How can I make my DWC into an RDWC

I have two sets of those 8 bucket DWC systems off amazon... bought some extra stones and air pumps. I'd like to add a 5 gallon bucket with a water pump so I can just add nutrients to a single bucket and keep things recirculating. Has anyone done this or have a set of plans that they used?

A through hull fitting or AKA Bulkhead with flexible hose.I would think most grow shops have what you need.

myke said:

A through hull fitting or AKA Bulkhead with flexible hose.I would think most grow shops have what you need.View attachment 5070751

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looks nice bro.

Check back in on this thread, I got a pretty sick setup going... hoping it all works like it should when I'm done. More of a rare design lol

I can tell you from many futile years trying to work with 5 gal buckets...just stop.
Totes are MUCH more suitable for rdwc.
Round buckets limit the drain size and root clogs will be a common occurrence.
Totes have flat sides ideally suited for bulkhead fittings.
Since I converted my 8-bucket system to a 4-tote uc style system I have had ZERO issues with clogging/leaks.

GBAUTO said:

I can tell you from many futile years trying to work with 5 gal buckets...just stop.
Totes are MUCH more suitable for rdwc.
Round buckets limit the drain size and root clogs will be a common occurrence.
Totes have flat sides ideally suited for bulkhead fittings.
Since I converted my 8-bucket system to a 4-tote uc style system I have had ZERO issues with clogging/leaks.

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I originally wanted to do a tote style system but it won't fit into my grow room... I'd have to take down walls just to get it in. I'll try in the future when my state legalizes or when I'm feeling like some demo lol

Two totes with 1.5" hose between a small air and water pump and your set.Cheap and effective for two plants.

myke said:

Two totes with 1.5" hose between a small air and water pump and your set.Cheap and effective for two plants.

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It got complicated because it’s a 12 pot set up in 3 rows of 4.

Just grow fewer, larger plants.
Easier to manage unless you are looking for quick turn-arounds.

Daddymcdank said:

It got complicated because it’s a 12 pot set up in 3 rows of 4.

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i'd almost want 3 control buckets incase you need to isolate/shut down one of the rows.

Read somewhere GH quit making WFs.. Must be true if this 8Waterfarm kit is now unavailable.. Amazon.com : General Hydroponics HGC706980 WaterFarm 8-Pack Hydroponic Grow System : Patio, Lawn & Garden I had seen it on amazon for under $200..
You could add 1-5 gal bucket with a drip ring [minus the ring] and circulate the whole system the way GH did.. With 2-5 gal buckets You could even have a feedback reservoir.. The reservoirs size shown in the pic would be a much better choice.. The system, slow as it was, it did circulate about 120 gallons a day through the system.. Air stones in a waterfarm just adds heat, and probably can't add more O2 than has already been added by the dripring.. Word of caution, 1/2" lines will clog if you try to use a pump.. A complete redo of the size of tubing, 2.5 would be the smallest most would agree on..

GBAUTO said:

Just grow fewer, larger plants.
Easier to manage unless you are looking for quick turn-arounds.

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Looking for 3-4 week veg times if I can with 2 rooms next to each other, only reason I'm spacing so tight.

rkymtnman said:

i'd almost want 3 control buckets incase you need to isolate/shut down one of the rows.

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I thought about it, but seemed more labor intensive to operate