Soil vs DWC - Your Thoughts

[kupihea]

This year I'll have to be away from home for a few periods. I will not be away more than a week to 10 days at a time. I am interested in hearing various opinions on the best way to set up for these trips.

I have a 2x2 veg tent with 2' T5 and a 4x4 flower tent with 4' T5, both with exhaust fans.

Last time I had to do this I used soil and drip irrigation on a timer. This time I an looking for opinions and alternatives. I may want to change this time around. I am interested in any thoughts you might have.

Mahalo!

 

[Flagg420]

after several bad experiences coming home from vacations, I'd vote for DWC (Or RDWC) w/ a 55gal brute can full of PH'd water next to the tent, connected via float valve to the res.

 

[kupihea]

Thanks for your thoughts, Flagg. I'll do some searching now on how to set this up. It's the first time I've heard RDWC. I'll check it out.

 

[legallyflying]

IF you have run DWC before I would say DWC. But if you haven't there is a steep learning curve.

I run RDWC but not like the "traditional" RDWC as in the counter current systems or systems that have the water flowing between all the buckets.

I am basically doing ebb and flood DWC...or maybe flood and ebb would be a better word?

There is a large Rez (holds twice as much nutrient solution as needed to keep buckets full) a simple flood/drain control bucket fills all the pots and once an hour, drains them all to the Rez (which is chilled) and then refills.

I have left it for two weeks before with no problems (I did however have the AC condensation filling the Rez.

 

[kupihea]

IF you have run DWC before I would say DWC. But if you haven't there is a steep learning curve.

I run RDWC but not like the "traditional" RDWC as in the counter current systems or systems that have the water flowing between all the buckets.

I am basically doing ebb and flood DWC...or maybe flood and ebb would be a better word?

There is a large Rez (holds twice as much nutrient solution as needed to keep buckets full) a simple flood/drain control bucket fills all the pots and once an hour, drains them all to the Rez (which is chilled) and then refills.

I have left it for two weeks before with no problems (I did however have the AC condensation filling the Rez.

Mahalo legallyflying, I haven't yet tried DWC or RDWC but have been reading a lot about it and watching videos. I'm really impressed with the results I see from those who are good at it.

The part that concerns me is the cost of running the pumps. Also chilling the water which I understand is pretty much required. I am using a couple very small tents in an open garage. The lights and exhaust fans aren't killin' me yet but at 45 cents per kWh I tend to think carefully about each addition.

Daytime temperatures in Winter are about 75 and in Summer 85+ is usual. I think I need to do the math and place a few solar panels on the roof to help keep my bill down.

Thanks again and have a great grow.

 

[SnapsProvolone]

DWC, if done well, beats anything hands down. I used to think yielding 1 gram per watt of HPS was good until I mastered DWC.

If setup and operated correctly DWC can minimize effort, maximize quality and maximize yield.

 

[kupihea]

DWC, if done well, beats anything hands down. I used to think yielding 1 gram per watt of HPS was good until I mastered DWC.

If setup and operated correctly DWC can minimize effort, maximize quality and maximize yield.

Thanks Snaps, I am getting very close to making the leap. I just want to study it all very well so I do not have any big surprises. Mahalo.

 

[jb5355]

my very first grow was RDWC. there is a learning curve but if you do your research its really not that hard at all. another option is pure coco with a drip system

 

[rob333]

This year I'll have to be away from home for a few periods. I will not be away more than a week to 10 days at a time. I am interested in hearing various opinions on the best way to set up for these trips.

I have a 2x2 veg tent with 2' T5 and a 4x4 flower tent with 4' T5, both with exhaust fans.

Last time I had to do this I used soil and drip irrigation on a timer. This time I an looking for opinions and alternatives. I may want to change this time around. I am interested in any thoughts you might have.

Mahalo!

look into bvb substraights or terra pro for soil its bit like coco and a much nicer tast

 

[TheChemist77]

a water chiller is an expensive item that is not really needed unless ur having heat issues. if u can keep ur tent at a decent temp u dont need a chiller or u can even put the res outside the tent to keep it cooler to..DWC even ebb n flow, NFT all hydro has the ability to out perform soil in terms of yield..in my opinion dwc isnt that expensive if u build ur own. u can use totes or pvc, any type of container and net pots, grow medium, and an airator, a pump isnt really needed either unless your pots are not in the water.. there are so many ways to build ur own and cheap,, its all up yo you on your container size, how many plants, etc.. u can even build a DWC in a 5 gal or 3 gallon bucket for less than 20 bucks if its just 1 plant..all DWC can be left for a week or so as long as your res is filled and big enough...

 

[kupihea]

a water chiller is an expensive item that is not really needed unless ur having heat issues. if u can keep ur tent at a decent temp u dont need a chiller or u can even put the res outside the tent to keep it cooler to..DWC even ebb n flow, NFT all hydro has the ability to out perform soil in terms of yield..in my opinion dwc isnt that expensive if u build ur own. u can use totes or pvc, any type of container and net pots, grow medium, and an airator, a pump isnt really needed either unless your pots are not in the water.. there are so many ways to build ur own and cheap,, its all up yo you on your container size, how many plants, etc.. u can even build a DWC in a 5 gal or 3 gallon bucket for less than 20 bucks if its just 1 plant..all DWC can be left for a week or so as long as your res is filled and big enough...

