• Home
  • Forums
  • Medical Cannabis Cultivation
  • General Indoor Growing
  • Hydroponics
  • Best DWC System And Why?

Best DWC System And Why?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Beachbumm
  • Start date Start date Aug 1, 2024
  • Tagged users Tagged users None

Best DWC System And Why?

Beachbumm Aug 1, 2024 41 Replies 21,682 Views
Page 1 of 3 · Replies 1–20 of 42
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
Next
1 of 3 Next Last

Beachbumm

Posts
1,231
Reactions
4,618
Joined
May 3, 2024
Points
263
Aug 1, 2024
#1
Can anyone recommend one of these two systems over the other, and why?

Or recommend a better system?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B09R1MX1K6/ref=ox_sc_act_image_3?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1


Amazon.com
 
Quote Reply
D

DillyTrying2Learn

Posts
228
Reactions
247
Joined
Jun 20, 2024
Points
43
Aug 1, 2024
#2
I would buy neither and just put together your own set up with buckets and an air pump for half the cost.
 
Reactions: voltage, budjamesbud, amneziaHaze and 4 others
Quote Reply

Beachbumm

Posts
1,231
Reactions
4,618
Joined
May 3, 2024
Points
263
Aug 2, 2024
#3
DillyTrying2Learn said:
I would buy neither and just put together your own set up with buckets and an air pump for half the cost.
Click to expand...
I understand that and did that back in the '80s when there was no such thing as pre-made hydro systems like this, but I'm not into doing that now

I'm asking for someone to explain the difference between DWC & RDWC and if & why one is preferable over the other?
 
Last edited: Aug 2, 2024
Quote Reply

jadins_journey

Supporter
Posts
2,584
Reactions
7,807
Joined
Oct 1, 2008
Points
263
Aug 2, 2024
#4
Beachbumm said:
I understand that and did that back in the '80s when there was no such thing as pre-made hydro systems like this, but I'm not into doing that now

I'm asking for someone to explain the difference between DWC & RDWC and if & why one is preferable over the other?
Click to expand...
DWC - Deep water culture
RDWC - Recirculating deep water culture

DWC - obviously, a bucket with an air stone
RDWC - same but all the buckets are connected with a supply and return pipe. Lot's of configurations out there but with DWC you feed each bucket. With RDWC you feed one bucket and that solution is pumped through all the other buckets.

For me I like to scrog, or train, my grows due to lack of heigth. DWC is impossible, really hard, to scrog really due to the fact you have to open to lid of the bucket. Hope this didn't cause any more confusion between the 2
 
Reactions: cpurola, MileHiGhost, SchwiftyGrower and 3 others
Quote Reply

Beachbumm

Posts
1,231
Reactions
4,618
Joined
May 3, 2024
Points
263
Aug 2, 2024
#5
jadins_journey said:
DWC - Deep water culture
RDWC - Recirculating deep water culture

DWC - obviously, a bucket with an air stone
RDWC - same but all the buckets are connected with a supply and return pipe. Lot's of configurations out there but with DWC you feed each bucket. With RDWC you feed one bucket and that solution is pumped through all the other buckets.

For me I like to scrog, or train, my grows due to lack of heigth. DWC is impossible, really hard, to scrog really due to the fact you have to open to lid of the bucket. Hope this didn't cause any more confusion between the 2
Click to expand...
No it answered several questions, thank you

I had a couple years of homemade dwc so I get the fundamentals but this was back in the mid 80s so I don't remember much, changed to flood tables cuz I had a lot of issues with DWC

Another question, if there's no water pump with the RDWC system how does the flow circulate from the reservoir bucket to the plant buckets?

Also when I do a weekly water change do I still change every individual bucket or can I change them all through the reservoir bucket?
Thanks in advance
 
Reactions: jadins_journey
Quote Reply

jadins_journey

Supporter
Posts
2,584
Reactions
7,807
Joined
Oct 1, 2008
Points
263
Aug 2, 2024
#6
Beachbumm said:
No it answered several questions, thank you

I had a couple years of homemade dwc so I get the fundamentals but this was back in the mid 80s so I don't remember much, changed to flood tables cuz I had a lot of issues with DWC

Another question, if there's no water pump with the RDWC system how does the flow circulate from the reservoir bucket to the plant buckets?

