This was a 4 site DIY RDWC, round 5 gal buckets with a BlueLab in the controller bucket (nothing like BlueLab). The only difference I see between the two systems is that the water pump is on the outside for one and on the inside for the other. I still haven't made up my mind if I'm going to convert it yet that's why I was looking for some input from others who have been there. Hydro grows are pretty much all I know and I know that the speed from hydro is second to none. I'm trying to get the most out of my space in the shortest amount of time and if one system has benefits over another then I would like to go with that one.
I like your setup, give it a go! Changing to an undercurrent means uniseals, and they are a pain with 5 gal round buckets. I really don't see how either system would be much different than the other to be honest. Biggest factor I've realized is make sure you get a decent root mass in the buckets before you start to flower. At least that's what I've learned over the course of a few grows. Other than that, I don't see anything wrong with that setup, looks nice!
Guess I can run this setup this time and on the next go round try out an Undercurrent. That's only if I don't like how things go with this setup or growth isn't what I expect which I doubt it cause it's a hydro setup.
if you don't like that setup, the one thing i would change would be swap those 5 gal buckets out for much bigger containers.
Nice set up. How fast top veg and how fast to flower?
Veg for about 4 weeks or until roots are filling up tubs well. Normal flower times 60-75 days depending on strain.
hey schwarzwald,
Yes, I have switched to hth from hydroguard. So far, so great. Easy to manage and roots are looking stellar. I'm going to flip them any day now, they got big fast. No ph swings or anything, very stable so far. The system is rocking out, super auto-pilot mode right now. Just change out the water once a week, fill the top off rez and that is it. Having the epicenter, air pump, water pump and in line filter on the outside of the tent is a huge plus because everything needs replacing when it's running 24/7 for months on end. I love the garden, just don't like having to do a lot of manual work in there lol.
no, i'm with ya! i like to go away for a week and not worry about mine at all. set it and forget it.
Doesn't seem like much of a difference between the two styles. Only issue I might foresee is the roots clogging your 1" lines.
That's what I'm after. As close to a set it and forget setup as possible (I do know that just leaving your plants for extended periods of time isn't possible if you don't want any problems.) Now days I'm all about working smart and not hard. I have thought about the return lines getting clogged and I think I'm going to use the material from water pump bags to try to keep that from happening.
that's what i thought until i switched from rdwc to auto feed drain- to- waste hempy buckets. since then, i've gone on vacation for up to 12 days without a problem. pH and EC remain constant thanks to drain to waste.
@blackforest: Nice! I'm putting together a similar system with only 2 of those buckets for now. I see you are using those black flexible connections between buckets. Any issues with those leaking and did you do anything other than tighten them down on the PVC? I'm sure they are cheaper than large unions.
If you comment was directed towards me it's too late cause I switched to an under current.