RDWC design feasibility questions

myke

Well-Known Member
I didn’t read everything so if I missed it.
having the return lines up the pail like middle half way ish. Roots will just follow that. You can put a 90 in the pail and a short piece but it’s still not ideal.
 

DaFreak

Well-Known Member
One of my older systems had hard PVC feeding from the top but with an elbow and a straight length going to the bottom and then an overflow return line. Obviously you can use soft tubing up to the containers before. Worked great and assured a constant water level which is really nice.
 
I didn’t read everything so if I missed it.
having the return lines up the pail like middle half way ish. Roots will just follow that. You can put a 90 in the pail and a short piece but it’s still not ideal.
The return will be at the desired water (overflow) level, so there should be no root issues hopefully. Nice system you got there too! I should've used 1-1/4 sump hosing... didn't even know about it. Saw ridiculously priced 1" hose and stopped looking for larger stuff.

One of my older systems had hard PVC feeding from the top but with an elbow and a straight length going to the bottom and then an overflow return line. Obviously you can use soft tubing up to the containers before. Worked great and assured a constant water level which is really nice.
Oh nice, I shoudl've thought about this. Less chances for a leak. Perhaps I'll do this if I expand the system
 

myke

Well-Known Member
The return will be at the desired water (overflow) level, so there should be no root issues hopefully. Nice system you got there too! I should've used 1-1/4 sump hosing... didn't even know about it. Saw ridiculously priced 1" hose and stopped looking for larger stuff.



Oh nice, I shoudl've thought about this. Less chances for a leak. Perhaps I'll do this if I expand the system
The water will flow out the top bulkhead?Right beside the roots?The roots follow the flow unless theres something to stop them.A friend has a system like that,his pail is on a table res on floor.Top feed.Roots go straight out the bulkhead ,put a nipple a 90 and straight piece inside.Stop about 1" from bottom.Helps keep the roots out.

1 1/4 sump hose is too big for my 1 1/4 bulkheads ,go figure ,different tape measure
 
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