has anyone try using TuffStuff aquatic containers to set up SIP like bill? 

http://www.amazon.com/Tuff-Stuff-Products-KMB103-25-Gallon/dp/B000HHLWDK/ref=pd_sim_sbs_lg_5

i think few trees do deserve better home and thinking about going about what bill's doing. 

looks great.  The larger 37gal is cheaper!  The rubbermaid stock tanks are also very well thought of by those of us in the aquarium hobby.  http://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-Commercial-FG424400BLA-Structural-Capacity/dp/B00GVJWB6K/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1389019225&sr=8-5&keywords=rubbermaid+stock

Have never used the LDPE containers because they are a bit floppy(soft) sided. The best size, material and price that I've found are 70 QT. "Muck Buckets". Available from Tractor Supply. They are #2 HDPE and available in multiple colors with wood grained sides for under $16.00. There is also a Hand cart available for $65.00 from Tractor Supply. They are the same size as the less expensive 70 qt, 74qt and 17 gallon plastic buckets but they are made for outdoor use.
BTW, I'm constructing my larger SIPs from 30 Gallon #2 HDPE Barrels. 
  
 

my ideal size would be 20-25 gal of soil space, and about bottom 1/3 for the water reservoir. can't seem to find something that looks good and will last about 10 yrs. any idea what bill uses? 

Bill uses smart barrels like in this link but he gets them without the steel bands- http://www.smartwareproducts.com/recycled-garden-pots.html, if you search there forum there is some information on them. I have tried looking for them but they are relatively hard to find. 

http://figs4fun.com/bills_figs.html

Thanks Pete for the links, I haven't seen the value nest one before. Has anyone used the pots from Lowes? I am curious as to how long the last and how they hold up. 

i have been using one of those cheap tubs from lowes for last 3-4 yrs or so. they are holding up so far. but i want something little more decorative for the front of the house. i'm thinking about putting CdDB and CdDN on both side of the front door. that would be nice. picking figs for snack on the way into the house. 

Pete,
It sounds like you need one of these inserts that can be placed inside any Decorative Planter.

		STEP ONE: Place approximately 2” - 3” of gravel at the bottom of your decorative planter to prevent soil from entering gravel area. Place filter cloth over gravel if desired but not necessary. STEP TWO: Place soil over gravel then place GAI reservoir onto the soil base. STEP THREE: Insert 1-1/4” Fill Tube into GAI reservoir fill unit, trim to a height of 1/2” to 1” above top of decorative planter. STEP FOUR: Place formulated Eco SoilTM into planter to desired level - tamp down, do not pack. STEP FIVE: Place plants into planter and add Eco SoilTM around plants. STEP SIX: Water soil thoroughly and add water into fill tube until GAI Sub Irrigation is full. STEP SEVEN: Use GAI dipstick to determine when tank is full. Replenish water in tank as required to moisture level.

They are distributed by Garden Art Int. who also distribute decorative Planters
http://www.jardiniercorp.com/Reservoirs.html
http://www.jardiniercorp.com/planters-1

If you look around a farm supply stores they usually carry animal feed or water troughs, reservoirs.  You should be able to find some with the structure you're after, they may be wider and shallower than a pot but wider pots don't blow over as easily as well or stay as soggy on the bottom.

I wrote to Bill about this containers a year or so ago and here is his reply: "The containers hold 3.4 cu ft, they are 23 by 17.  You can buy them from me, the price with the growing system is $75.  I get them from the manufacturer, if you want to go that route you will have to purchase 80 of them, or two pallets."

I calculate that they hold around 25 gallons.  I wonder if you get a pallet whether you can get them without the metal rings and thus they would be cheaper?  I didn't see this option on the smartwareproducts website.

Sump Basin from Home depot........

 

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Flotec-18-in-x-22-in-Sump-Pump-Basin-FPW7 3-19/100112069#

Hi Everyone,
As a huge admirer of Bill's Figs and as an owner of 3 of his pots I can say that even at $75.00 its not a bad deal. The great links that Pete provided show that the pots alone at $53.00 is about as cheap as Ive seen them. However, Bill supplies the cut PVC tubes, the wire mesh, burlap, black plastic bungee, fertilizer, lime and a pot full of his mushroom compost. It is all ready to go. I don't think that is an unfair profit for all that he supplies plus you are supporting a great "fig pioneer" in the process. 
Of course this is a pick up only and this is no help if you don't live in the area. 
By the way, we all discuss our favorite mixes for the SIP's and Bill uses 100% mushroom compost. Hard to argue against this with the amazing results he (and I ) get.
Trying to keep warm
Coop