A coat of the new white spray paint for plastic (Krylon | Krylon® Fusion for Plastic®) on the outside helps maintain low water temps in the bucket (and reflect light).

I drill a hole (1") in the base, and use spigots from home brewing (beer) buckets, attached to a hose, for EZ draining (see spigots: NORTHERN BREWER: Fermenters and Accessories). Rigged-up irrigation valves never held a seal, and leaked for me. These things are the right tool for the job.
Goat Reviewed by Goat on . Building a Rubbermaid Hydro Bubbler Unit - Cheap and Effective Okay gang, here is a quick instructional thread on how to build a home made bubbler. I have seen friends use store bought units that are similar (google for Emily??s Garden). If you wanna see the concept, check out Greg Green's book "The Cannabis Grow Bible" where this idea is discussed as well. Getting started - first the parts list: (1) 10-gallon Rubbermaid Roughneck storage bin (Lowes $5.50) (1) ½ inch I.D. clear vinyl flexible tubing, 12? length (Lowes $0.50) (1) ½ inch Rating: 5