Dutch Buckets is considered one of the most common, and the Hydroponic setup used for this type is also known as "Bato buckets or Top Drip". While the system could be applied to grow plants in-doors, it is more frequently related with outdoor commercial use. Inside huge greenhouses, the top drip arrangement is planned with feeder lines and a base reservoir. Periodically, a pump forces the solution upwards through small tubing that trickles out from each plant.

Included with the bucket are two small siphon elbows, to be installed in the bottom of the bucket. These elbows keep a small reservoir of nutrient in the bottom of the bucket, about 2 inches in depth. This nutrient reservoir keeps the growing media from drying out and prevents water stress on the plant between irrigation cycles.