Sept 20, 2021 - I just received the iDOO-20 pod system today and I’m offering some pics of unboxing and initial thoughts of the unit, and a some comparison to another model of same brand. As was stated in the website, this unit does not have pumps so it is a huge difference from the other iDOO models. My review is by no means reflective of the seller or distributor, but about the iDOO unit itself, including feedback for future consideration as a whole. I am not a professional gardener, so my insights are from my perspective as a user, and limited experience with the brand. I purchased this because I only have the 12-pod version (iDOO), and find limitations on the grow light height (considering I also planted some okra, peppers and tomatoes, together with herbs, leafy greens). The bigger unit attracted me to the pod capacity (extra 8 is useful), and the extendable grow light. I am hoping to transfer my taller plants later, that have outgrown the 12 pod unit, without changing mediums. I’d like to keep my plants indoors for the upcoming Fall/Winter season, working with limited space in my home.Pros:- Quick delivery by Amazon (3rd party door to door) without damage- the parts were very well cushioned and insulated, especially the LED light (even as the delivery guy tipped it over on the side and the box ended up partially open (as he was busy talking on his cell and not paying attention). The timer had a very small dent in the face which was so minor and pure cosmetics, probably from factory where it was made. Not a deal breaker). It works fine.- 4 separate tanks with 5 pod capacity, providing the ability to have varying levels of nutrients (depending plant type and level of growth, since they don’t all mature at the same time).- Option to group types of plants together (herbs, tomatoes, leafy greens, peppers, etc…; although there’s a chance of cross pollinating creating hybrids, but should be ok if hand pollinated indoors); Or basing the seed positioning on each tank gauging the space required at maturity.- Extendable poles accommodating plants growth (albeit should be handled with care due to aluminum and plastic components). Shorter plants might be more suited to leave in the 12 pod though, as they will be further from the grow light as it is raised to accommodate other growing plants.- the Unit looks really sharp and very presentable. Very much giftable.- larger pod capacity (20), with alternating pod placement (5 in each tray) compared to pods on same rows on the 12-pod (more room for leaves).- The Unit comes with ALMOST everything you need to get started apart from seeds & water, which you have to supply yourself, (Ex. sponges, baskets, domes, trays, grow light, nutrients, instruction manual).CONS:- Suggested Inclusions - It would have been nice if the unit came with spacers or hole covers like what was included in the 12-pod model (6 were included). As we are talking about taller plants, then we are also considering bigger/wider leaves. Covers for empty holes would have been needed if this was someone’s only iDOO unit. I have 6 from another model, but I could have used more for what I intend to plant. It would have been useful to have extra. I did see on one review where someone was using what looked like golf balls on those empty holes (very inventive!) but putting a type of band aid solution kind of kills the esthetics of “the look”. But ofcourse, it could work as a conversation starter….- Where to get Refills - I wouldn’t have known unless I didn’t get an answer to my inquiry to an Amazon supplier that this model and the 12-pod, have the same sized basket and sponge. It should be mentioned in the description for either the Unit or Refill. I have seen this question asked over and over again in reviews, but nobody has updated the sites. When you search the Amazon site for iDOO refills, it references IG numbers, it should also be mentioned that the refill for IG301 (12 pod) also works for the 20-pod version, to avoid customer confusion.