This "black bucket" is a simple passive dwc, and simple is good. I'm a fan of the approach for anyone growing on a small scale. Unlike most of the so called DWC systems that use water pumps and feeder tubes to each plant, the passive system relies on bubbles breaking in the space between the netpots and the water to create a highly oxygenated mist that carries water and nutrients to the seeding. This satisfies all the needs of the plant until the roots are in water.
What I don't like about this bucket is that it costs too much for what you get, and I don't see the point of a bucket limited to one plant (unless you have a large operation with 12 or 16 buckets on a central res, but that's a different story). What I prefer is an 8-12 gallon tote set up for four plants. It does need several large airstones to produce good bubble action. The little aquarium pumps you get with kits aren't enough, you need a better air pump, about $40. No subersible water pumps to create heat and other problems. No feeder tubes running here and there like some frankenstein thing. Just air, water, light and nutrients. I've often seen a pound dry harvested from one of these with four plants, often more. PS - This is the sixth day since I started germinated seeds and I have roots in the water already.
