What kind of material are you suggesting for lifting the plants? I'm in the southwest usa so stopping by would be difficult.

I do plan to use fittings that sit below the bottom of the pan for complete drainage. Plus, the pans will be slightly tilted (one degree or so). I definitely don't want any standing water in there.

I'm not going to flood them all at once. I'll flood them one at a time.

You made trays? What did you make them out of? You buy trays now? Do the old ones wear out fast?