Take a 3.5 gallon plastic bucket. Drill a huge number of holes in the bottom. Nest inside a 5 gallon bucket. rig plumbing however you like.
I used something like this:
GENERAL HYDROPONICS: PowerGrower
But based on the 3.5 inside a 5 gallon pail. Instead of an air lift it used a small fountain pump. It was terrific, low maintenance and grew the plants at light speed.
Someday I am getting one of these:
GENERAL HYDROPONICS: MegaFarm
And putting a Saba in it. I feller can dream can't he?
Keith