I mostly use glass I get from the thrift store, because I like the way it looks better than plastic. I use some deli containers and larger tupperware containers, because I run out of glass. When I find more cheap buys for larger ones at thrift store, I replace with glass. Dollar store has quite a few different size glass cylinders that are a good size for
monopodials and smaller sympodials. Some of the bigger crawlers, I use a plastic clear punch bowl.
In glass, I only drill one hole. The purpose of two holes is in the event you water automatically that a piece of LECA doesn't block the hole. That's why Ray did the two-hole method, as his system at that time was automated and he was gone for periods of time. If you hand water, you'll know right away if a hole is blocked so you can push it back out of the way.
I always use one pot system, hole on side. Using net pot inside another does allow you to adjust the depth of reservoir, but after you get the hang of it in your particular climate as to where to drill the hole to control wicking/evaporation it isn't necessary. Much more time consuming in a two-pot system if you have very many orchids. Plants in S/H are extremely easy to repot, and I see the net pot inside a regular pot as also a waste of time and expense.
One of the keys to learning where to drill the hole (depth of reservoir) is height of the vessel and width of vessel. Taller and/or more evaporative surface = deeper reservoir. Can use non-wicking stone or glass on top layer, and it helps decrease evaporation.
Here's a way to drill glass
A way to drill holes in glass
---------- Post added at 10:35 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:32 AM ----------
You didn't ask, but I use HydroCrunch for my LECA, and buy the 50 liter 8mm bags. I like it because it floats. Second choice would be Hydroton, but I find the HydroCrunch to be cleaner upon arrival, and it doesn't float nearly as much.
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