Also when I do a weekly water change do I still change every individual bucket or can I change them all through the reservoir bucket?
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Typically, a pump is used in rdwc. Not an absolute requirement but most systems utilize a pump

Water change, that's where I have an issue with RDWC. Folks typically top off these systems and not change completely. A float valve connected to a feed tank can run a system for several days. I personally am not a fan of topping off, I want an entire resv. change so I opted for flood/drain over RDWC.
 
Reactions: Bilber and Asmodeus
Quote Reply

Asmodeus

Posts
667
Reactions
2,809
Joined
Jan 28, 2024
Points
243
Aug 2, 2024
#7
My only hydro experience is with the grow ace aircube set up so I cant compare, but this system is pretty awesome. A couple points I love about it, its simplicity. You set the timer for how long you want to flood and its pretty much maintenance free. I don't drain it, ever. When it gets low you simply top it off with more solution. I have it set to flood for 15 mins every hour. And it grows monster plants, fast!

 
Reactions: Brother_Antioch, Greenadian, cpurola and 6 others
Quote Reply
D

DillyTrying2Learn

Posts
228
Reactions
247
Joined
Jun 20, 2024
Points
43
Aug 2, 2024
#8
I bought a PA Hydroponics Fallponics system for RDWC, you can buy it as complete as you want or as do it yourself as you want from them. Comes with a pump for circulation and a pump for draining your system and the air pump and everything else needed. Sorry i missed the spot where you asked about RDWC.
 
Reactions: AZreefer, Asmodeus and Beachbumm
Quote Reply

Beachbumm

Posts
1,231
Reactions
4,618
Joined
May 3, 2024
Points
263
Aug 2, 2024
#9
Asmodeus said:
My only hydro experience is with the grow ace aircube set up so I cant compare, but this system is pretty awesome. A couple points I love about it, its simplicity. You set the timer for how long you want to flood and its pretty much maintenance free. I don't drain it, ever. When it gets low you simply top it off with more solution. I have it set to flood for 15 mins every hour. And it grows monster plants, fast!

View attachment 2233726View attachment 2233727View attachment 2233728View attachment 2233729
Click to expand...
This I like! Found the website, thanks for sharing that

Will the 25 gallon reservoir suffice for a 6 site unit ?

Is there a way to heat the reservoir water?

Would an aquarium heater or something along that line work?
 
Last edited: Aug 2, 2024
Reactions: AZreefer and Asmodeus
Quote Reply

jadins_journey

Supporter
Posts
2,584
Reactions
7,807
Joined
Oct 1, 2008
Points
263
Aug 3, 2024
#10
These types of systems have been around for a little while. Here's a pic of the early version from 2008.


This is the system I learned what little I know about hydro way back in 2007-2008. Some cosmetic changes but it's the same ebb & grow system. That black 55 gl. drum is sitting in my grow room today holding my fresh water supply. Yes aquarium heaters are ideal, get the metal heating element. Start with 20 gl but if were me I'd get the 60. Large plants in flower can and do drink 2 gl per day with these systems.

jj
 
Reactions: cpurola, Bilber, AZreefer and 3 others
Quote Reply
D

DillyTrying2Learn

Posts
228
Reactions
247
Joined
Jun 20, 2024
Points
43
Aug 3, 2024
#11
The PA Hydro fallponis is a very very robust and affordable RDWC. My only complaint is you run A LOT of water so if you're using expensive nutes you'll feel it.
 

Attachments

  • 20240802_104110.jpg
    245.7 KB · Views: 1
Reactions: Bilber, AZreefer, Olddude420 and 2 others
Quote Reply

Asmodeus

Posts
667
Reactions
2,809
Joined
Jan 28, 2024
Points
243
Aug 3, 2024
#12
Beachbumm said:
This I like! Found the website, thanks for sharing that

Will the 25 gallon reservoir suffice for a 6 site unit ?

Is there a way to heat the reservoir water?

Would an aquarium heater or something along that line work?
Click to expand...
I have the 60g reservoir with an 8 pot set up, but I bet the 25g would work for a 6 pot. Only thing is you might be adding to it a lot in flower. I swear in flower they're sucking down well over 5g per day.

