DWC to RDWC conversion

[Drop That Sound]

Technically it should work. , but the chiller could restrict flow a bit. Even though it has 3/4" inlet\outlet fittings, the internal coil could have smaller channels. inside than that. You would only be using one pump, instead of 2 if you put the chiller on it's own loop. You would definitely want a good inline filter before the chiller. Being a smaller 2 pot system, it would probably be okay..

Only problem I can for see is that it would dump extra cold water over the roots directly from the chiller, instead of mixing with the rest of the solution first and equalizing in temp.

 

[Mumbeltypeg]

I'm starting to wonder now if my idea will even work. I think maybe it's a hybrid system, not a true undercurrent. I plan on draining from near the bottom of the buckets into the bottom of the res. Then pump from the res through the chiller and then waterfall into each bucket.

My thought is that since the buckets and res are on the same level pumping from the res to the top of each bucket will create a current or flow through the system.

Do I have this all wrong?

Right, sorry I was thinking undercurrent. I think your way should work fine for a 2 pot. I used the same setup on an 8 pot system once and it didn’t work well.. needed the draw from the back of the system to circulate properly. Should be fine I would think

 

[marzig]

Technically it should work. , but the chiller could restrict flow a bit. Even though it has 3/4" inlet\outlet fittings, the internal coil could have smaller channels. inside than that. You would only be using one pump, instead of 2 if you put the chiller on it's own loop. You would definitely want a good inline filter before the chiller. Being a smaller 2 pot system, it would probably be okay..

Only problem I can for see is that it would dump extra cold water over the roots directly from the chiller, instead of mixing with the rest of the solution first and equalizing in temp.

Right, sorry I was thinking undercurrent. I think your way should work fine for a 2 pot. I used the same setup on an 8 pot system once and it didn’t work well.. needed the draw from the back of the system to circulate properly. Should be fine I would think

I understand now. I was thinking I could eliminate 1 pump but there won't be adequate flow with the chiller restricting it plus the temp differential which is what Mumbeltypeg was originally trying to tell me.

So then I would only need a smaller filter for the chiller loop using 2 pumps.

Thanks guys!

 

[Mumbeltypeg]

I understand now. I was thinking I could eliminate 1 pump but there won't be adequate flow with the chiller restricting it plus the temp differential which is what Mumbeltypeg was originally trying to tell me.

So then I would only need a smaller filter for the chiller loop using 2 pumps.

Thanks guys!

If you are going to pull and return into the res then the small pump you use should have a built in filter anyhow negating the need for an inline one

 

[marzig]

I completed my conversion to RDWC today.



So far plants seem to be adjusting well. PH and EC have stabilized as I was told to expect. I can see now, that by eliminating the large cooler inside the tent I now have floor space for a heater, humidifier, etc.

 

[Mumbeltypeg]

Bravo!! This looks so very very good and well thought out

 

[OldDude420]

Awesome. I love my rdwc system. Couldn't run it without a chiller.