A couple of threads on this topic to check out: http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/balcony/msg070017554910.html http://archive.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/history/topic/72934-1.html And here's an adapter for faucet to hose: http://www.amazon.com/Claber-Indoor-Faucet-Connector-8583/dp/B000BPFYG4/ref=pd_sim_hi_1 http://www.amazon.com/Plastair-SpringJet-50-Foot-Coiled-PUJ250B93OT/dp/B0000647GK/ref=pd_bxgy_hi_text_c And if these aren't quite right for your particular faucet or situation I feel pretty confident that the correct adapter and hose exists to make hooking it up easy. Afterall, you're not the first one to express this need. A visit with a knowledgable hardware store salesman will probably make it easier. Also might want to check out this and other 'balcony garden' blogs and chat with those who share your situation. There are some listed in my post near the top of the page. And try doing a search. Have fun with your 'sky garden'! Sometimes the limitations of such a small space can bring out a lot of creativity. The Japanese are experts at that.

Sorry, foax â thanks for trying, but IÂm not prepared to exchange my solid brass, Tim Taylor-approved, 3/4" quick-disconnects for anything less, especially as it took almost three months to locate a sufficient quantity. And there are other reasons: first, our home requires the maximum flow of water over a significant distance, and second, here in coastal Georgia, sand, heat indices exceeding 112º, and high levels of UV radiation make short work of anything that is or resembles plastic, meaning metal is the material of necessity for quick-disconnects. The Nelson company makes both plastic and metal QDs, but these are rarely if ever available in anything other than 1/2"- to 5/8". Moreover, a close examination of NelsonÂs male QD discloses that the water flow is squeezed to a fraction of the hose diameter, significantly reducing the flow rate (just the sort of thing I meant when I referred to "masterpieces of American engineering design"  IÂm perfectly capable of kinking my own hoses, thank you very much.) Judging from the appearance of the companyÂs new, all-metal hose repair fixtures, Nelson seems to be improving, but as itÂs almost the only game in town, clearly the companyÂs in no hurry. What IÂm actually looking for is guidance regarding suitably flexible, or suitably sized, washer or o-ring replacements for standard hose-end fittings, whether male or female, so that they will more easily accommodate the male quick disconnect. The usual black o-rings available in most garden sections are too thick, and the usual rust-red washers appear too "wide" (i.e., they have a too-small interior diameter), both circumstances which make pressing the male QD into its final position painfully difficult and frequently impossible. Maybe IÂve simply been too quick to dismiss the "If it doesnÂt fit, force it" concept. If anyoneÂs devised a black-powder stuffed squeeze machine; a rotating male QD with a ceramic-toothed muzzle; an in-line, water-operated, interior diameter extruder; or even a high pressure KY injector-expander, IÂm up for a demo. On the hose, of course. Regards, Walt

Just use normal wood decking —————————————————— (Wood cedar / treated) Pros Easier to repair -Can refinish to a different color at a later date -Has options for hidden fastener (camo is the name I think) -Stain or paint yourself/ contractor so no issues with finish -Cheaper than “composite” decking even if you decide to do cedar -Has a warranty Cons -Can rot, split, warp -Maintenance restaining or sealing —————————————————— (Composite decking “Ultradeck”) Pros -according to menards should not split crack or warp (seems like it does do this a lot though) -pre finished -Has a warranty Cons -Expensive -Often has issues with finish -Hard/ impossible to touch up if decking gets scratched or scraped -Often cracks splits warps (sometimes issue gets resolved) -Will fade (Color will fade in first month) which makes a replacement board look a different color down the road -Wood based composite up to 50% real wood —————————————————— Feel free to add any other pros or cons you think missed

Thanks everyone, That's great to know! It will save me alot of time. Its pretty unbelieveable how much "dust" those chickens can stir up in that coop. I usually run the fans constantly for at least 2-3 months each summer. Do you really think that filter wouldn't restrict air flow with that much dust and dander going into it? Also Ionized......at one point this summer, the fan made a huge weird sound and started really slowly. I bought another fan, but gave the old one a try again and it worked without the sound. I began wondering about the bearings. How would I go about lubricating that area? Is there a small hole somewhere in that round casing? What kind of oil and how much should I use? Thanks everyone for your replies. This will save me alot of trouble! I just love using a fairly inexpensive piece of equipment and taking care of it and making it last forever!