Can’t seem to find 1.5 liter Nestle bottles anywhere. Going rogue and trying to find *gasp* new containers.

So I purchased a 3.0 kit from windowfarms.org. I guess I’m not a 100% DIYer in that I also purchased the pre-cut bottles. I’m wondering if anyone could provide me some insight into the airlift system. I have had a very difficult time getting the airlift to work with the materials provided in the kit. Specifically, the airlift just seems very sensitive. For example the air pump has to be at the right setting or the tube to airlift the water has to be in the right position or the water level in the reservoir bottle has to be at the right place, otherwise the air will bubble out of the tube and into the water reservoir bottle or the water will just not reach the top bottle creating a continuous system. I have also tried using a coffee straw attached to the bulkhead by a Seattle based community member which did not work for me. I guess I’m just a bit frustrated and looking for some advice. Any help is greatly appreciated.