Basement Hydroponics
Resource Page
Tools, Gear & Guides I Personally Use and Recommend
Welcome to the Basement Hydroponics Resource Page—your go-to list for tools, supplies, and systems
I’ve tested, loved, and used in my own indoor garden.
Every item here is chosen with care to help you grow smarter, faster, and cleaner—right from your basement
(or spare room, garage, or closet).
Some of these links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to buy— at no extra
cost to you. I only recommend what I, or someone I respect, personally use and trust.
🌱 Beginner Kits & Starter Systems
1" Rockwool Grow Cubes, 4 Sheets of 200 Plugs
Perfect for starting seeds or clones.
Rockwool cubes provide a clean, inert medium to help roots develop fast.
Seed Starter Kit with Heat Mat and LED Lights
Includes everything you need to germinate and grow strong seedlings, even in cooler environments.
5-Gallon DWC Hydroponic System Kit (1-Bucket)
Great for single-plant grows or trying out hydroponics for the first time.
Simple setup with a built-in air pump to oxygenate your nutrient solution.
5-Gallon DWC Hydroponic System Kit (4-Bucket)
My go-to for fast-growing leafy greens and herbs.
This system supports multiple plants with independent buckets and easy water-level monitoring.
💡 Grow Lights I Use and Trust
Vivosun VS1000E Full Spectrum LED Grow Light
A powerful and efficient option for small grow spaces, this 100W LED grow light offers high photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) and low heat output, ensuring optimal plant growth.
Vivosun VS2000 Full Spectrum LED Grow Light
This 200W LED grow light provides full-spectrum lighting suitable for various plant growth stages, featuring adjustable light intensity to cater to different planting needs.
Vivosun VS4000 Full Spectrum LED Grow Light
Ideal for larger grow spaces, this 400W LED grow light delivers high PPFD and low heat, ensuring efficient and effective plant growth.
🧪 Nutrients, pH & EC Tools
Digital pH Meter, 3-in-1 TDS EC and Temperature Meter
Simplify your grow setup with this complete digital testing trio:
📏 Digital pH Meter: Fast, accurate readings with automatic temperature compensation (ATC) and an easy-to-read LCD display.
💧 3-in-1 TDS/EC Meter: Measures TDS, EC, and temperature with ATC, auto shut-off, and a durable titanium alloy probe.
🌱 3-in-1 Soil Tester: Instantly checks soil moisture, pH, and light levels—switch modes with one button for quick results.
Everything you need to monitor your grow environment in one convenient set.
Nutrients Base A & B Bundle
Liquid Fertilizer Supports Vegetative and Flowering Stage, 8oz
A complete two-part nutrient system that delivers essential macro and micronutrients for healthy plant growth. Formulated with Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, and Magnesium, it ensures your plants receive balanced nutrition—eliminating the risk of deficiencies at every stage.
***Depending on how many plants you're growing, these bottles will last quite a while since you only use between 1-14mL each per gallon of water.
pH Up & pH Down Kit, 1 Qt. Each
Quickly balance pH with powerful, concentrated formulas. Supports healthy growth, bigger yields, and better quality—essential for any grow setup.
***These will last a really long time. In our area, the water's pH is lower than 5.5, it's too acidic, so growers in my neck of the woods need to use pH Up to raise it to the optimal range.
In all the years I've been growing, I've only purchased two bottles of pH Up. I've never used the pH Down. (Other than to regulate the water when I put too much of the pH Up in. That can become like an annoying yo-yo effect very quickly).
🛠️ Grow Room Tools & Extras
5 Gallon DWC Hydroponic System Kits
Everything You Need to Start Growing (4 bucket kits come with 4 of each part)
This complete kit includes all the essentials to start your hydroponic
garden with 1 bucket:
1 × 5-Gallon Hydroponic Bucket
1 × 8-Inch Mesh Basket Lid
1 × Drip Irrigation Set
1 × Air Pump1 × Air Tubing
1 × Air Stone
1 × Pack of Clay Pebbles
1 × Visual Water Level Indicator
1 × Valve Connector
1 × Instruction Manual
Perfect for beginners and hobby growers alike—just add your plant and nutrients!
***You can absolutely build this kit yourself—I did it for my first setup!
I built a DIY 4-bucket system inside a grow tent, complete with air filtration, a fan, and a humidifier. The full build cost me around $500. (You can get started with the 1 Bucket Kit plus some accessories for under $100) I'll be sharing a detailed shopping list and step-by-step guide soon, so stay tuned!
Explore the full range of products at Vivosun with confidence.
While I haven’t personally used everything they offer, the products I've tried over the past seven years have consistently delivered great results with zero issues. I’ve also yet to hear any negative feedback from fellow growers. Whether you’re just getting started or running an advanced setup, Vivosun is a reliable, beginner-friendly brand you can trust.
I will review and compare other brands I know are trustworthy in the future.
💬 Got Questions?
I’m always happy to talk gear, troubleshoot issues, or help you find the right tools for your setup.
📧 Get in touch at [email protected]