Hey Guys,
So I'm in the process of putting together my RDWC system, I have looked at all the current offerings available from hydro stores, and while everything is quite over price, more importantly they are not flexible enough to allow me to place the dwc buckets where I would like them.
But I have a few questions, and could do with a little advice, especially from those guys who have already done this, but guys who haven't done RDWC I'd still love your ideas Especially if your have experience with DWC systems, because this is a first for me, I've coco for a while now, but all that waste coco is getting to be a pain!
So the plan is to build a 4 flower pots and one master (of the same size, kinda... more on that later) within the grow room, with an external top up tank, and then a nice RODI water res next to that.
The idea is to make life as easy as possible, I've loved the amount of time the auto pot has given me back, and I think the RDWC system can provide for me.
So, the RO filter will be connected to the mains water set to fill a 100L water tank, with an auto shut off valve, and TDS meter (that will be placed over the input & output to the DI filter stage, it also has a third probe which i will be placing in my nutrient tank for quick checks), This tank will contain a pump with a length of hose with the intention of using it to fill the nutrient tank for top ups etc.
Nutrient tank will gravity feed to a ball float valve in the master tank in the grow room. The tank with also contain a really little water pump to circulate nutrients, I want it small because I dont want it to put out much heat. So both tanks will be out of the grow room.
I am looking at using the following equipment:
4x 35XL really useful box (solid black) - flower pots
1x 35L really useful box (solid black) - master pot
1x 2" length ABS/PVC pipe
8x 2" 90' Elbow
10x 2" tank connectors
1x 2" equal Tee connector
1x 2" to 25mm hosetail adaptor (this will unfortunately not be just one piece)
1x length 25mm flexi pipe (iceline possibly) for pump & nutrient chiller
1x NJ2300 water pump 2300lp/h
1x ET30/40 air pump (+ceramic airstones to match)
1x hailea HC 250A nutrient chiller
Here is a picture of what I am thinking
Then the air pump will be connected to a manifold, then equal lengths of pipe to ceramic airstones, I'm thinking 1 airstone in each pot. not including the RO tank and Nute tanks located out of the room.
So, now finally to my questions,
-I've been searching RDWC systems on here, but can not seem to be able to a handy guide for builders, so if there is one any one knows about, could you please point me to it. that would be amazing.
-I keep seeing that people are adding spray bars? this does not seem to a feature I have seen in any commercial systems, could some one please explain how they work and what added benefit they give the grow. over bubbling air at the bottom of the roots that is.
-any tips or anything I've missed, please let me know
- Does anyone have any good places to buy the pipework and fittings, and more importantly a reasonably priced tank connector, I seem to be finding ones that range from £25 to £75 each!! I am looking for a nice easy system, I dont mind solvent weld components, as the system will not be moving once installed, but I do not want to do it as cheap as possible, I want something a little bit special.
-Also, ABS, or PCVu? any preference?
I think that's it for now. I'll update with pictures as and when things happen, I will be buying the bits as I find the correct ones, but the system will not be built for at least 5/6 months. Any help would be massively appreciated.
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