Rule of the Thumb Res Changes (DWC)

DocBrown · 12-06-12, 01:30 PM

Hi there - is there a rule of the thumb to how often you should do a res change in single DWC buckets?
Im changing weekly at the mo.

Peace

**Woody J** · 12-06-12, 06:07 PM

This depends on a few things but the rule of thumb would be every 10 days to 2 weeks.
If the plants are small, not drinking/eating much, it can be longer.
If you use Enzymes, it can be longer
If the plant is dropping the EC heavily and drinking loads, by topping up, you are effectively refreshing the water.
So ultimately it is down to experience when to change.
I have gone entire grows without changing apart from the switch to bloom nutes and even then, I have been lazy and just added bloom to the res , however, I always work with low EC's meaning I tend to go through lots of water.

What I would say is, if you decide to leave for longer, if the EC or ph start to fluctuate a lot, change the res.
Likewise, if the plant shows any sign of deficiencies/toxicities, change the res.
Stay safe fella. W

**Grandad** · 12-06-12, 06:34 PM

i use 20 litre aquafarms and change mine weekly

**DrGreen** · 12-06-12, 06:36 PM

low ec low salts no need change make a rez n connect em ..wickes £13,99 113liter fleabay pump 320 £5 pipe £9- heaths quote

DocBrown · 12-06-12, 06:55 PM

Awesome help thanks everyone

**TheCandyManCan** · 12-06-12, 07:33 PM

How do you empty a dwc bucket? I've wondered this before because you can't have someone holding the lid and plant whilst you mess about with the refill.

Do you take off the side pipe that goes up the bucket?

DocBrown · 12-06-12, 07:52 PM

Yep you can do that and drain it but I just get someone to hOld the plant while i sort the bucket

**DWC** · 29-06-12, 10:20 PM

i have a spare bucket - just un pop the oxypot lid & place her in the spare bucket. I don't like the lids that came with my O'pots too flimsy when they get big so im going to get some bucket baskets next time as they look more solid. oh also if your lazy ( like me ) & dont have a sink or drain in your room i use a sub pump push some hose to the sub water pump & just pump the water from each pot to a drain outside the area !