why a 30-gal "reservoir" costs 70$
 

Ron, I must ask.... Could you please tell me why a 30-gal "reservoir" costs 70$ from hydro-dealers!? That's crazy stuff! More important, what makes grow-trays worth 100's They're the most expensive part of most setups. Yes, I've seen your 11-plant garden........you're a good man.

Because they are made to last longer and are rated food grade. Forget um. I have never used anything but Rubber Maid containers. They come in all sizes and are cheap. For my commercial gardens I use 50 gallon barrels that cost me 10 bucks apiece.

You have to innovate like use rain gutters or pan-roof sections to grow in. I will be building some in the near future and posting pictures.

Where do you find the 50 gallon barrels for 10 bucks? The best I have found so far is 32 gallon trash cans for $10.00 at wal-mart.