First dwc grow...need help from dwc experts...

Hey everyone, this is my.first post as well as my first grow..i plan on growing 2 plants under a dwc rubbermaid 5 gallon tub...ive done lots of research and.decided im going to use the floraseries lucas formula for my feeding...my question is this...i understand that after a week or two the roots will soak up some of the nutrient water and that i will have to top off every week or so to keep the water level the same , but can somebody please give me.a simple basic how to on what it means to "top off with water" and how to do it throughout the grow....by the way im growing in a five gallon rubbermaid tub using nothing but ro water.....and by the way nice to meet everyone and great site
 

BigBuddahCheese

New Member
Sounds like you're off to a good start. Just remember as I just learned this the hard way, LESS is MORE in DWC. I converted from StinkBud to DWC and was shooting my nutrient ppm like my previous method.. nope! Way too hot, I am using like 1/4 the nutes I did in StinkBud and getting the same or better results with that ppm. I use Advanced Nutes Sensi 2 part line and its strong in the DWC.

The gentleman that posted before me wimb help me see the light, so check his threads out he has it going on in dwc.

Peace and good growing.
 

HobbyGrower72

Well-Known Member
Wiimb's DWC thread for beginners is an excellent resource. Definitely check it out.

My way of topping off (isn't the best, or the only, just mine) goes something like this. I'll feed at say 1000ppm on Monday. Tuesday, I'll check ppm. If it's higher (say 1150ppm), the plant is taking up more water than nutrients (leaving nutrients behind). If it's lower (say 870ppm), the plant is taking up more nutrients than water. To top off, I'll try to get back to 1000ppm. That means either adding straight water, or more 1000ppm nutrient solution. I don't adjust for pH, the nutrients I use do that for me. I just guess and check later when the reservoir has had a chance to mix. I don't stress it too hard, it's my hobby, not a profession.

One important factor is pH. If your pH isn't in a good range, nutrients aren't going to be available and will get left behind regardless of how much the plant feeds. Use your pH meter when things start going sideways.

and... as BigBuddhaCheese says, less is more!

Good luck and happy growing!
 

mile.high

Well-Known Member
I found this formula to run to calculate nutrients for add-back in Lucas formula using GH flora micro/bloom:
((target ppm - current ppm) / target ppm) * 8 ml per gallon * res gallons = Flora Micro (ml), double this figure to get Flora Bloom (ml)
 

John Jacob

Active Member
topping off isnt a great idea I would say unless you had a ppm meter.. but your girls are going to take what they need from your rez. and if you just keep adding more your going to get salt deposits from the left over nutes that the girl doesnt need anymore of. IMO if your just startin I would flush and re fill every week or two when you get to full strength nutes cuz those deposits can build up quick.. not to mention water that just sits there for a while with a warmer climate can start goin down the algae highway.. And thats no fun for anyone.
Goodluck!
 

faller200

Well-Known Member
Learn just what you need to be a success. If you learn too much you will kill your plants. Keep it simple good luck to you.
 

jnos45

Well-Known Member
I do the DWC in a 100 gallon hydrobed I built and it's the best idea I've had. I'm pumpin 70lpm O2 and I use a hydro solution called vertigro and mix some 15-0-0 nitro and wala :). I get 7 and 8 ft babies with nice budz :) :) :).
 
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