Crop Box Tub Black Solid Base — Stackable Hydroponic Reservoir for DWC, Mixing & Storage
TGG-CB-BLKSLD-23L
Pairs well with
The black solid base crop box is the foundation of every modular hydro build. Stack a grated base on top and you've got a working DWC system. Fill it with nutes and it's a mixing tank. Pop a lid on and it's sealed storage. Same 58 × 41cm footprint across all three sizes — 23L for shallow propagation, 45L for standard grow runs, 65L for serious root mass and longer top-up intervals between feeds.
Specifications
Which Size Should You Pick?
All three share the same 58 × 41cm footprint — the only thing changing is depth. The 23L (12cm) is the shallow option for propagation, seedling trays, harvest sorting, or low-profile builds where headroom is tight. The 45L (20.5cm) is the workhorse — deep enough for serious DWC root mass without taking up vertical space. The 65L (31cm) holds nearly three times the volume of the 23L, ideal for larger plants, longer top-up intervals, or running ebb-and-flow systems with multiple drain cycles between fills.
- Match the litre rating of your solid base to the grated base on top — same size means same footprint and clean pairing.
- Use the 23L as a propagation reservoir, harvest sorting tray, or shallow mixing tub.
- The 45L is the sweet spot for DWC builds running 4-8 plant sites.
- Pick the 65L for larger plants — bigger reservoir means fewer top-ups and more stable EC and pH over the week.
- Drill a bulkhead fitting into the side wall to add overflow, drain, or recirculation plumbing for ebb-and-flow systems.
How To Set It Up As A DWC Reservoir
Pairs Well With
The matching grated tub that sits on top. Holds your growing medium while roots reach down into the nutrient bath below.
Crop Box Propagation LidPre-drilled lid that turns your solid base into a standalone clone station. Drop in net pots and you've got an instant DWC propagator.
Crop Box Standard LidSolid lid for sealing the tub in storage or transit. Keeps dust, pests, and light out of mixed nutrient batches between feeds.
Air Pumps & Air StonesOxygenate the reservoir so roots stay healthy and the nutrient bath doesn't go stagnant. Essential for DWC.
pH & EC MetersKeep tabs on your reservoir's pH and nutrient strength. Non-negotiable kit for any serious hydro setup.
Water Heaters & ControllersHold your reservoir at 18-22°C for max root uptake and to dodge cold-water stress through Tasmanian winters.
FAQ
Can I use the solid base tub on its own?
Yes. It works as a nutrient mixing tank, soil-prep tub, compost tea brewer, harvest sorting tray, or general-purpose storage tub. Pop a standard lid on top and you've got a sealed container ready for transit or off-season packdown.
What's the difference between the solid and grated base versions?
The solid base holds water — it's the reservoir or mixing tub. The grated base drains freely and sits on top of the solid tub, letting roots reach down into the water below while keeping the growing medium contained above. Always pair a grated tub with a solid base underneath for a working DWC system.
Which size should I choose — 23L, 45L, or 65L?
Go 23L for propagation, seed trays, or low-profile builds. Go 45L for standard DWC and ebb-and-flow grow runs — it's the workhorse size. Go 65L for larger plants, longer top-up intervals, or recirculating systems with multiple plant sites.
Can I use it indoors and outdoors?
Yes. The UV-stable plastic handles direct sun, heat, and humidity without warping or cracking, so it's just as happy in a grow tent as it is on a patio or in a greenhouse.
Is the plastic safe to hold nutrient solution?
Yes. It's food-grade plastic, so it won't leach contaminants into your nutrient mix and is safe for crops intended for human consumption.
Can I drill it for ebb-and-flow plumbing?
Yes. The plastic is easy to drill for bulkhead fittings, overflow plumbing, or drain pipes. Use a step bit or hole saw for clean holes, then seal with a rubber-gasketed bulkhead fitting to keep it watertight.
Can I stack two solid tubs on top of each other?
Yes. The matching footprint means they nest cleanly for storage when not in use — handy for off-season packdown or stacking spare reservoirs in the corner of the shed.
Select Size
Build Your DWC Reservoir Today
Three depths, one footprint. Pair with a grated base for a full DWC system, or run standalone as a mixing tub. Free shipping over $499*.