Help choosing new grow system

[Ender87i]

My grow is indoors, and I am limited to 12 plants.
I'm currently running a Ebb&Gro Bucket type system,
but of course these types of systems have their flaws, and most people no longer consider
this type of system to be the first choice. Kind of becoming obsolete from what I see people doing.

So im looking to get a new grow setup going - something more modern, and better than what I have.
Keep in mind I am limited to 12 plants, so I WONT be growing a SOG or SCROG with multiple small plants,
since im limited to 12 they will be decent size, because thats what makes the most sense..

What type of grow system do you all suggest I go with?

 

[Ender87i]

Bump...

I know alot of people are still doing ebb and flow, but they do it in a tray..
But im not growing small plants, im vegging to about 4 feet and then blooming. 12 total.
So is this a bad option for me?
Im just looking for a new/better grow system than the ebb and flow bucket system im using.

 

[Hugo Phurst]

I like my DWC. Cheap, easy, and relatively forgiving.

 

[domino7]

I just finished me first grow with my ebb n gro buckets. I don't see how you could do much better, especially growing big plants.

 

[bigv1976]

I switched to DWC 2 grows ago and honestly I cant see why anyone would want to grow any other way. It is so easy and my plants grow more vigorously and bigger than I have ever seen. Last grow was World of Seeds NL X BB with 2 weeks veg using AN nutes and averaged about 100 grams per plant.

 

[Ender87i]

Which DWC system are you using? Which ones are popular?

 

[zem]

you can do flood and drain using individual buckets or you can do do DWC with individual buckets:
first case, you will need to hook a control res below plant level and make 2 holes for filling and overflow for every single pot, it will be more work to setup, but less work to maintain and less use of electric
second case, you will need to get an air-pump which can handle easily 12 decent airstones each to a bucket, it will be easy to setup, but will need more electric due to a continuously running air-pump and more noisy because airpumps make noise, airstones will need regular checking and replacement because they clog, and water temps will need to be maintained preferably at 19C which is in many times not easy. Also you will need a very good lid to each plant because bubbles in water cause the humidity to rise and the bigger buds to mold and rot.

DWC is also more reliant on the air-pump more prone to failure whereas flood and drain with small sized growrocks could handle significantly longer time if water pump fails. My preference is flood and drain hands down, and this has come after going back and forth between these 2 systems for so long, main cause was res temp maintenance and bud mold. Had I been in a cold and dry climate, I probably would have preferred DWC...
I hope this helps you choose, good luck

 

[PetFlora]

I developed a DIY 21st Century Flood and Drain system. Outboard rez is def the way to go. No stress to the plants and maximum control

Come take a look in my journal

 

[Hugo Phurst]

Had I been in a cold and dry climate, I probably would have preferred DWC...

Cool & dry, that's my grow.

Another reason I like DWC, is that it's modular. I could make my grow disappear in less than a hour, not have to dump any water, and the plants would be fine (wherever I hid them) for at least 24hrs with no power.

 

[Endur0xX]

I switched to DWC 2 grows ago and honestly I cant see why anyone would want to grow any other way. It is so easy and my plants grow more vigorously and bigger than I have ever seen. Last grow was World of Seeds NL X BB with 2 weeks veg using AN nutes and averaged about 100 grams per plant.

I grow in supersoil, it's so easy, I can't see why anyone would want to grow any other way!

 

[bigv1976]

I grow in supersoil, it's so easy, I can't see why anyone would want to grow any other way!

Yeah I guess if playing with a bunch of dirt before every grow, disposing all that dirt after the grow and watering all the time is easy then have a ball.

 

[Ender87i]

Well it sounds like the ebb-and-flow bucket system isnt all that bad afterall.. Maybe im just ready for something new, but then again it IS a pretty legit way to grow. I dig it. But it definitely has its downsides or flaws rather, such as the 1-2" of water that remains in each bucket after they drain, and having to raise the buckets if you want them to fully drain. But then when they fill they dont get filled up as much, so its a lose-lose situation in that respect.