (Rust-Oleum)Home Depot1$6.98$6.98only if the tote is not opaque
Dual-outlet aquarium air pumpAmazon1$17.64$17.64
4 in air stones, 2 packAmazon or a pet store1$6.00$6.002 pack, use 1
Airline tubing and check valves, 25 ftAmazon or a pet store1$7.00$7.00
Exterior wood screws #9 x 2.5 in, 5 lb boxHome Depot1$29.97$29.97
Total before tax~$229.84
Filled dot: price read from a store listing on Oct 20, 2026. Hollow dot: estimate. Prices come from the master price list, so they change when it changes.

Build steps

  1. Wash the tote and check it is opaque: hold it to a bright light. If any light comes through, paint the outside with two coats of black spray paint and let it dry.
  2. Mark the lid for 6 holes, measured from the front-left corner of the lid in inches as (across, back): (2 1/2, 2 1/2), (15 1/4, 2 1/2), (28, 2 1/2), (2 1/2, 18 1/2), (15 1/4, 18 1/2), (28, 18 1/2).
  3. Drill the holes with the 2.75 in hole saw, backed with a scrap board so the plastic does not crack, and sand the edges smooth.
  4. Build the stand: cut four legs and four rails from 2x4s, screw the rails to the legs and the 3/4 in plywood top to the rails every 8 in. The stand holds the tote at 30 in.
  5. Drill a 1/4 in hole in the lid at the back corner for the air line. Run the tubing through it, add a check valve outside the tote and a stone at the bottom.
  6. Set the pump higher than the water or leave the check valve in, so water cannot siphon back into the pump when it stops.
  7. Fill the tote to about 22 gal with water and add the nutrient to the label's seedling strength. Check pH and keep it between 5.5 and 6.5.
  8. Fill each net pot with clay pebbles, set a seedling started in rockwool in each and place the pots in the lid so the bottom of the cups touches the water.

Before you start