- iDOO Refills (includes baskets???) - WWHHHYYY do iDOO refill kits have baskets (not even an option NOT to purchase???). They are made of plastic (not biodegradable), and can be washed and re-used for the next sponge. It’s not like people are so lazy they can’t remove the sponge from the plastic. The sponge cannot be reused without the roots being torn, but the plastic??? I consider this wasteful and of no value to a customer looking for refills. If there was a necessity, it would be the sponge and nutrients A & B. Instead of these plastic baskets included in the refill kit, why not include plant spacers or basket covers (like the other brands) to prevent algae? I understand the dome as they are a bit flimsy and can be cracked or misplaced. Help save “Mother Earth” by reducing plastic waste!!!iDOO Accessories (need to be made available with options for consumers) - Amazon/sellers / distributors/ iDOO warehouses (not sure who I should address) should consider selling other items separately and NOT in kits. Unavailable items such as: iDOO spacers, plant basket covers, bigger bottle of A &B Nutrients should be sold separately. There are loyal customers who will stick to the brand, provided that they are reasonably priced, and it exists for purchase, and made conveniently available in the Amazon site. People should be able to order as needed. We don’t all grow the same things, and we are all not so rough that we break the baskets constantly for replacement. The inclusion of baskets on refill kits are a huge turn off. How many baskets are we ever going to need for both 20 & 12 pod units (I own both)? Lets do the math. 12 baskets (incl. in 12 pod) + 12 (from refill kit) + 20 (incl. in 20-pod unit) = 44 pod baskets vs combined iDOO model of 22 plant capacity. Hypothetically, another iDOO refill kit for next year … I’ll own 56 iDOO baskets vs the same 22 holes. The 1st refill I ordered are still sealed in plastic. For $30+ dollars per order of refill kit, I should have the option to buy what I actually need and not be stuck with wasteful items. It encourages moving away from the brand or accepting knock offs as we look for better alternatives. Just food for thought for all vendors/ suppliers/ distributors/ manufacturer, whoever markets these items.NEUTRAL - I cannot add this under the “CONS” for fairness, as the 20-pod has been honestly identified as not having pumps. Although, just a constructive feedback, it would have been nice if there was a similar or upgraded model of the same size, for those willing to pay the extra price to have small pumps in each tank. I would have bought that instead, if it was an option available.The difference in price point of 20-pod vs 12-pod isn’t very big. It’s a matter of choosing what fits a person the best for what they are planning to grow indoors. (Ex: Herbs vs Leafy Greens vs Tomatoes & Peppers, or a mix?; Plant height, days to maturity, Veggie, flowers or fruits; etc..).All in All, from initial review and comparison of 2 iDOO models, I consider this 20-pod unit a good purchase for it’s capacity considering the price I paid. Future updates on my review once I actually start using it.Oct 23, 2021 - I’ve so far used 1 5-pod tray. Transferred some sprouted peppers (3) due to the 12 pod iDOO grow light couldn’t extend height any further. I kept all the peppers in the same grouping. It looks like the peppers had no problem adjusting. Just as an extra test, I added a Shishito pepper on new sponge just to test how fast it might sprout. With the varying maturity of each pepper, it does seem like they take up the nutrient mixed water faster judging by the level of the liquid, and the may be taking “nutes” away from the new seed. Also could be my fault for not paying attention to the water level. In any case the mini bell have produced it’s first fruit, and Thai pepper have started to flower. There’s no stress to the plants at all using this “kratky” type hydroponics so far. No complaints so far.Feb 28, 2022 - updated picture of the unit s of today. I did add a small pump going into each of the 4 tanks just because I feel it will mix up the “nutes” better when topping up the water. I have varying peppers and have been successful in pollinating indoors so far. I did notice some flowers fell off which i found was normal, considering it’s out of season. I haven’t been pruning them like I should, but it’s starting to get taller than the highest extension of the grow light. Oh well :)Jun 2022 - I uprooted my hydroponics peppers to soil. As each pepper got taller, and me not pruning them, it got harder to refresh the water and nutrients, as if felt awkward doing it in the sink. The weather has warmed up a bit so I am no longer restricted and can plant in my outdoor garden or use my outdoor greenhouse. After having done some trials through the long winter, fall and spring, this will be my default during colder seasons when I get the bug to grow things. I have to say, I still enjoy planting in dirt during the summer and watching my veggies grow. This unit is a good choice to move to for plants that have outgrown my 12 pod Idoo unit as I wait for warmer weather. If not for the lack of drain/plug at the back I would give if 5 stars.