Grow Mediums Help to understand a basic rdwc

[BobbyGrow]

Hi everyone,

I wanted some advice on a rdwc setup. I wanted to do it diy to save money and it doesn't seem to be a huge job. I was looking at a lot of different setups and the one thing im trying to understand is the recirculation.

Now, am I correct to say, the reservoir simply holds solution and is elevated, which leads to the controller. The controller is self leveling, has an airstone in it, and a water pump at the BOTTOM which pumps water AROUND the BOTTOM of all the buckets?

So basically the grow buckets consist of a water inlet and outlet on the bottom, and an air hose connected to an airstone in the bottom?

I ask because in say the Alien RDWC they have a recirculation system with a massive tube on top and bottom of the grow buckets, I assume this just pushes water through at different levels rather then the bottom.

Wow, is this making sense.. I think im over thinking it. Just want to wrap my head around it before I go buy stuff.

Should I just do DWC or is recirculating with a res and controller a huge benefit?

Thanks! :Sharing One:

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[BobbyGrow]

Or like this. Water circulates outwards then last buckets at the end in.

 

[DWCocha]

Hi Bobby :Sharing One:sure someone who knows about RDWC will look in soon ... the difference from DWC is with every bucket connected & every plant sharing the same nutes ,they need to be all the same strain & hopefully a stable one so you get even growth in all the buckets .

With DWC you can grow any strain in each bucket & get complete control over each one ....with that comes a lot more hands on work though ,but you get an idea of what system does what & if your after a few plants of the same strain RDWC would be better ....but if your new to DWC then maybe one bucket to learn how it all works before committing to a big & expensive set up that uses a lot of water & nutes is an idea ?

good luck

 

[BobbyGrow]

Saved my butt. Didn't event think of that. I was gonna run 4 strains. So autonomus dwc buckets it is. Thanks!

In my head I figure aeration is key so I see a lot of different pumps. Marina make cheap ones they sell everywhere, the GH dual diaghram one intrigues me. Not only is it stronger (Strong enough?) it has 4 adjustable outlets.

 

[DWCocha]

Saved my butt. Didn't event think of that. I was gonna run 4 strains. So autonomus dwc buckets it is. Thanks!

In my head I figure aeration is key so I see a lot of different pumps. Marina make cheap ones they sell everywhere, the GH dual diaghram one intrigues me. Not only is it stronger (Strong enough?) it has 4 adjustable outlets.

Air pumps are one of the most important & often overlooked bits of kit Bob :Sharing One:the bigger the pump & better quality air stones the better :thumbs:

If your a new DWC grower 4 buckets will fry your brain dude ! ...one will be hard work but you will learn so much more from it getting your full & undivided attention !....its the most hands on system you can grow with ,you need to be in the grow room 2-4 times a day ...able to change a res at the drop of a hat if you stop a problem ect ect ! ...I have been growing DWC for just over 2 years & any more than two plants is a lot of full time work in the later stages .

good luck man

 

[BobbyGrow]

Haha wow ok. Ill slow it down. Let me re think this then and chew on this info ive been given. Everything your saying is making sense. Especially when dealing with a 60-80 day time frame. Hmmmm. I want to do this right. Probably already saved me a few plants and lost time.

 

[Grow_KING]

My only advice is if your new to autos and haven't done dwc before, do one bucket and master it before you move on to bigger and better things. I've killed many good genetics trying 4 at a time when I first gave it a whirl, like DWCocha stated it is a whole lot of work staying on top of one let alone 4-6 pretty girls.. And he def knows his dwc bro.

If it were me I'd get a 15-18 litre airpot and do one bucket side by side..

i like my autos and photos in soil, longer and not as explosive growth but better taste and a hell of a lot more forgiving for my tastes and laziness.

Happy growing!

-GK

 

[BobbyGrow]

That's a good idea, ill do a side by side. Soil and hydro. My nutes are good for both. (Technaflora recipe for success) Got a good list going here!

 

[auto_mate]

I agree and disagree with the comments on here. Yes 1 bucket u may grow 1 good plant but in terms of learning and trying different tips people are giving u sometimes more is better. Also with more buckets u develop good habits.

I started 6 on my first attempt, 3 ended up going to a friend coz they were small and crap and out of the other 3 , 1 turned out to be a photo and the other 2 ended up okay.

I know if i only grew 1 i wouldnt have ended up with the knowledge i now have, that being said i had ALOT of spare time to learn.

Once u get your technique right the number of buckets u have will depend on your space limitations and time limitations.

Good luck bro and check my thread for tones of great advice from the afn community

 

[TxOld Dude]

Here's the one I use from Amazon. Excellent price too! Can't beat it for $100. Comes with everything you need to start (except hydroton).

http://www.amazon.com/Culture-Hydro...TF8&qid=1398686791&sr=8-2&keywords=dwc+system



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