RDWC question

Bucsfan80

Bucsfan80

Well-Known Member
First I'm not a plumber nor do I know much about fluid dynamics, but I am a handy man and know how to do stuff. So my question is if I have to go Thru a wall with my return line and it has to go over 2x4s can I put a bump out in it? I made a drawing for reference. Don't laugh to hard at it but I did it fast and on my phone lol.
20220112_005108.jpg
If I can does it affect water flow or anything I need to know? Return is 2" and supply is ¾ but might change the supply to 1. This is pretty much my system design except the bump out, mine is straight atm but will need to change it for its permanent spot cause the control rez will be in a separate room not In the grow room.
 
Last edited:
thenasty1

thenasty1

Well-Known Member
should be fine as long as your pump is pushing hard enough. i would go with the 1" supply
Bucsfan80 said:
Also is this considered under current?
Click to expand...
undercurrent is just a brand name. their systems are recirculating deep water culture (rdwc) and so is yours. there are many viable variations of the standard rdwc design
also you may want to consider lifting your supply line once at the pump as opposed to lifting at every site. unless your pump is sized appropriately to do so while maintaining proper flow rate and water level
 
Bucsfan80

Bucsfan80

Well-Known Member
thenasty1 said:
should be fine as long as your pump is pushing hard enough. i would go with the 1" supply

undercurrent is just a brand name. their systems are recirculating deep water culture (rdwc) and so is yours. there are many viable variations of the standard rdwc design
also you may want to consider lifting your supply line once at the pump as opposed to lifting at every site. unless your pump is sized appropriately to do so while maintaining proper flow rate and water level
Click to expand...
Thanks very much I really appreciate it. I only have one site now but will expand as needed. I see what your saying tho I think, just make it so the supply pump only has to lift water once.
 
thenasty1

thenasty1

Well-Known Member
Bucsfan80 said:
Thanks very much I really appreciate it. I only have one site now but will expand as needed. I see what your saying tho I think, just make it so the supply pump only has to lift water once.
Click to expand...
yup. make the pumps job as easy as you can. take care of your pumps, and they will take care of you. rdwc is finicky, but once you dial it in, it will reward your effort
 
Bucsfan80

Bucsfan80

Well-Known Member
thenasty1 said:
yup. make the pumps job as easy as you can. take care of your pumps, and they will take care of you. rdwc is finicky, but once you dial it in, it will reward your effort
Click to expand...
I love it and don't want nor have I ever grown any other way. Teaching myself and asking questions on here has gotten me three awesome harvests on a total of 5 plants. Got one in veg ready to flip as we speak also. 20220112_202145.jpg20220112_202145.jpg
 
rkymtnman

rkymtnman

Well-Known Member
Bucsfan80 said:
I dont want to lose any head room. Since I want to put it in the tent and this would be my first flower in a tent. I'll be pushing it as it is in think.
Click to expand...
you'd only lose 3.5 inches. i think those 2 90 elbows will mess up your flow big time. but that's just one of those things where you won't see it until you try it.
 
myke

myke

Well-Known Member
Just cut the 2x4. Water level won’t get any lower then the highest point of your drain.
Also isn’t it 1 1/2”. Or why is there a 2x4 on edge at the bottom?
 
myke

myke

Well-Known Member
Also you’ll find if your pump is strong water level will be much higher in the tent. I tried once with only 1.5”. I ended up cutting it out.
 
Bucsfan80

Bucsfan80

Well-Known Member
Yeah I can get over the 1½ for 2x bottom plate but what I meant to
myke said:
Also you’ll find if your pump is strong water level will be much higher in the tent. I tried once with only 1.5”. I ended up cutting it out.
Click to expand...
I can clear a 2x4 (1½). what I meant was going into the tent. It's like 4 inches at least to go Thru tent opening. I really don't want to lose any head room even an inch or two. How does everyone that rdwc do it? I do know the easiest way but I'd lose 3½" if I raised it. None of this was part.of the plan btw. I have a dedicated area downstairs that has two rooms set up but having work done atm so can't use it. My style is one biggin at a time and wasn't planning on using the tent (only have a tent because I won a 100$ credit from Mars so got tent for 20$). But I figure it would make life a little easier to have her in the tent when I flip so she is segregated from the rest of the room.
 
rkymtnman

rkymtnman

Well-Known Member
man, i just noticed that nice wood floor you have under your tote. do you have a catch basin in case you get any leaks??

those are some nice looking plants too. like how you train and trim them up like that
 
Bucsfan80

Bucsfan80

Well-Known Member
myke said:
Oh I see,yeah tent manufacturers have no clue.I see a hole coming,or go through the zipper.
Click to expand...
rkymtnman said:
man, i just noticed that nice wood floor you have under your tote. do you have a catch basin in case you get any leaks??

those are some nice looking plants too. like how you train and trim them up like that
Click to expand...
Yeah I'm putting a lot of faith in my plumbing huh. I've thought about getting some pond liner or even just black 3mil plastic and framing up a rectangle and making a containment box just in case.
 
Bucsfan80

Bucsfan80

Well-Known Member
myke said:
Oh I see,yeah tent manufacturers have no clue.I see a hole coming,or go through the zipper.
Click to expand...
Yeah the zipper is right where my line needs to be. I don't want to cut a hole in the tent but I'm running out of options. If this was gonna be a permanent thing I'd cut it but this it temporarily.
 
N

Nameynamerson

Member
rkymtnman said:
you'd only lose 3.5 inches. i think those 2 90 elbows will mess up your flow big time. but that's just one of those things where you won't see it until you try it.
Click to expand...
This here. A 3/4” 90 is adding the equivalent of 2 feet of pipe. So two of those you’ve added the equivalent resistance of 4 extra feet of pipe. Not saying you can’t do it but certainly need to take into account when sizing pumps
 
Bucsfan80

Bucsfan80

Well-Known Member
Nameynamerson said:
This here. A 3/4” 90 is adding the equivalent of 2 feet of pipe. So two of those you’ve added the equivalent resistance of 4 extra feet of pipe. Not saying you can’t do it but certainly need to take into account when sizing pumps
Click to expand...
Whoa, so a 2" 90 would add a lot and I would need 4 ugh. well a hole in my tent is the only option I have if I don't want to lose height.
 
N

Nameynamerson

Member
Bucsfan80 said:
Whoa, so a 2" 90 would add a lot and I would need 4 ugh. well a hole in my tent is the only option I have if I don't want to lose height.
Click to expand...
Ya a 2” is 8-9 feet I believe. I’m a pipe fitter by trade. I don’t have the exact number on hand, my pipe book is in my tool bag at work. But just be wary of added fittings. Even a straight through valve has a higher than 1:1 straight pipe equivalent. I’m sure a google search will find it for you. It varies based on materials slightly too. Not even at the scales we’re talking to matter really but may as well know that
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top