I'm in the same boat. I have an old better bottle I haven't used in years, I'm worried about using it. I'll clean it up with these suggestions.
*fingers crossed*
There are a lot of nice set ups on this thread. I'm saving up for a nicer set up at the moment, currently using the standard $75 basic set up.
I have to keep the wife aggro down. =\
It works so well I obsessed checking my fermenter because I didnt think the yeast was working. No krausen what so ever. Thankfully my hydrometer calmed me down.
I am in the same boat. I'm returning to brewing after a 5 year break. I don't trust my brew buckets either.
I have so far built a spunding valve to ferment in my corny kegs. I hope to brew here soon.
*fingers crossed*