As a novice to hydroponics I thought a small, less expensive kit would be a good place to start. Perhaps, but this was the wrong starting point. Kit I purchased relies on aeration alone to get water and nutrients to the seedlings. No drip irrigation was included. Now I know you really need that. Clay pebbles were too large to cover the seedling w/o damage and did not absorb water. Pump was very noisy and the drain worked until you attempted to lower it into a position to drain the water, at which point it leaked. Can not recommend this product.