I've never seen a reason to heat the water. I think the pumps probably keep the temps where it needs to be. Never had an issue with water temps, and always had awesome grows with the set up
 
Reactions: cpurola, Beachbumm and jadins_journey
Quote Reply

Olddude420

Posts
286
Reactions
582
Joined
Aug 5, 2024
Points
93
Aug 5, 2024
#13
DillyTrying2Learn said:
The PA Hydro fallponis is a very very robust and affordable RDWC. My only complaint is you run A LOT of water so if you're using expensive nutes you'll feel it.
Click to expand...
Man you are correct. Burns through nutes like a sailor on leave burns through his paycheck. Lol
Awesome system though.
Your plants are huge. How long have they been growing?
 
Reactions: cpurola and Bilber
Quote Reply
D

DillyTrying2Learn

Posts
228
Reactions
247
Joined
Jun 20, 2024
Points
43
Aug 5, 2024
#14
Olddude420 said:
Man you are correct. Burns through nutes like a sailor on leave burns through his paycheck. Lol
Awesome system though.
Your plants are huge. How long have they been growing?
Click to expand...
That Pic was week 1 of flower
 
Reactions: cpurola and Olddude420
Quote Reply

AZreefer

Posts
994
Reactions
1,905
Joined
Apr 20, 2024
Points
143
Sep 15, 2024
#15
DillyTrying2Learn said:
I bought a PA Hydroponics Fallponics system for RDWC, you can buy it as complete as you want or as do it yourself as you want from them. Comes with a pump for circulation and a pump for draining your system and the air pump and everything else needed. Sorry i missed the spot where you asked about RDWC.
Click to expand...
Hey I picked up one of these for my next grow. I got the DIY 13 gallon bucket fall o ponic set. I'm so excited to put this together. 2-3 weeks about until my tent is available for the build. I'm going to be running a cooler and a filter on my reservoir to prolong the water changes. I'm also going to mainline so I won't have to scrog and I can routinely wipe buckets for inspection. I'm stoked!
 
Quote Reply
D

DillyTrying2Learn

Posts
228
Reactions
247
Joined
Jun 20, 2024
Points
43
Sep 15, 2024
#16
AZreefer said:
Hey I picked up one of these for my next grow. I got the DIY 13 gallon bucket fall o ponic set. I'm so excited to put this together. 2-3 weeks about until my tent is available for the build. I'm going to be running a cooler and a filter on my reservoir to prolong the water changes. I'm also going to mainline so I won't have to scrog and I can routinely wipe buckets for inspection. I'm stoked!
Click to expand...
Filter your res? If the filter can pull out the unwanted material I would imagine it will pull out the nutes as well. I change every single week like clockwork. This is a large system too, so expect to go through nutrients. The benefits though are you have much more stable PH and can go longer without topping off. I think if you're trying to extend water changes you are going to run into problems with your plants.
 
Reactions: AZreefer
Quote Reply

AZreefer

Posts
994
Reactions
1,905
Joined
Apr 20, 2024
Points
143
Sep 15, 2024
#17
DillyTrying2Learn said:
Filter your res? If the filter can pull out the unwanted material I would imagine it will pull out the nutes as well. I change every single week like clockwork. This is a large system too, so expect to go through nutrients. The benefits though are you have much more stable PH and can go longer without topping off. I think if you're trying to extend water changes you are going to run into problems with your plants.
Click to expand...
Naw this filter won't pull out the nutes. A carbon filter might reduce your nutes a tad but not the 5 micron mesh filter I'm going to use. Problems will certainly arise along the way! The first run I'll be using the canna nutes line and enzyme with hydroguard. In the future I'm adding in a UV filter along with the sediment filter. I also have a few tricks up my sleeve as far as water care and system stability go as I've been fucking with big rdwc systems for a few years. Just not ones used for this purpose.
 
Quote Reply
D

DillyTrying2Learn

Posts
228
Reactions
247
Joined
Jun 20, 2024
Points
43
Sep 16, 2024
#18
AZreefer said:
Naw this filter won't pull out the nutes. A carbon filter might reduce your nutes a tad but not the 5 micron mesh filter I'm going to use. Problems will certainly arise along the way! The first run I'll be using the canna nutes line and enzyme with hydroguard. In the future I'm adding in a UV filter along with the sediment filter. I also have a few tricks up my sleeve as far as water care and system stability go as I've been fucking with big rdwc systems for a few years. Just not ones used for this purpose.
Click to expand...
I think you are overthinking/over doing it.
 
