DWC should roots be in water, or above water?

The title says it all. I've grown with roots in water and I dont think I had a problem, I'm going to be starting up soon and I have been reading conflicting theories, can we start the debate?

The roots have to be in the water otherwise whats the point. I do not think there is a debate.

the lower portion of the roots should be submerged, the upper sprayed with water pump and misters, this shit works nicely and you use less nutrient solution.
Unless that is you like dwc.

I don't think water pumps and misters have anything to do with dwc. The only question is whether you have an air layer under the netpots, or not. If you do, you use good bubble production to water the medium until roots are well into the water. Bubbleponics is, IMO, a bullshit commercial name that is actually owned by Stealth Hydro. It annoys me to no end that riu sees fit to co-name a sub-forum for a commericial trade name that is bogus on its face.

dbkick said:

the lower portion of the roots should be submerged, the upper sprayed with water pump and misters, this shit works nicely and you use less nutrient solution.
Unless that is you like dwc.

Click to expand...

This is good info, also I like to start high and gradually lower to a certain point.

The roots should always stay wet but while exposing them to air at the same time is ideal. This is why air stones are needed to pass air through the lower submerged roots and splashing the upper roots exposed to air when the bubbles come to the top of the water level.

I use no pumps, no drips or any other feed but bubbling buckets. I start with the water 1/2" up in net pots then drop to bottom or bit below, when the roots are a poppin!

Works for me.

i start with the water touching the bottom of the net pot... once the roots hit the water i drop the water level to about 1" from the net pot, plants seem to like it just fine. im following rumpleforeskins directions from his posts as hes the one that got me started on hydro after seeing his threads.