RDWC - No Air Pump Questions

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nonameguy321

Member
I realize there are a few threads about this but I have not seen any info that covers that actual construction. The idea of not hearing air pumps is a great concept as long as oxygen levels can still be maintained (which it sounds like they can).

WATERFALLS

The easiest way I can think of to do this is on the return line, install splitters that redirect water back to the top of the buckets while still allowing water to return to the pump. Am I on the right track here?

VENTURI

This seems like another valid way to oxygenate, perhaps in tandem with waterfalling. Would submersing a venturi pump in the reservoir be sufficient? Or does that defeat the purpose of a quieter, no air pump configuration? I'm not familiar with venturi's either but it's a pretty neat concept. Science!

Thanks,
 
Axion42

Axion42

Well-Known Member
nonameguy321 said:
I realize there are a few threads about this but I have not seen any info that covers that actual construction. The idea of not hearing air pumps is a great concept as long as oxygen levels can still be maintained (which it sounds like they can).

WATERFALLS

The easiest way I can think of to do this is on the return line, install splitters that redirect water back to the top of the buckets while still allowing water to return to the pump. Am I on the right track here?

VENTURI

This seems like another valid way to oxygenate, perhaps in tandem with waterfalling. Would submersing a venturi pump in the reservoir be sufficient? Or does that defeat the purpose of a quieter, no air pump configuration? I'm not familiar with venturi's either but it's a pretty neat concept. Science!

Thanks,
Click to expand...
You are correct on the waterfalls, I cannot really comment on the venturi I haven't read too much about it. I recently built an RDWC waterfall system but have yet to try it. Waiting for my current run to finish then I will be replacing it with said system. I'm excited to see how it performs, I think it's going to work out great honestly.
 
rkymtnman

rkymtnman

Well-Known Member
i made waterfalls with my feed lines, not return lines.

and they aren't silent by any means.

high dollar aquarium air pumps are silent. the linear types.
 
Axion42

Axion42

Well-Known Member
I like the fact that I wont have to worry about cleaning/replacing air stones and tubing in between each run. Easier to clean a system as a whole rather than dealing with addons such as air stones, for me anyways.
 
rkymtnman

rkymtnman

Well-Known Member
nonameguy321 said:
rkymtnman - do you have any pictures of your setup? Did you just split the line (with reducers) before it goes in?
Click to expand...
no, i don't. i actually use GH waterfarms now.

but i'll describe it. 2 27 gallon totes (blk/yellow) with 2 netpots each. 1 27 gal tote as the control res. in the control, i had a 300gph pump which i teed off with heater hose to each tote in the room. just a simple 90 deg elbow pointing down created the waterfall. and then 1.5" pvc return lines to the control res.
 
N

nonameguy321

Member
rkymtnman said:
no, i don't. i actually use GH waterfarms now.

but i'll describe it. 2 27 gallon totes (blk/yellow) with 2 netpots each. 1 27 gal tote as the control res. in the control, i had a 300gph pump which i teed off with heater hose to each tote in the room. just a simple 90 deg elbow pointing down created the waterfall. and then 1.5" pvc return lines to the control res.
Click to expand...
Gotcha. This works with a 2 tote solution but would not scale beyond that.
 
N

nonameguy321

Member
Axion42 said:
I like the fact that I wont have to worry about cleaning/replacing air stones and tubing in between each run. Easier to clean a system as a whole rather than dealing with addons such as air stones, for me anyways.
Click to expand...
Do you have a picture of your setup available Axion42?
 
Axion42

Axion42

Well-Known Member
I put a shutoff valve before, and after the pump so I can isolate to clean pump, (or replace), also nice to control flow if you need to. My ecoplus 590gph is more than enough for a 6 site.
 
myke

myke

Well-Known Member
B
rkymtnman said:
no, i don't. i actually use GH waterfarms now.

but i'll describe it. 2 27 gallon totes (blk/yellow) with 2 netpots each. 1 27 gal tote as the control res. in the control, i had a 300gph pump which i teed off with heater hose to each tote in the room. just a simple 90 deg elbow pointing down created the waterfall. and then 1.5" pvc return lines to the control res.
Click to expand...
Probably as simple as it gets. I have a similar system. Just a couple air stones in with the plants just for kicks.
 
Nizza

Nizza

Well-Known Member
I have been looking into a micro grow with RDWC via air lift pump -- eliminating the need for a direct liquid pump.
I plan on the air pump being in a basement with a nice air filter box at hopefully 60-70deg F.

the idea of an air lift is really interesting and I plan on experimenting with a small root bucket in a controlled co2 injected grow and having it higher up with a control reservoir and waterfalls in between. Not sure how to engineer it but here is the pic of the idea https://i.pinimg.com/474x/59/43/a0/5943a0b2d6477707ad0cbacd48c6b5e8--prepping-lift.jpg?b=t
 
Airwalker16

Airwalker16

Well-Known Member
Axion42 said:
True dat Airwalker answered lots of my questions during this build. I'm sure my next run will make him proud
Click to expand...
Hey, those bushings, threaded barbs, threaded connections, weren't in my original builds. So much trial and error to get it to that simple a design.
 
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