Thanks Chemist, I've notice that there are many alternatives. Thanks for you input. I really like the reservoir concept - doing all of the work and making the changes there. Thanks for suggesting to locate it outside. I realized that I have a perfect spot for it. It is just outside near the tents where the Trade-winds are steady. Those constant breezes could help cool it.

Mahalo

 

[kupihea]

look into bvb substraights or terra pro for soil its bit like coco and a much nicer tast

Thanks rob. I heard someone say that coco is somewhat like hydro but more forgiving. I will check it out. Mahalo

 

[SnapsProvolone]

Thanks Snaps, I am getting very close to making the leap. I just want to study it all very well so I do not have any big surprises. Mahalo.

Inside story, hear me now, thank me later.

I run no chiller, no recirculation, only base gh flora + calimagic, RO float top off.

Reverse osmosis filter, use it.

Large cylinder airstones from GH, MUST replace (not clean) every 90 days.

Minimum 18 LPM air delivery per stone. Air column MUST go up thru roota.

Larger nutrient volume = more gradual pH flux and longer durations between changouts.

Start pH at 5.5 and let it rise to 6.1 between changeouts.

Orca liquid brewed for weekly inoculation prevents pythium.

 

[kupihea]

Inside story, hear me now, thank me later.

I run no chiller, no recirculation, only base gh flora + calimagic, RO float top off.

Reverse osmosis filter, use it.

Large cylinder airstones from GH, MUST replace (not clean) every 90 days.

Minimum 18 LPM air delivery per stone. Air column MUST go up thru roota.

Larger nutrient volume = more gradual pH flux and longer durations between changouts.

Start pH at 5.5 and let it rise to 6.1 between changeouts.

Orca liquid brewed for weekly inoculation prevents pythium.

Wow.... Thanks already Snaps. I am really interested in keeping things straight forward and as simple as possible. I am willing and able to be very particular if not fussy in running a system. The hardest part so far is choosing the system best for my tiny operation without having any experience yet.

Your advice is greatly appreciated. Mahalo.

 

[jijiandfarmgang]

Ebb and flow barely runs the pump much, and is so forgiving. Large res set, and forget.

having said that, If I were you I'd try to do one plant Snaps way. Yeah there's a learning curve, but it would be worth it.

@SnapsProvolone Don't wanna hijack, but do you put all 3 air stones underneath the netpot?

- Jiji

 

[SnapsProvolone]

Ebb and flow barely runs the pump much, and is so forgiving. Large res set, and forget.

having said that, If I were you I'd try to do one plant Snaps way. Yeah there's a learning curve, but it would be worth it.

@SnapsProvolone Don't wanna hijack, but do you put all 3 air stones underneath the netpot?

- Jiji

1 airstone in a 5 gal bucket / 10" net pot for veg, then into a 31 gallon roughneck tote and yes at that time two fresh stones are connected and the one from veg that is in the rootball, all directly under the net pot.

 

[legallyflying]

Snaps. You pulling more than 1g per watt? Not that it really matters because we have to grow trees because of med limits but we are getting 2+ lb per tree.


Couple suggestions though.. Ogbiowar is 1,00000000 times more diverse and concentrated that great white and or a combined. Check them out.

My 2 cents.. 32 gallon is a waste. We used to go 18 gallons but now we grow 6' trees in 10 gallon Rubbermaid brute trash cans.

Cheers

 

[TheChemist77]

i have to agree, in hydro u really dont need a huge res for a huge plant, so long as the nutrients your using are providing everything your plants need.. ive seen 10 foot tall plants in 5 gal buckets before that had huge 2-3 foot colas.. of cource they had lights all around her and above and the 5 gal bucket was full of roots, but its possible to grow biggger plants in hydro w/out having huge res/or medium..

 

[kupihea]

Inside story, hear me now, thank me later.

I run no chiller, no recirculation, only base gh flora + calimagic, RO float top off.

Reverse osmosis filter, use it.

Large cylinder airstones from GH, MUST replace (not clean) every 90 days.

Minimum 18 LPM air delivery per stone. Air column MUST go up thru roota.

Larger nutrient volume = more gradual pH flux and longer durations between changouts.

Start pH at 5.5 and let it rise to 6.1 between changeouts.

Orca liquid brewed for weekly inoculation prevents pythium.

Aloha Snaps, Thanks for guiding my next steps. I am getting prepared to start this program as soon as my current soil grow is finished. I particularly appreciate your inclusion of the information about larger nutrient volume and durations between changeouts. That gets right to the heart of my original post.

Mahalo for your enduring support of the members. I can see that many here are grateful that you are willing to share your views.

 

[BiGbOiGrOw]

DWC, if done well, beats anything hands down. I used to think yielding 1 gram per watt of HPS was good until I mastered DWC.

If setup and operated correctly DWC can minimize effort, maximize quality and maximize yield.

words to live by i am currently runnin my first DWC in my new room and im coming up to week 6 and they are huge and covered in buds much more than soil. soil is much more forgiving but if you truly arw a grower and spend the time needed in your room and with your ladys as they need you than DWC shouldnt be to hard to master with a lil time and work