MJ, welcome.
Let me start by saying that I am new to this myself and only have one previous grow, it didn't fail but, I wouldn't call it a success either.
I have a couple questions of my own:
If you are only growing one plant, why use a recirculation system? One plant, one bucket less waste, more control.
How do you grow in something soooooo small? 2x4x? I just can't wrap my mind around it.
Now for your question, I cannot see the benefit of a secondary bucket. I have 4 girls in DWC(no re-circ) using GH's drain to waste schedule with only minor nute burn, and they are doing great in my book. They are in 5 gallon totes with 2 gallons of solution to start each week, and I top off with ph'd rainwater until the next feeding. If they look like the burn is getting worse I switch them to straight rainwater. A re-circulation system, to me, seems extravagant unless you have a fairly large grow. Also, I cannot see why you would be doomed. People been growing in boxes for years why shouldn't you be able to, I don't understand how. Worst case scenario, as I see it, you try, you fail, they die, you learn, you adapt, you try again...who knows? Good luck -Joheim
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HI,
thanks for the reply , i am now planning on two plants, and from what i understand i want to recirculate because more volume is better, for multiple reasons. i have an entire room 15x16 devoted to growing but with such a small light and small grow to begin with using a tent would be more efficient because of my light size and walls being so close and reflective... if that makes sense.
im learning more with every post read and video watched.
thanks
mark