Diagram of DWC/Bubbleponics System

Above is a diagram of a planned DYI DWC/Bubbleponics system. The larger reservoir would allow for a more stable pH and nutrient level. Heat build-up from individual pumps in DWC buckets, (as well as HID lighting), could be solved easily with a chiller connected to the reservoir. The system is designed to operate with only one pump for several DWC buckets, eliminating heatload from additional pumps. It is a fairly simply system made with heavy duty totes, easily available fittings/washers, and is expandable to include more sites for plants based on lighting capacity.

Depending on the size of the system, a fairly decent pump would have to be placed in the main reservoir to drip irrigate all of the plants via a spreader head and black plastic tubing.

The most expensive items would be the aquarium chiller at about $500 for a 75 Gal capacity machine, and the larger plastic reservoir. The chiller is mandatory to keep root temps below 76 degrees.

The reservoir may need to be downsized to 40 Gal or so to aid in nutrient changes. The added bulk is not necessary because the total reservoir of the system includes not only the main, but all of the contents of the totes as well. The slow mixing of all of the nutrient solution in the main reservoir and individual totes will give it the stability of concentration and pH should the plants decide to go on a feeding binge, and avoid unwanted temerature changes.

Obviously each of the totes would have at least two airstones, and the reservoir several.

I would appreciate comments if I am totally out to lunch or not, (or if it shows that easily...)

Ok, make it even more simple. Dwc does not need pumps and works great without any added dripper setup.

Thought about it, and I am aware you can run DWC with only airstones or some variant. But I can't see how I can accomplish what I am trying to do without at least one pump. Maybe you can suggest a way.

I want to use a separate reservoir interconected with all the totes serving as DWC's, all the water mixing (albeit through small drip lines but mixing nonetheless). The only way to do that is to run at least on pump line to each DWC tote, and while I'm doing that, why not set up drippers as well? Each tote will have a max of 3 plants to drip.

wow..makin' it way more expensive/complicated then it has to be.... Who really cares about the water..it is very easy to change it....I would spend the cash on upgrading my lights rather then a complicated watering system.

Ok, I'll try it simple. Just a bucket, net pot and airstone with nutes. I am concerned about the water heating up, but KISS is correct.

You could set up an under current dwc if you just want one control res.

Malevolence said:

You could set up an under current dwc if you just want one control res.

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Sorry I don't know what an under current dwc is. I do want one control res.

If you could take the time to explain what it is, I would appreciate it. Or someone else.

I'm bored, took lousy pics today.

You say you're worried about res temps but you need to aim a little lower. Try under 73.

And if you are new to dwc/bubbble/hydro, I would definitely recommend a single site dwc to learn from. Throw one together for around $25....

Bucket 5$
Net pot 2$
Pump 15$
Airstone (I payed 4$ for the weighted cylinder ones)

I left out your medium in that equation, but cheap.

I won't have to take that second job after all.

Ganjacito said:

Sorry I don't know what an under current dwc is. I do want one control res.

If you could take the time to explain what it is, I would appreciate it. Or someone else.

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I have never set one up, but what you are trying to do looks similar.

There is a thread here https://www.rollitup.org/dwc-bubbleponics/478010-flowering-undercurrentdwc.html

And a sticky thread with a lot of info about it https://www.rollitup.org/dwc-bubbleponics/497270-how-rdwc-ucdwc-diy-advanced.html

Also, you can search/google ucdwc or undercurrent dwc.

For the naysayers, there exists as Malevolence said, an Undercurrent DWC explained nicely on this board: http://www.420magazine.com/forums/completed-journals/153664-multi-plant-recirculating-dwc-test.html

I am looking at a pre-fab unit from OCCH2.com that 6 plant spaces (expandable). It is supposedly top of the line in DWC.

Oh, I make it complicated because I need a commercial chiller in my hot basement to cool the base reservoir.

PetFlora said:

Check out my 2 Simple Kiss systems for ideas. If it weren't for the ultimate drawbacks of Under Current, it could be interesting

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Sorry I missed the last two comments before my last quote, the same information is on this board as well. Duh una otra vez.

What are the ultimate Drawbacks of UC?

I am thinking of buying this system: http://www.plantlightinghydroponics.com/under-current-8pot-uc8-system-18-inch-plant-center-p-4119.html

It is an 8 bucket UC DWC system, a bit expensive but the commercial 1.5 HP cooler I am buying costs more. If there are fatal flaws with UC DWC though, I need to know them before leaping on-board.

Update: Did a search and the major drawback seems to be cleaning such a complex system and whether you want to devote that much time to the project. A definite drawback, could I hire somebody?

https://www.rollitup.org/dwc-bubbleponics/400589-medi-takes-under-current-rdwc.html