I need to build 20 of these things, and I want to build them to last, and perform. I am using 4 of them right now, and already had to replace the drain fittings. Some of the features I am wanting to implement are: Shut off valves on all intake and return lines. Quick Connect, or similar type fittings. A detachable 2x2 screen. A mechanism to be able to raise the plants in order to clean buckets, check roots etc... I would like to see people contribute ideas to create the ultimate buckets! I could sketch up a bucket and we can alter the drawing as needed.
Here is one i designed to use the new Drip-Caps. Works great. 28watt led, 16x16x48" grow tent. The root mass has gotten so unruly that it was growing into the pump so I removed it. Now it is just DWC. For compactness I designed it to be self contained. If you have a remote res feeding many Drip-Caps you will not have this problem.
Just make a spare bucket so you can swap the plant instead of having to have a buddy hold the lid. having QD fittings throughout will make service easier if you are going to scale up.