UC RDWC system question

I had my handyman put together a 6-site rdwc system with 10 gallon totes. When we ran the system for a couple of days it did not seem to me that the water was circulating very well, especially considering I am using a 1000 gph inline pump.

The return line was flowing back into the control bucket at a much faster rate and the water level in the buckets on either side was uneven. My handyman clamped down on the water pressure to make it even, but not it seems the water is not circulating well. I assume this is because the wholes connecting the totes together are not all at the same level (I realized this too late).

Should I buy new buckets and start over? Would this fix the issue? Could anything else be causing this? Thanks!

Slow the flow! Add a few air stones to make up for it if you feel bad about it.

Vumar said:

Slow the flow! Add a few air stones to make up for it if you feel bad about it.

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Well I bought a filter and put it inline and it doesn't seem to be filtering debris in the water

Use a smaller pump, you just over estimated the math on the pump. You have 60gal total and circulate 1,000 gallons an hour? Uhhh..... Thats fast!

Lol. Would a 185 gallon work? Or should I put it submersed where I can control the flow? I have the other pump available, just need to buy an adapter

I'd go submersible with a filter bag =) Heat warning there.. Gotta watch res temps

What's a filter bag? I have a chiller

http://hydrobuilder.com/eco-plus-pump-filter-bag-small-6-5-x-9.html?dzid=csegps_728188&gclid=CjwKEAjwxKSoBRCZ5oyy87DimEcSJADiWsvgg-SSTrWUsRJB1Lcl9DAyIIk_HHRGvd9--ipMM8SDERoCcgjw_wcB


Just a simple lil thinggg. 2nd filter basically... I use this before running anything through my chiller.

How big are the lines connecting the totes? Any Pics?

blackforest said:

How big are the lines connecting the totes? Any Pics?

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No pics now unfortunately. I am using 1" rubber tubing with 3/4" returns

kesaber said:

No pics now unfortunately. I am using 1" rubber tubing with 3/4" returns

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Ok, That is the issue imo. It should be 2" or larger between totes in order to be effective, and maintain a specific water level in each tote, especially the number of totes you have and the size. In a connected rdwc system, it is gravity fed, and there is no real suction/pressure except for a certain section where it's reduced from 2" pvc to a 3/4" water line (for example). Hard to explain with words, but you can find tons of examples. Here's a link to my rdwc build/grow. I modeled it after an undercurrent system. https://www.rollitup.org/t/rdwc-build-so-far-so-good.852489/