Hello everyone!
I am writing from Fredericton, Canada. I made my own airlift system about two weeks ago and am loving it! I don’t get very much light, but I find this is the best way to make the most of the sun I do get. Here are some photos (please check them out and tell me what you think!): http://www.flickr.com/photos/tiffanymaecampbell/sets/72157629875509681/
I have a couple suggestions:
1) I tried using the air needles, but it wasn’t pushing enough water up the tube- So I switched to a T valve instead, and it works perfect!
2) I realized that you have to continue to fill the reservoire full, otherwise it will be too low for the valve to work (it does lose water gradually, but doesn’t mention this in the instructions)
3) Instead of using duct tape or paint on the bottles, I wrapped fabric around the bottles to give it a nicer look (see photos). Also, if you use sock or something, you can fold it down to check on the roots!
4) For nutrients, I got some Alaska fish fertilizer, which I don’t really recommend unless you like a fishy smell in your home. I actually found that my plants were growing quite well without the nutrients, so if you’re on a money constraint you could probably go without.
5) I put green beans in the top, chili peppers in the middle, and dill on the bottom. The dill sprouted first, the chili is going the slowest, and at first I was nervous because the bean seeds weren’t moving at all but then all of a sudden they shot up and have been growing SO FAST

I also have a couple questions:
1) What other kinds of fertilizer are being used by others that may be a little milder? Does it still result in a slight residue in the tubing and in the cups? It seems like I should wash my veggies before eating them just in case..
2) Why do the instructions require a double air pump? We only used one of the two..

Thanks!