DWC Build Proposals: Single- or Multiple- Container?

Hello, everyone,

Long-ish-time reader, first-time caller.

I am on the verge of having to purchase parts for my first DWC grow. I plan on six plants in a 120x120x200cm grow tent.

I know that there are proponents, on these forums, of the OP3-(One-Plant-Per-Pot)-method of Deep-Water-Culture production, and I can imagine the frustration one might experience trying to work with a big, tangled, balled-up, knotted ol' mess.

I'm guessing it probably sucks... but humor me for a second:
What if roots didn't tangle; would that make multiple-plant containers more appealing?
I'm asking because in my ignorance it stills seems a lot easier to maintain one container than, say, six.


Above is a drawing I made in Sketchup to visually compare different layouts.
The 130L tub gives each plant approximately 21.6 liters of water, which is comparable to the ~19L afforded by a 5-gallon bucket.

What if I used some sort of perforated, rigid plastic sheeting to subdivide the interior volume of the tub into six compartments, like this:

A setup like this would seem to afford me single-container convenience whilst encouraging each plant to mind its own roots.
Is this not ideal?

AF

There are a lot of advantages to single res per plant, and I am planning to switch to that. You can move plants and rotate them relative to each other for light. You can elevate them differently to get a single height canopy - again for light. That's just two.

you could also do RDWC so you don't have to maintain 6 individual containers only the one that doesn't have a plant in it

A common res can be convenient, but another advantage of separate containers is you can have different strains and different age plants, all being fed on a different schedule.

Lost my post.
*sigh*
Ok, short version:

Massah,
I don't have the resources for RDWC this time 'round, but I'm definitely into it for a future project.

Illegal Smile,
If all my root masses are independent of one another then I don't see why I can't swap plants between sites and rotate each one within its own site, if need be.
Also, I'm planning on cultivating only one strain per cycle, with clones from a common mother, planted all at once. Not really anticipating too much inter-plant variation.


]-[

Try it. I don't see the advantage but that's just me.

Sup Mister I've done 2 plants of the same strain in one 8g tote before and yes there was root merging. They ended up turning out really good (at least 3oz per plant), but there's no way to fit more than 2 full-size plants in a container that small. Your container would prolly work if you didnt veg them for very long to ensure they didnt get outta control on you, but I'm just guessing. I'm not one to divert peeps from something that could work, but if you're adamant and careful enough it could happen There's peeps growing out of coffee containers on here....cmon now

The main reason I went to individual buckets is for quality and flexibility. Each plant gets what they need and how much they need. I don't grow that many plants as I am legal.

Plus the fact I get two big plants every 2 weeks!

Illegal Smile said:

Try it. I don't see the advantage but that's just me.

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Well, I'm gonna have to try it, now— I just bought a 130L storage bin (it comes with a lid).
Also got a spout that I can install through a side panel for draining. And a pump (Some no-namer from an aquarium store that can supposedly move 40 liters/hour).

BigBuddahCheese said:

The main reason I went to individual buckets is for quality and flexibility. Each plant gets what they need and how much they need. I don't grow that many plants as I am legal.

Plus the fact I get two big plants every 2 weeks!

Click to expand...

Right, but are all your plants cut from the same mother, or are they different strains? I would imagine plants grown from sister clones would be reasonably uniform in terms of maintenance. I certainly wouldn't mix strains in a single container.

Mineralz said:

Sup Mister I've done 2 plants of the same strain in one 8g tote before and yes there was root merging. They ended up turning out really good (at least 3oz per plant), but there's no way to fit more than 2 full-size plants in a container that small. Your container would prolly work if you didnt veg them for very long to ensure they didnt get outta control on you, but I'm just guessing. I'm not one to divert peeps from something that could work, but if you're adamant and careful enough it could happen There's peeps growing out of coffee containers on here....cmon now

Click to expand...

Mineralz, my 'tote' is 130 liters in volume. With 6 plants that's 21.6 liters or about 5.7 gallons per plant, which seems quite adequate. If I go 5-plants then each plant gets 26 liters / 6.9 gallons.

I got two decent sized plant out of an aerogarden once, only a gallon of water. Two gallons of water per plant in dwc seems enough unless you are growing a tree. I'm nhot sure why more than three gallons per plant isn't just a waster of nutes. I've seen huge plants grown in a 5 gal bucket with 3 gal of water.

Illegal Smile said:

I got two decent sized plant out of an aerogarden once, only a gallon of water. Two gallons of water per plant in dwc seems enough unless you are growing a tree. I'm nhot sure why more than three gallons per plant isn't just a waster of nutes. I've seen huge plants grown in a 5 gal bucket with 3 gal of water.

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It would seem to me that the more water one makes available to each plant the more each plant can drink before the reservoir would need topping-off.

MisterWhilom said:

It would seem to me that the more water one makes available to each plant the more each plant can drink before the reservoir would need topping-off.

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I suppose that's true but I don't see how anyone can NOT check their grow at least twice a day. I'm always looking at mine.

Two words: root binding.

Also, dbkick does the multi-site dwcs as the once known Un-VO Grow, but now Dissent Grow

There are a number of reasons for putting each plant in its own bucket, one of them is root binding.

Illegal Smile said:

There are a number of reasons for putting each plant in its own bucket, one of them is root binding.

Click to expand...

It's pretty much the main threat, but yeah.. just like the first few lines of my sticky said..

The single large bucket will require a lot more nutrients be mixed up and slow the rate you can change your PPM with a res feed. Multiple single buckets will require each one to have a float valve connected to a single rez to not be a huge pain in the ass.

Pimpernickel said:

The single large bucket will require a lot more nutrients be mixed up and slow the rate you can change your PPM with a res feed.

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I'm too new to hydro to understand how this is significant, and I'd love to hear a more detailed explanation of why this might be detrimental.
My sense, though, is that every method comes parceled with its own inherent challenges. Not having any hydro growing experience, I chose the method that seemed to make the best use of the resources I had within reach, and I'm gonna roll with the punches until I decide it's time for a change.

Pimpernickel said:

Multiple single buckets will require each one to have a float valve connected to a single rez to not be a huge pain in the ass.

Click to expand...

If I go OP3 (One Plant Per Pot) I'd probably set it up as Recirculating DWC and delegate system water level control duties to a 'master' bucket.
In any case, for the time being my "reservoir feed" is me pouring RO or distilled water into the tub. As dictated by available resources. Gonna make the most of it.

]-[

VoidObject said:

It's pretty much the main threat, but yeah.. just like the first few lines of my sticky said..

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Hey, Void, I was quietly hoping you'd chime in; I've read your tutorials and I know you're a staunch supporter of One-Plant-Per-Pot.
Okay, so root binding sucks; but what if it could be avoided?

It would seem to me that subdividing the tub's volume would encourage root segregation, which is why I'm going to erect interior partitions of window screening or perforated plastic sheeting or some other material that can pass water while containing rootage.

Behold my SketchUp model:



I think that, for the time being, I've pretty much committed to this design, but I'm operating withing the confines of a broader commitment I've made to learning and growth (pun intended) and as such would appreciate any insights you have on the matter.


Off to the shops!