Help with water flow of my setup

I was needing suggestions on how to fix my flow problem right now I have 3/4” pvc across the whole system. As my pump goes from the reservoir (on the right) to the 8 buckets I have found that the first two buckets (on the left) receive most of the pressure so it creates uneven water levels in the reservoir and as you go from left to right the buckets get lower and lower in water level. I have considered reducing the PVC leading from the reservoir to 1/2 inch as that would restrict the flow a bit and I could convert to a 1/2” ball valve. What are some solutions that could also get these water levels even keeping 3/4” for these plants.

p.s I am going to be using paint strainers for the roots to maintain them from clogging also this is just for veg I will transplant them into their final home which is bigger bucket system.

Use a bigger pump and add a ball valve at the inlet of each bucket. Close all the ball valves halfway to restrict the flow into the buckets. The bigger pump and restricted flow will give you even pressure at each inlet. Then just make micro adjustments to each valve as needed if you have any futher issues with uneven levels.

That installation looks insanely well made already, I guess you don't have to change the valves, you can change the liquid content a bit to achieve your goal

All water lines being 3/4" and not the same distance from pump will make it difficult.

Much larger pump will fill tote with shortest distance from pump first just faster. You could add a 2-3" PVC between all totee to make it an recirculating DWC. Note: It shouldn't be smaller than 2" otherwise water balancing will be too slow that over filling of first tote could occur.

Or you could change the 3/4" to each tote to 1/4" and make sure each line is same distance from pump. That tote size shouldn't need 3/4" if it is not recirculating

Thurston said:

All water lines being 3/4" and not the same distance from pump will make it difficult.

Much larger pump will fill tote with shortest distance from pump first just faster. You could add a 2-3" PVC between all totee to make it an recirculating DWC. Note: It shouldn't be smaller than 2" otherwise water balancing will be too slow that over filling of first tote could occur.

Or you could change the 3/4" to each tote to 1/4" and make sure each line is same distance from pump. That tote size shouldn't need 3/4" if it is not recirculating

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All he needs to do is add ball valves to each tote inlet to create back pressure throughout the 3/4 line. This will fix his problem

Kola_Kreator said:

All he needs to do is add ball valves to each tote inlet to create back pressure throughout the 3/4 line. This will fix his problem

Click to expand...

That would work but tuning the ball valves will be key to prevent unattended overflow. I prefer methods that do not require tuning.

Add a couple additional valves to the first 2 sets of buckets acting as a baffle to restrict water flow

How big of a pump to you run?

Whatever this is may help. Let me know if you find one for sale.