DWC/Bubble Bucket Question

[misterhektik]

Doing alot of research on bubble buckets, and so far I think I have it down. I plan on using a 10 or 14 gallon rubbermaid roughneck storage bin to plant 5 plants (1 in each corner, 1 in the middle.) I'll put 2 or 3 airstones at the bottom connected to 1 or 2 air pumps. That's basically what I have planned so far.

That's pretty much all I could think of from the pics I've seen. However, what would be the best way to drain the nutes quickly and efficiently? Also, how would I add more nutes? Could I simply pour the solution through the cups on the lid? Also, I've heard people say that rubbermaid roughnecks buckle, and I hear people say they've used them for years. Anyone have personal experience?

Thanks for the help

[trikky]

The easiest way to drain nutes from a large tank, buy a decent water pump and use it to pump the water out of the tank into another place where it can be disposed of properly. To add nute, simply mix them in with the water you put in the DWC bucket. Also, as a side note, you should consider using 5 air pumps with 5 air stones, each airstoen placed directly under where the plant will be. More efficient and less detrimental if one of the pumps fail.

[chimera]

I'd run 3 dual air pumps(6 stones). Also, I'd go with a larger resevior. I use an 18 gal. from dollar general it's only $5 there. What type of lighting are you using.

[misterhektik]

Originally Posted by trikky

The easiest way to drain nutes from a large tank, buy a decent water pump and use it to pump the water out of the tank into another place where it can be disposed of properly. To add nute, simply mix them in with the water you put in the DWC bucket. Also, as a side note, you should consider using 5 air pumps with 5 air stones, each airstoen placed directly under where the plant will be. More efficient and less detrimental if one of the pumps fail.

5 Air pumps? Sounds kinda pricey I was hoping to go the budget route.

Originally Posted by chimera

I'd run 3 dual air pumps(6 stones). Also, I'd go with a larger resevior. I use an 18 gal. from dollar general it's only $5 there. What type of lighting are you using.

400w HPS. One more question: How long do the airstones last? I read on some forums that they need to be replaced every 2 months.

[DierWolf]

2 dual outlet high capacity air pumps is more than enough for what your doing with 5 airstones (one of the outlets will have a T on it to spit it in 2 to make up for the 5th plant) put one stone directly under each plant. 3 dual outlets is naturally better as you can then have 6 stones evenly spaced thoughtout the bottom gaining more coverage. Up to you how much you want to spend.

Airstones lifespan all depends on the type of nutrients your using, if your using one part nutrients they dont desolve very well and they leave residue and that builds up on the stones. 3 part mixes in very very nicely an stones last much longer than 2 months.

Air Rods suck and clog faster than stones as well.

[trikky]

I got my air rocks from my local pet store for $2.50 a piece. The pumps were $10. Seems fairly minimal to me, however everyone should do what works best for them.

[a_spain_grower]

Originally Posted by trikky

I got my air rocks from my local pet store for $2.50 a piece. The pumps were $10. Seems fairly minimal to me, however everyone should do what works best for them.

I am really good at abusing plants so take this with a grain of salt.

I had a plant in a large Rubbermaid like OP is planning to use with three airstones. I put the plant in a 4 gallon trash can and that increased the bubble concentration. i think there is merit to more bubbles.

In terms of draining water I used a small pond pump which works really well.

Good luck.

[thisbigjoint]

I use 14 gal. rubber maid containers, with two different lids one with 4 holes and a lid with twi 8" holes. I use the lid with 4 holes early to late veg then transplant into lids with just two holes. Trust me the lids suck balls on rubber maid containers so 5 mature plants will be two heavy and plants will tip over. Also there is a small tit in the center undereath container, be sure to put a few strips of duct to cover it. They have a tendencey to break and leak. I use one large airstone per 14 gal.

[ifight4russia]

Your idea is pretty much exactly what i have going right now. I have a 18 gallon container. One thing i can tell you is 5 plants may be too many. I had 4 (3 started at the same time, 4th was 2 weeks later), the smaller plant was overgrown by the others and has since died, but even with 3 plants its a tight fit. Draining teh container has been a major b*tch, I bought a water sucking vacuum, but its still a hassle. As for the sturdiness of the container, I havent had any problems. Im using 2 airstones, it seems to be enough, just make sure you have a way to keep them where you want them, you dont want your airstones all sitting in one corner. Check out the link to my grow and check it out for yourself. Hope this helps.

[misterhektik]

Excellent advice. Didn't take the weight into account. And that grow log from ifight4russia is great. Couple of weeks until I move out and start my grow Thanks for all the help everyone.