Grow Mediums Hydro-newb help

[jremines]

Im just tossing around ideas and looking for experiences\opinions.

Im having trouble deciding between what kind of dwc to do.
I like the idea of a couple 4 site 20 gallon tubs,
but another idea i like are the bigger 8 site 5 gallon bucket set ups.
maybe I could run a couple buckets and a 20 gallon tub.
I have a 4x8 room with 8 ft ceilings to work in.
Im going to buy a 1000 watt hps\mh light for the space as well.

 

[Muddy]

You might want to consider an RDWC system instead. They are easier to maintain and only require res changes at 18 - 21 days intervals instead of weekly. I'm running an 8 site system using 8 gallon buckets. Just starting my 3rd grow and so far I'm very pleased with how it's working out. More info here: http://cch2o.com/

 

[pop22]

I'm with Muddy on this. If your going to grow multiple plants, RDWC is the only way to go. It makes controling PH, temp, and ec/ppms easier. Its pretty easy to build your own also if so inclined. My next system will be RDWC with four, 10 gallon round totes, with a 22 gallon control res. All you need to buld a system is pipe, Uniseals and a pump.

 

[jremines]

Holy crap, right when i think im getting close, i find out something new and different. Back to the drawing board. What size light do you use muddy? And how much room do you have?

 

[Muddy]

I've got about 7' x 12'. I'm running 6 FERO LEDs at 280 watts each for a total of 1,680 watts, which isn't quite enough. I'm about to add two 2 bulb T5HOs to each side for another 432 watts. Current Culture recommends two 1,000 watt HPS for this system but I didn't want to deal with the heat issues associated with HPS. I'm running a closed room with CO2, so my heat pump is able to keep the temps in check without any external venting and the associated loss of the CO2.

 

[jremines]

I looked online to get an idea of what you were talking about. I'm looking at more of a DIY project, than buying a RDWC for over 1000 dollars right now. What size pumps do you use for 8 sites and how many gal. is your res?

 

[Muddy]

These Current Culture systems don't use a res in the traditional sense. They have what is called an epicenter, which is another 8 gallon bucket with a large air manifold inside. In their pictures, it's the one at the end sitting by itself. Besides providing additional aeration, it's used to add nutrients, check pH, etc. Connected to the epicenter is a top off res which is used to replenish the system via a float valve. System level drops, the valve opens and automatically tops the system off. I'm using a 30 gallon drum for my top off res. These type systems are pretty easy to DIY. In fact, if I ever decide to add a second system, or expand the one I have, that's the route I will go. All the components are available through Current Culture or through other sources. Here's the specs on my system, showing the pump sizes. http://cch2o.com/products/hydroponic-systems/uc8xl/

 

[jremines]

Thanks really cool. I'm going to see how much the DIY version is to build. If i can afford it im going to build an 8 sight myself. You said that all they reccomend is 1000 watt for the set up?

 

[V10diesel]

I would consider 2 600w lights for a better spread and more efficient lighting. 8 pots in a 8x4 space is going to be cramped IMHO. The girls get huge in rdwc (10oz a plant), so Id go with the 4 bigger pots.

 

[pop22]

Thanks really cool. I'm going to see how much the DIY version is to build. If i can afford it im going to build an 8 sight myself. You said that all they reccomend is 1000 watt for the set up?

You should be able to build a good 8 site RDWC for less than $300