Converting DWC to RDWC w water chiller (Help needed)

Amazing info. I have one last question?

with my buckets as I have it now there is only one line running from the res then to the buckets connected with something that looks like a T inverted (-T-T-T) so the water only goes in the bucket but doesn't exit if I add the return pump will the water go in and out through that connection or would I have to char the plumbing on the buckets to (0-0-0-0)?

Another quick one, so if the water needs to circulate 5 times per hour , would it be
If I had 30 x 5 gal buckets = 150 and say 50 gal in my res total is 200gal
would it be 200 gal x 5 , so I would need a pump that does 1000gph?

Why not just connect the two res together and recirc them...they then will feed their own lines separately. Couple things..I have a chiller and it works great. But works best is insulating the buckets and lines. That way the heat from those 1000s doesn't penetrate the root zone to begin with.

Thanks meltdown, I didn't think about insulation, I just looked up a video and it would be an easy fix ( which I prefer) , if I insulate my buckets would I be able to drop my water temperature from 86 to around 72?

also if I connect the 2 res, then what is the next step? Would it be the line that connects them, in the middle going to a bigger res?

Manofculture said:

Amazing info. I have one last question?

with my buckets as I have it now there is only one line running from the res then to the buckets connected with something that looks like a T inverted (-T-T-T) so the water only goes in the bucket but doesn't exit if I add the return pump will the water go in and out through that connection or would I have to char the plumbing on the buckets to (0-0-0-0)?

Click to expand...

No, you need a way in and out. The way you've plumbed your system the water can only flow in one direction. In or out of the bucket.

Manofculture said:

Another quick one, so if the water needs to circulate 5 times per hour , would it be
If I had 30 x 5 gal buckets = 150 and say 50 gal in my res total is 200gal
would it be 200 gal x 5 , so I would need a pump that does 1000gph?

Click to expand...

Yes, but like I said, you need to know the actual volume of water. For example, my system has 8 plant sites which are 5 gal buckets and the control bucket (epicenter) is a 17gal tote. I never run the system full. My water level is 8" below the brim of buckets. So there roughly half full, the actual calculation looks like 8 x 3gal + 10gal= 34gal

I use 350gph pump because that is the minimum required for my chiller.

Manofculture said:

Thanks meltdown, I didn't think about insulation, I just looked up a video and it would be an easy fix ( which I prefer) , if I insulate my buckets would I be able to drop my water temperature from 86 to around 72?

also if I connect the 2 res, then what is the next step? Would it be the line that connects them, in the middle going to a bigger res?

Click to expand...

Reflextic from Home Depot works great. It's used primarily for hot water heaters... plus it reflects the light (but isn't light proof). the best part is it's super easy to use/cut/install. Best money spent in the entire system IMO. I also use pipe insulation for my lines. Depends on your outside air but you should expect terrific gains. I believe I got around 8 but wasn't running as hot as you cause I only use 1 600. I keep my system at a cool 65....just cause I can. the girls love it.

I'd connect the two res to an additional one called the chill box...at least that is what I'd try first. I run a home made water farm and it uses air to circulate the water among the bucket and the res.

Thanks for the info, I have some work to do. Thanks Redi I'm going to take your advice and fix my plumbing. And Meltdown, I'm going to by the reflective material asap

Manofculture said:

Thanks for the info, I have some work to do. Thanks Redi I'm going to take your advice and fix my plumbing. And Meltdown, I'm going to by the reflective material asap

Click to expand...

Buzzed and misspelled it last night. It's called "Reflectix"...just search for it on Home Depots site. If you're not running coolers, it's the only way to go.

Thanks again, I'll post after done,

or you can make just one res. connect both systems together use only one res. bucket..

Working so far , I think I made need a stronger pump

It worked first grow 7lbs -mad respect for this amazing site