Summary

So Simple It's Almost Embarrassing

Back-Story... I made these ‘Dumb’ Water-Height indicators several years ago and used them until recently when I changed to Digital sensors, but...

There was something missing from the ‘ambience’ and when a friend said, “Hey, what happened to the Bobbing Straws? I like them”, I immediately realized ‘that’ was what I’m missing.

There’s something about the Straws Dynamically Bobbing around from the ‘pumped-in air’ agitation of water, yielding a Dynamically ‘Live’ performance. Roll one, light it, turn the music on and watch them dance!
(versus Static On/Off LED light).

So, the Bobbing Straws are Back!

Parts:
Guides for Two Drinking Straw diameters
Bucket-Lids differ: some are flat, some are sloped//curved. If wanting a Holder for the Guide, I have several designs - one may work for you. Message me and we'll figure it out as needed. I no longer bother with the Holders as I now use Flat bucket lids.

Setup:
The Straw-Guide has a Small Rib-Ring at top and bottom to keep the straw’s surface from dragging on an otherwise less smooth/friction surface.

I Drill two holes in bucket lid: One for Water/Nute Filling and one for the Straw-Guide.

Make two marks on the straw (with permanent marker or, insert a rolled-up piece of paper with markings).

Drill a Hole in the cork (about half depth so it can be glued/sealed on the straw). Can use Adhesive-Calk/Silicone/Shoe-Glue... etc. Seal the straw by putting a small 'dab' of the stuff in the end of the straw, then press the cork onto straw. Be sure the Cork is Sealed onto the Straw! The corks can be trimmed if desired. The top of the straw can be unsealed/open.

I like the Big diameter Red Straws. I also poke Pins through straw end so they stay on the Guides when I remove them. When I loose the Pins and replace them with cut-Toothpicks or cut-Pins...