NEW to DWC. How to drain the reservoir

Vumar

Well-Known Member
Looks like ot would work great for a small system. Pumps are unbeatable for larger systems
Actually pumps are less than ideal. I just used a pump for a RDWC and it doesn't get all the water and it leaves debris. I'll be purchasing that wet vac DB! bongsmilie Can't beat that shit... I hate debris.
 

hydroMD

Well-Known Member
Actually pumps are less than ideal. I just used a pump for a RDWC and it doesn't get all the water and it leaves debris. I'll be purchasing that wet vac DB! bongsmilie Can't beat that shit... I hate debris.
Why do you have debris in your system?

Sounds like a little more circulation would be beneficial. I use a line with a lot of organics, lot of sediment, works great. Eco plus pumps have suction cupsso they can be stuck in place on the wall of a res. Takes water down to 1/8" inch witht the flip of a switch. Not sure how that is less than ideal.
 

doubletake

Well-Known Member
I use 18 gallon totes and just wait to res change until the plants drink most of the water that way I'm only lifting like 5 gallons.

Let the plant drink like half the water and it shouldn't be that heavy.
 

Vumar

Well-Known Member
Why do you have debris in your system?

Sounds like a little more circulation would be beneficial. I use a line with a lot of organics, lot of sediment, works great. Eco plus pumps have suction cupsso they can be stuck in place on the wall of a res. Takes water down to 1/8" inch witht the flip of a switch. Not sure how that is less than ideal.
Some of my Great White Shark settled to the bottom because its primarily an inert clay powder with bacteria amongst other microbes. This clay or what I believe to feel like clay is just the small accumulation. So because it was powder it naturally sank to the bottom and settled down into mini piles.
 

dbkick

Well-Known Member
Some of my Great White Shark settled to the bottom because its primarily an inert clay powder with bacteria amongst other microbes. This clay or what I believe to feel like clay is just the small accumulation. So because it was powder it naturally sank to the bottom and settled down into mini piles.
Sounds like a good place for a buckethead!
 

GlockGuy50

Active Member
+1 on the bucket head. That's what I use on my dwc. I originally plumbed a t with a valve off of my pump but the bucket head is faster.Screenshot_2015-02-08-20-51-42.png
 

hydroMD

Well-Known Member
Some of my Great White Shark settled to the bottom because its primarily an inert clay powder with bacteria amongst other microbes. This clay or what I believe to feel like clay is just the small accumulation. So because it was powder it naturally sank to the bottom and settled down into mini piles.
If you fill panty hose with desired amount and let it soak like a tea bag it might help you out with sediment build up.

If your open to advice I would highly recommend using great white during early phases when you can lift the plant easily and sprinkle on the roots directly. After they have a good established root mass, try switching to Orca. Same company. Newer product, much less expensive, and its a liquid formula with zero sediment.

I personally feel great white is overpriced compared to other inoculation products out, while having limited edge on competition if any.

If you have a compost pile, look into fungus teas as well. You can make your own with little to no effort. If you have any forest land where you live go find some established conniferous areas and take a few gallons of the soil underneath old growth. Take it home and mix it in you compost. You just jump started your inoculstion by 100 years of natural endo myccorhyzae... BAM



I would also argue that when using inoculation in dwc, it is more beneficial leaving some old solution in the setup. Keeps a few more microbes and bacteria present.
 

hydroMD

Well-Known Member
check out this one though! 16 gallon and on wheels and with a drain. nice price too.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-16-gal-5-Peak-HP-Wet-Dry-Vacuum-WD1636/204351678

And for big jobs look at this thing, very handy.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-Pump-VP2000/100496507
Nice. This is dope no doubt. Im lazy and like Chang in water with the flick of a switch :)

Having that 16 gal around would be real handy for when your in a hurry or for water spills!

If you buy the 5 gal buckethead you can always get the pot dollies at garden supply stores. Gorilla glue to a bucket and you have a mini shop vac
 

Kami Samurai

Well-Known Member
Anyone have a recommended water transfer pump for a dwc setup to be used pretty regularly.
I used this one for a while but it broke. I need it to last at least a year so I can replace them if needed when I replace bulbs, airstones, and other gear annually.

https://www.amazon.com/SumpMarine-115-Volt-Portable-Transfer-Bronze/dp/B06XC615GC?crid=17L5DDDJSQBMY&keywords=water+transfer+pump&qid=1534054140&sprefix=water+transfer+&sr=8-5&ref=mp_s_a_1_5

Broke in about 6 months. I like the style I could just run one end hose to my bathtub and use the other end to put into the bucket with a screen over it with a hose clamp to keep from damaging roots.
 

GBAUTO

Well-Known Member
I use one of my old ecoplus 396 pump. Just remove the filter section and thread one of the hose fittings into the pump inlet. I just attach a section of old garden hose to a drain. Empties my 30gal system in about 5 minutes/\,
 

Allenbud

Member
I use small fish tank / water feature pumps ( about 3 to 4 inches square ) 1/2"tubing . I have wait drain near my dwc bucket so im good but if i were you i would have 2, 5 gal buckets . 1 to pump waist into and 1 with fresh nutes and phed proper to pump back in . Works for me
 

OldMedUser

Well-Known Member
Drill pump. 10 - $15 and moves water fast. Need a hand drill tho.

DrillPump01.jpg

Uses garden hose fittings and I just covered the end of the inlet tube with mosquito netting held on with a SS hose clamp to keep the roots out. Good trick for the shop vac users too. Wrap the end of the crevice tool with screen and a wrap or two of electrical tape to hold it on. Lets grit thru but won't suck up masses of roots.

:peace:
 

Kretzlord

Active Member
I use an aquarium siphon for my bucket. It's not the fastest but it's cheap and won't fail. Mime has a priming bulb that makes it pretty easy
 
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