well, now I'm looking at the jar set up, and realize this isn't going to work well for fermenting veggies. the openings of my jars (jugs actually) are way too small. good for fermenting liquids, but not food. aghh...sorry, I didn't even think of that earlier, I was too excited at the prospect of home culture...
my jars are like small wine jugs, and the air lock fits right in, like a plug. it fits either a gallon jug or 1/2 gallon. but this won't work easily. I'll use it for now since I have it, your set up is better though.