Five or Seven Gallon DWC Buckets

[Belliott]

I seen a lot of 5 vs 3 gallon bucket discussion for dwc but what about 5 vs 7 gallon. Is the 2 extra gallons worth it? I'm going to be growing in a 5x5 4 plants

 

[Bdubs]

It depends on the depth of the container used. 3 gallon is always too small unless you only go for a short veg. 5 gallons is proper for a typical 6-8 week veg. 7 gallon adds more root availability just as a 25 gallon tote would. It allows for more stress free root growth as the roots consume the area. The 7 gallon will allow less top off intervals and more noticeable in flower when DWC plants can suck down a gallon a day. Consider the root size taking up available space for water. So as the roots grow and take more space, your top off intervals increase to daily if your temps are warm and air circulation is abundant. It is beneficial, as long as the 7 gallon bucket you are using doesn’t compromise height. Because you need good depth to clear the net cup, so that you can use adequate amounts of water with roots. Or you’ll be topping off every day so she doesn’t go dry. More the better but don’t compromise height of the DWC container. More water or bigger container allows for more stable water temps or a slower increase over time from a swap. So if you have trouble keeping water temps in a 3 or 5 the 7 may assist in maintaining proper temps for longer without needing to early swap due to water temps rising.

 

[Belliott]

It depends on the depth of the container used. 3 gallon is always too small unless you only go for a short veg. 5 gallons is proper for a typical 6-8 week veg. 7 gallon adds more root availability just as a 25 gallon tote would. It allows for more stress free root growth as the roots consume the area. The 7 gallon will allow less top off intervals and more noticeable in flower when DWC plants can suck down a gallon a day. Consider the root size taking up available space for water. So as the roots grow and take more space, your top off intervals increase to daily if your temps are warm and air circulation is abundant. It is beneficial, as long as the 7 gallon bucket you are using doesn’t compromise height. Because you need good depth to clear the net cup, so that you can use adequate amounts of water with roots. Or you’ll be topping off every day so she doesn’t go dry. More the better but don’t compromise height of the DWC container. More water or bigger container allows for more stable water temps or a slower increase over time from a swap. So if you have trouble keeping water temps in a 3 or 5 the 7 may assist in maintaining proper temps for longer without needing to early swap due to water temps rising.

Thanks man that was very informative and helpful

 

[budjamesbud]

i'm starting my seedlings in a 3 gallon bucket
i intend to upsize to a 5 gallon once the roots start touching the water

my reasoning is that at that early phase there is no sense in using a huge bucket. it alos cuts down on water use.