RDWC (waterfall) inline pump size and DO questions

[ddeck96]

I don't know about that, it's easier to handle and operate when it's set up. But initial setup cost and time spent will be way higher. I mostly did Aero because I like the technical side of it. I get the same results in coir and there's pros and cons with both methods.

what are the pros / cons with coco?

 

[Wastei]

what are the pros / cons with coco?

It depends on what you compare it to I guess but it's better than peat because of its higher CEC(cation exchange capacity) value it's superior in feeding rates and nutrient uptake. You can add organic additives like humic acid and kelp without having to worry about root rot, pathogens and only see positives.

Negatives is you constantly have to chase and monitor runoff pH to try to reach the optimal pH in the medium. In Aero you only have to focus on the nutrient solution being clean and pH stable. You don't have to take the minerals that's naturally in coir into consideration, how coir naturally breaks down and how that may affects pH because you have no medium.

 

[ddeck96]

It depends on what you compare it to I guess but it's better than peat because of its higher CEC(cation exchange capacity) value it's superior in feeding rates and nutrient uptake. You can add organic additives like humic acid and kelp without having to worry about root rot, pathogens and only see positives.

Negatives is you constantly have to chase and monitor runoff pH to try to reach the optimal pH in the medium. In Aero you only have to focus on the nutrient solution being clean and pH stable. You don't have to take the minerals that's naturally in coir into consideration, how coir naturally breaks down and how that may affects pH because you have no medium.

even if you’re just doing coco in pots and not flood and drain? I’m physically disabled and can only fully use my right (dominant) arm, I can walk but I have balance issues, so lifting pots and checking the pH/EC of 8 plants would be problematic. Any solutions to make it easier? Or should I just stick with hydro/aeroponics?

 

[crankdoctor]

So how does aero compare to Rdwc in terms of growth and water savings. I Havnt tried it so have no idea. I use a top feed valve and shut off when roots drop then off to the races. I know this has nothing to do with pump size but curios.