Reactions: amneziaHaze and AZreefer
Quote Reply

AZreefer

Posts
994
Reactions
1,905
Joined
Apr 20, 2024
Points
143
Sep 16, 2024
#19
DillyTrying2Learn said:
I think you are overthinking/over doing it.
Click to expand...
I've been thinking/planning/researching this for the better part of 2 years as I prepared my growing space

Come see my machine in about a year. It's going to take time to acquire and assimilate all the pieces and parts I have planned. Overkill in the right spots is key imo. I think a 50 gallon water change weekly is crazy and lots of work. I have aquariums hosting life that do not require fresh water in that volume or that frequently. If you can prevent your roots from going bad and save water, wouldn't you consider that a winner? Because I assure you this can be achieved in a 50 gallon system that is controlled properly. How long I personally will go between water changes has yet to be determined for my system so that will require testing limits and what not and encountering possible problems. But a dip in the properly sanitized solution (I think people buy it as uc something but I know how to brew it) if you are battling rot and cut off the dead shit and quick sanitation of the system.

Btw are you running a chiller?
 
Reactions: DillyTrying2Learn
Quote Reply
D

DillyTrying2Learn

Posts
228
Reactions
247
Joined
Jun 20, 2024
Points
43
Sep 16, 2024
#20
AZreefer said:
I've been thinking/planning/researching this for the better part of 2 years as I prepared my growing space

Come see my machine in about a year. It's going to take time to acquire and assimilate all the pieces and parts I have planned. Overkill in the right spots is key imo. I think a 50 gallon water change weekly is crazy and lots of work. I have aquariums hosting life that do not require fresh water in that volume or that frequently. If you can prevent your roots from going bad and save water, wouldn't you consider that a winner? Because I assure you this can be achieved in a 50 gallon system that is controlled properly. How long I personally will go between water changes has yet to be determined for my system so that will require testing limits and what not and encountering possible problems. But a dip in the properly sanitized solution (I think people buy it as uc something but I know how to brew it) if you are battling rot and cut off the dead shit and quick sanitation of the system.

Btw are you running a chiller?
Click to expand...
I'm not running a chiller, highest my water temps have gotten to is 73 and that's now with my 1000W light on 90%. I'm by no means an expert but from everything I've seen, going past a week is pushing it and asking to running into problems. It's not about what you take out of the water with the filter, or even root rot but about what your plants take out of the water and what they don't. They will not consume each nutrient in there at the same rate, certain nutrients will build up more while others are being eaten and you may build toxic levels of certain nutes and experience lock out. My water changes are no problem at all, I drop a pump in, pump the water out and then pump in new water that's been mixing for atleast 24 hours in my mixing resivor. I hope you prove all the old heads wrong and find out a way to go 2 or 3 weeks with no problems reliably and consistently. Are you using RO or distilled water?
 
Reactions: Ripcord and AZreefer
Quote Reply
Page 1 of 3 · Replies 1–20 of 42
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
Next
1 of 3 Next Last

Thread info

Replies 41
Views 21,682
Started Aug 1, 2024
Latest post Dec 28, 2025
Starter Beachbumm
Forum Hydroponics

Latest posts

  • 2026 Outdoor Grows! let's see em!
    • Latest: orggrwr
    • 3 minutes ago
    General Outdoor Growing
  • Clone help/diagnose help and grow input please
    • Latest: GNick55
    • 5 minutes ago
    General Outdoor Growing
  • Jammin on it with a late/early start
    • Latest: Tumbleweed375
    • 25 minutes ago
    Grow Diaries
  • Tumble stumbles upon a Spider Farmer clip on fan.. Growing Blue Cheese, North Thunderfuck, Cali Blues, and Bruce Banner #2
    • Latest: Tumbleweed375
    • Today at 9:21 PM
    Grow Diaries
  • Cpurola's Outdoor grow in Southeast Michigan 2026
    • Latest: EternalSun
    • Today at 9:03 PM
    General Outdoor Growing
  • Home
  • Forums
  • Medical Cannabis Cultivation
  • General Indoor Growing
  • Hydroponics
  • Best DWC System And Why?
  • Contact us
  • Terms and rules
  • Privacy policy
  • Help
  • Home
Community platform by XenForo® © 2010-2026 XenForo Ltd.
Menu
Log in

Sign up

  • Home
  • News
  • Classifieds
  • Forums
    • What's new Featured content New posts New Articles New articles New products Latest activity
  • Social
  • Strains
  • Live
  • Learn
  • Brands
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?