DWC in custom PVC. Wheres the catch?

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Tayter1026

Member
See attached picture, I would like to build a DWC rig out of 4 inch PVC where the plans will grow out of the PVC tubes vertically vs drilling holes in the horizontal pipe.

I was able to find one person doing something similar, but as you'll see in my mockup I want to have deeper chambers for the plants.

In terms of my crummy sketch, I would technically have two of the setups you see attached by 2 cross pipes (think the landing skids of a helicopter. )

I like this idea over the traditional DWC in buckets because I don't want to deal with leaks regarding the buckets or the hose fittings. I figure I can install very long airstones in the lower piping.

Question is what am I not seeing in terms of why no one builds a setup like this?

Also, are there net pots that will fit perfectly in 4 inch PVC? If so do they have a strong enough lip to support a mature 3-4 ft plant? If so, please tell me where I can find them.
concept.JPG
 
nolem1234

nolem1234

Active Member
IMO a design like that is much better suited for a drain to waste set up, not DWC. Put a drip site at each plant and add a drain line out the bottom PVC back to a large reservoir. With DWC you want space for the air bubbles to rise up and enlarge between the air stone and roots. If you DWC 4 plants in 4" PVC I think you'll be adding more water often to keep the level up to the net pots.
 
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Tayter1026

Member
I will have to do some research on nft. I cant afford to experiment and fail this go round.

Also, i went to the hydro shop and bought 3.75in and 5in net pots...neither of them fit in a 4in pvc........any ideas to get around that? Would really love to stick with this pvc idea so i can avoid leaky buckets.

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kmog33

kmog33

Well-Known Member
Youre going to need a reservoir bucket regardless

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fishmark

fishmark

Member
Tayter1026 said:
I will have to do some research on nft. I cant afford to experiment and fail this go round.

Also, i went to the hydro shop and bought 3.75in and 5in net pots...neither of them fit in a 4in pvc........any ideas to get around that? Would really love to stick with this pvc idea so i can avoid leaky buckets.

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Click to expand...
Get 4 " pvc slip cap for your uprights and cut to fit 3 3/4 net pot
 
Sativied

Sativied

Well-Known Member
Tayter1026 said:
Question is what am I not seeing in terms of why no one builds a setup like this?
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Click to expand...
I considered a similar setup using T connectors in an attempt to make it easier to remove plants without ripping the roots apart. Main reason I didn't go ahead with it is the cost of the PVC compared to the little effect it would have. If for example the vertical part would be as high as in your first image it would require watering from the top at least initially. Just keep it simple and go with 5-6" pipes.
 
WestDenverPioneer

WestDenverPioneer

Well-Known Member
Tayter1026 said:
I will have to do some research on nft. I cant afford to experiment and fail this go round.
Click to expand...
In our homes, PVC is safe because it is hidden in our walls. It isn't exposed to light. I'm not a fan of using PVC in grow rooms or places where it is exposed to light. There are food grade options available for what you are trying to do. The price attached to food grade items often makes it out of reach for people. Its something you usually only have to buy once. I recommend using it.
 
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Tayter1026

Member
WestDenverPioneer said:
In our homes, PVC is safe because it is hidden in our walls. It isn't exposed to light. I'm not a fan of using PVC in grow rooms or places where it is exposed to light. There are food grade options available for what you are trying to do. The price attached to food grade items often makes it out of reach for people. Its something you usually only have to buy once. I recommend using it.
Click to expand...

Are you referring to the light causing the pvc to crack or weaken? Or do you mean the light causes the pvc to release chemicals that we dont want in the water?

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Tayter1026

Member
Thanks Snaps! So needless to say hps contains UV? Is it short wave or long wave?

I guess the answer to wrap the whole thing with a tape?...or maybe paint it?

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hydroMD

hydroMD

Well-Known Member
Yeah.... dont think u need to worry about the 40 years it would take for an hps to ruin pvc.

E u running stones in the pvc or just going to aerate the hell out of your res.?
 
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Tayter1026

Member
Thank you sir! Dont want to get cancer from my smoke :)

I think ill paint it anyway...maybe

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