Need help with rdwc build

Can you tell if i need to connect 2 buckets between , or not? I cant decide , because do not know for sure. I marked it with red arrows. It is a waterfall version

What is in the pic should work fine. Your recirc pump pulls from a central rez and dumps into a pair of waterfalls for the buckets and drains back to the rez. The only potential problem area are the drain sizes-small are prone to root clogs so be vigilant.

Ok thank you. Do you think it's a good idea to mount metal mesh strainer on a problem area to avoid clogs? There are many different sizes available, handle needs to be removed of course.

j0int said:

Ok thank you. Do you think it's a good idea to mount metal mesh strainer on a problem area to avoid clogs? There are many different sizes available, handle needs to be removed of course.

Click to expand...

I wouldn’t, it’ll rust pretty quick. Just use bigger drain pipes if you’re worried about a clog.

ReignTerpsLLC said:

I wouldn’t, it’ll rust pretty quick. Just use bigger drain pipes if you’re worried about a clog.

Click to expand...

ok i got it

joint, I went through that evolution of using 5 and 3 gal round buckets with various attempts at sealing. After I sorted the seal/leak issue, root clogging was always an issue. I attempted using the mesh screens and they would usually make it worse unless you swept them periodically. I finally ended up using HDX style rectangular totes and bulkhead connectors. Because of the much larger opening/drain between totes, long roots just flow like in a stream.

GBAUTO said:

joint, I went through that evolution of using 5 and 3 gal round buckets with various attempts at sealing. After I sorted the seal/leak issue, root clogging was always an issue. I attempted using the mesh screens and they would usually make it worse unless you swept them periodically. I finally ended up using HDX style rectangular totes and bulkhead connectors. Because of the much larger opening/drain between totes, long roots just flow like in a stream.

Click to expand...

This is my first build , when i browsed different forums and google in general i kinda lost in incoming information and made a mistake by buying those orange buckets at home depot , aluminum foil to cover them , round mesh pots , etc. I didn't want to throw away money i spent , and i decided to finish everything. Now i'm about to germinate seeds , everything is almost ready , waterfall seems to me not as great as i expected, and i ordered air pump ,it's almost arrived. When to expect problems with clogs , and how to manage everything to successfully harvest ? PleaseHelp

Honestly, between running your current design with a central rez with waterfalls and bubbler buckets, I'd stay with what you have. The added benefit of the extra solution volume will be more than the minor inconvenience of trimming roots

Also, been there done that with the orange buckets.

GBAUTO said:

Honestly, between running your current design with a central rez with waterfalls and bubbler buckets, I'd stay with what you have. The added benefit of the extra solution volume will be more than the minor inconvenience of trimming roots

Click to expand...

Thanks i'll keep it in mind. Man , i was going to send you a pm, but looks like i can't send private messages yet. Can you please explain how much water needs to be added to buckets after germinated seeds put in net pot, 12 gallons or more/less ?

I use a 6" netlid designed to fit on bubbler buckets. I've also always used Grodan rockwool cubes and hydroton as my medium. Layer of hydroton in the net and then the cube backfilled and covered with hydroton. I hand water as needed to develop root growth until they are long enough to reach below the netlid. That is about the water level I run-just below the basket. Primary thing I'm trying to prevent is letting the rockwool soak in the solution. Once roots are hanging I stop top watering. That has worked really well for me over the past three years.

GBAUTO said:

I use a 6" netlid designed to fit on bubbler buckets. I've also always used Grodan rockwool cubes and hydroton as my medium. Layer of hydroton in the net and then the cube backfilled and covered with hydroton. I hand water as needed to develop root growth until they are long enough to reach below the netlid. That is about the water level I run-just below the basket. Primary thing I'm trying to prevent is letting the rockwool soak in the solution. Once roots are hanging I stop top watering. That has worked really well for me over the past three years.

Click to expand...

Both seeds that i placed in paper towel are popped up , i'm going to place them in rockwool cube tomorrow. What water should i use to soak cubes , pre-mixed with general hydroponics nutrients , or plain water? I can move cube to net pot as soon as i place seed in it , correct? When to start waterpump and light?
Man i can send you few fem seeds from quebeccannabisseeds for your help, if you need

I always use a Rapidrooter plug so that's where I insert the tadpole. I then put the RR in a shot glass under low light levels until it sprouts and gets a decent root growth. After that, it's into the Grodan cube(I just run tap water over mine before use) placed in the netlid. I top feed minimal strength nutes until it shows good growth and then I ramp up the ppm's to veg concentration. I don't fill my system until I get roots hanging. I run about 25w/sq ft during veg @ 18 hr days from the get go. After roots are down into solution, I stop top feeding and encourage the cube to dry out. That means it is never submerged in solution, just the roots.

GBAUTO said:

I always use a Rapidrooter plug so that's where I insert the tadpole. I then put the RR in a shot glass under low light levels until it sprouts and gets a decent root growth. After that, it's into the Grodan cube(I just run tap water over mine before use) placed in the netlid. I top feed minimal strength nutes until it shows good growth and then I ramp up the ppm's to veg concentration. I don't fill my system until I get roots hanging. I run about 25w/sq ft during veg @ 18 hr days from the get go. After roots are down into solution, I stop top feeding and encourage the cube to dry out. That means it is never submerged in solution, just the roots.

Click to expand...

Thanks again , i got it. Following your instructions. Another thing is i watched too much youtube and put sativa seed to a water glass for 18 hours , than placed it to too wet napkin and again no success. I placed total of 5 seeds using same method - 9-18 hours in a glass on water , than wet towel , and i decided that all drowned and totally dead. After like 7 days ,at the end i just placed all 5 in very little moistened paper towel and 3 of 5 germinated! I already placed 2 seed in netpots in my tent and there is no more place in my dwc system, but plants want to live! I can't just throw them away. Question is can i put soil pots in a tent? If yes what pot size to choose? And what soil? Can i use same General hydroponic Flora trio nutrients for soil? Thanks in advance bro, you are helping a lot

If you have enough floor space and wattage to adequately light that space I don't see any issue mixing media. I normally grow in hydro indoors but I will use either a 5 or 7 gal fabric bags to do a pheno hunt.