I've seen big plants grown in 1 gal containers in DWC as long as the roots are kept in a nutrient solution they will uptake what they need, smaller containers will just need more maintenance and attention. It's not optimal though, big roots make big trees..faster. I'd seriously be looking at 10 gals of solution min per plant, if you're growing big single plants. I'm running around 8 gals/per and it's sucking almost a gal every day or so. When i was in only 3 gals( 5 gal bucket) of solution it sucked topping it off twice a day. As for container shape/size..I've always been under the impression that photoperiod plants prefer deeper than wide containers and autoflowers prefer more square, to shallower and wide, mainly due to the ruderalis influence on the roots, they tend to spread more laterally than down. If i was building a RDWC I'd be incorporating some baffles and screening to stop roots from clogging anything.
True but it looks like a cluster fuck with strings tied everywhere holding plant up
when using them big totes you need to build PVC braise inside the tote, to help support plant .
You get bowing, with most totes cause of the water in it, this can lead to possible leaks.
There are some pretty good deals on craigs list or other places ,, or you can do some googling shopping around and find some really good modules i lucked out got 32 site Under current 13 gallon modules for free that was just collecting dust ,,,
just modules now ordering other parts from the site mostly UC's locking seals i will purchase piping local.. pumps etc..
I really think anyone looking at building there own to start out with 2 - 3 - 6 site set up and do there home work spend money once this is why i think 13 gallon is perfect it will grow you anything from small to trees
IMO i like a plant to support it self problem with going like tubing like op mentions is you really cannot grow big plants and you lose over head height cause strings are everywhere supporting plants
