Switching from soil to dwc question

Autodoctor

Autodoctor

Well-Known Member
Will something like this set up work ok. since I only do 1-2 plants at a time and a first time user to see if I can make the switch from soil to dwc and see if yields are really bigger and can actually get the hang of it. Then maybe upgrade after I see I can do it with out to much invested. Maybe y’all can let me now what else I need on the list of need with this.thanks for the info. This is only a $50 investmentF3FD2AA2-16D4-4E5C-9132-CDBBD317CBAE.jpeg
 
Sorry for not answering your question, but SIP's seem to be the best of both worlds.

SIP thread -- (Sub-Irrigated Planter)

Sub-irrigated planter From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Sub-Irrigated Planter Sub-irrigated planter (SIP) is a generic name for a special type of planting box used in container gardening and commercial landscaping. A SIP is any method of watering plants where the water is introduced from...
rollitup.org
 
I use a modified version of SIP I mix 50/50 vermiculite/perlite in a 7 gallon bucket and drill a 1/4” hole in the side of the bucket about 2-3” up from bottom then I slide a 1/2” piece of pvc pipe down to the bottom of the bucket pretty close to the location of the bottom hole just tall enough to be above the top of the bucket then I fill the rest of the bucket with soil and plant my plants then top water till the roots reach down to the bottom mixture from then just water trough the pvc pipe till water comes out that bottom hole it’s so easy and amazing growth rates. I have a 9+ footer in one now. I think it’s like a hempy/SIP but no need for PHing water or anything super simple. I also have full on hydro ebb & flow and DWC and the mentioned method is so much easier. Also a DIY DWC system is so simple but they can be issue prone for newbies no offense but with full on hydro you then need other tools to be successful like meters and would most likely need to run sterile or bennies.
 
Treesomewanted77 said:
I use a modified version of SIP I mix 50/50 vermiculite/perlite in a 7 gallon bucket and drill a 1/4” hole in the side of the bucket about 2-3” up from bottom then I slide a 1/2” piece of pvc pipe down to the bottom of the bucket pretty close to the location of the bottom hole just tall enough to be above the top of the bucket then I fill the rest of the bucket with soil and plant my plants then top water till the roots reach down to the bottom mixture from then just water trough the pvc pipe till water comes out that bottom hole it’s so easy and amazing growth rates. I have a 9+ footer in one now. I think it’s like a hempy/SIP but no need for PHing water or anything super simple. I also have full on hydro ebb & flow and DWC and the mentioned method is so much easier. Also a DIY DWC system is so simple but they can be issue prone for newbies no offense but with full on hydro you then need other tools to be successful like meters and would most likely need to run sterile or bennies.
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why not straight perlite or straight vermiculite? Just for my own knowledge.
 
If you want to make your life a lot easier than I suggest buying a 5 gallon pot and filling it with pro-mix and just choosing a nutrient line and do drain to waste. But yes, that is all you need to do DWC. There could be a lot more you'll need depending on your temps, bu that will get you started.
 
Soul Dwella said:
why not straight perlite or straight vermiculite? Just for my own knowledge. I didn’t want to have to ph the water since it’s in my greenhouse so it made it easier for me is all. It worked out really well no issues really other than I should have made the weep hole higher up because I have to water twice a day since they got so big. It was basically just to see how it worked and I ended up doing most of my vegetables the same way just smaller buckets. I used a nutrient I had leftover 19-4-23. I’m converting my flood tables into a drain to waste system for the winter season again just to try it out I like to play with systems so I DIY pretty much one of each and see what I like the best and so far for indoor the flood & drain was super simple and provided fast growth but each system has its pros & cons it’s really what works best for you & your available space & environment. There is a dozen different ways to skin a deer and none of them are right or wrong just what way you prefer to do it. Whatever system you choose just have some fun with it and try to keep it simple. Happy growing
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It's only $50. I wouldn't buy a kit like that but I have access to and can easily source all that stuff locally. If you were doing more than a plant or 2 it would be worth it to put everything together yourself. If you are just going to dip your toes in the water with one plant then that will work just fine.

I haven't done DWC for years. I got tired of dealing with air pumps, cords, air hoses, airstones, buckets of water, changing the nutrient solution out, etc...

You might be better off trying coco instead.

I still have all my web baskets from when I was running some DWC along with some flood tables. I doubt I'll ever use them again. Hydro is great but if you're just growing a couple plants why bother with all the extra hassle?

Collecting dust. I still have most of the buckets as well. I put them to use though. I use them to make JMS. In fact I'm making some tomorrow.


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One easy way is buying 2-4 large rectangular heavy duty storage containers with solid lids(~65L/17 gallons). You guys seem to have a lot of good storage containers everywhere in the US.

Connect 2-4 big totes with bulkheads in the bottom to keep water levels equal. With larger water volumes it takes longer for the water to warm up during lights on. It's better to run 18/6 in veg with water cultures IMO. If you want to improve on that add a control reservoir without a plant in it.
This is for filling, top offs. returning the water, adding aeration if you only want aeration in the reservoir.

I would just run a tee with two hoses to a pump from the totes farthest away from the reservoir and also returning to it. Keeping the pump on the ground and return the one water hose to a L connector going straight down to a waterfall in the res. Better to use PVC instead of rubber hosings. That's how I would do it If I were to build a new DWC. That can also be run passive for long periods of time.

I typically run my hydro tents at 24-25C/76-77F to combat high root chambers temps. Been working well for me all these years. Cheers!
 
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Wastei said:
One easy way is buying 2-4 large rectangular heavy duty storage containers with solid lids(~65L/17 gallons). You guys seem to have a lot of good storage containers everywhere in the US.

Connect 2-4 big totes with bulkheads in the bottom to keep water levels equal. With larger water volumes it takes longer for the water to warm up during lights on. It's better to run 18/6 in veg with water cultures IMO. If you want to i prove on that add a control reservoir without a plant.
This is for filling, top offs. returning the water, adding aeration if you only want aeration in the reservoir.

I would just run a tee with two hoses to a pump from the totes farthest away from the reservoir and also returning to it. Keeping the pump on the ground and return the one water hose to a L connector going straight down to a waterfall in the res. Better to use PVC instead 8f rubber hosing. That's how I would do it If I were to build a new DWC. That can also be run passive for long periods of time.

I typically run my hydro tents at 24-25C/76-77F to combat high root chambers temps. Been working well for me all these years. Cheers!
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You mean there isn't a Home Depot or Lowes within a mile everywhere in the world? :shock:
 
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