Grow Mediums RDWC - BUILD. BULKHEADS QUESTION

[PoppyLon56]

I am wanting to build rdwc using 6 10 gallon tote for plants and 18 gallon tote for res.
i purchased at an action lots of 1/2" and 3/4" bulkheads. i was wondering if i could use the 1/2" for feed ande 3/4" for return. any advice or comments. thanks

 

[puggle6]

Hi @PoppyLon56

Probably need a bit more info, 10gal is pretty large. What are you running in the totes? Are they all going to run recirc on the same shared res? Yes I'm guessing.

You can step up or down to your hearts content to suit pumps and equipment so 1/2" or 3/4" fine especially if you are running large containers.

f6

 

[Muddy]

I would suggest using larger sizes for both feed and return. Current Culture uses 2 1/2" piping on their 8 gallon systems and 3" on their 13 gallon ones. Depending on what size pump you plan to use you may find that the smaller diamater piping won't be able to properly circulate the solution, and will likely back up in the first pot after the pump. I ran into this issue on my DIY veg system. When I first built it I used 3/4" piping and sure enough, it was backing up in the res. I redid it with 1 1/2" piping and problem solved.