GTConsulting
Member
Been doing a ton of research on hydro setups, but I'm not sure I've been going in the right direction or just down the rabbit hole. I'm trying to make a low-maintenance system for a small 2-plant autoflower grow w/ ScOG in a rather small 2.5x2.5 tent using 150w LED full spectrum lighting. My main question is whether a gravity return line will be sufficient for water flow rate?
I know most RDWC setups (waterfall?) have the water input coming in at the top of the bucket and return line at the bottom. However, This seems like there's a possibility the roots will grow into the return lines and clog the piping. My idea is to have water input at the bottom and return at the top, with the return hose level placed right where I want the waterline to be. Either daisy-chained serial config for maximum flow and scalability, or having the input tee'd off the pump in a parallel config to both buckets to help segregate the plants from each other. Another thought would be to have a pvc pipe return tube (maybe larger diameter) inside the buckets so I can adjust the water level as needed (higher before the roots get past the net pot and lower after they're long enough).
This will be a sterile water system, so I'm planning to drop in an aquarium UV light right next to the pump intake as well as adding a bit of h2o2 every few days. The system will also incorporate some valves where needed to allow the water to drain and allow individual bucket filling if needed. I figure this would allow a quick higher concentration h2o2 flush if needed during water changes (if needed).
Reservoir will be outside the tent to maintain the environment inside the tent. Currently have a carbon filter exhaust fan and looking into a passively filtered intake.
No water cooling planned right now since it's rather cold right now. I'm running my light and some basil sprouts inside my tent while I plan out my DWC and temps are only in the mid 60's F inside.
1. Will gravity return be sufficient for a 200/gph flow rate using 1/2" tubing in serial config? (top pic)
2. Will having separate returns w/ two 1/2" tubes will be fine in parallel config? (middle and bottom pics)
3. Can I remove the air stones from the pot and only run them in the reservoir?
Any comments/suggestions would be appreciated.
I know most RDWC setups (waterfall?) have the water input coming in at the top of the bucket and return line at the bottom. However, This seems like there's a possibility the roots will grow into the return lines and clog the piping. My idea is to have water input at the bottom and return at the top, with the return hose level placed right where I want the waterline to be. Either daisy-chained serial config for maximum flow and scalability, or having the input tee'd off the pump in a parallel config to both buckets to help segregate the plants from each other. Another thought would be to have a pvc pipe return tube (maybe larger diameter) inside the buckets so I can adjust the water level as needed (higher before the roots get past the net pot and lower after they're long enough).
This will be a sterile water system, so I'm planning to drop in an aquarium UV light right next to the pump intake as well as adding a bit of h2o2 every few days. The system will also incorporate some valves where needed to allow the water to drain and allow individual bucket filling if needed. I figure this would allow a quick higher concentration h2o2 flush if needed during water changes (if needed).
Reservoir will be outside the tent to maintain the environment inside the tent. Currently have a carbon filter exhaust fan and looking into a passively filtered intake.
No water cooling planned right now since it's rather cold right now. I'm running my light and some basil sprouts inside my tent while I plan out my DWC and temps are only in the mid 60's F inside.
1. Will gravity return be sufficient for a 200/gph flow rate using 1/2" tubing in serial config? (top pic)
2. Will having separate returns w/ two 1/2" tubes will be fine in parallel config? (middle and bottom pics)
3. Can I remove the air stones from the pot and only run them in the reservoir?
Any comments/suggestions would be appreciated.
