RDWC vs DWC

Discussion in 'Hydroponic Growing' started by LinuxOwner, Jun 1, 2015.

  1. Hello to all,

    Rookie question here, hopefully a few won't mind giving some info. I'll start with a few basics.

    I am going to be doing a LED (DS XML350) grow, 2)Due to minimal space I have opted to use 2) 3'x3' tents, one veg and one flower. This will be for personal and I aiming for around 3oz/month yield. I currently forsee growing 3 plants. I understand I may be wrong on a few things here and I am willing to accept that. Probably should also mention that I am gathering information as I have not yet attempted a grow, this will be a new hobby.

    On to the question regarding (R)DWC, I know that the difference is that the "R" stands for recirculating, but that is the extent of what I know. Some quick checks of RDWC to see what I would be investing ($$$), led me to this:

    http://www.hg-hydroponics.co.uk/alien-hydroponics-4-pot-rdwc-kit-6806-p.asp

    Here are a couple of things, I really don't want to build my own. I will confess that up front. I understand that I will have to spend some coin as a penalty for being lazy and I am OK with that...BUT really?
    Here are some other concerns. I am going to be using a 3'X3' area. Looking at the provided link, I see a 4 bucket setup, would that not be a little too tight? It also appears the buckets cannot be shifted closer or further as the seemed to be "space locked" by attached pipes. What would one do if I wanted to use but only 3?

    Have a look at this too:

    http://www.hydrowholesale.com/viagrow-viagrow-black-bucket-deep-water-culture-hydroponic-system-4-pack-5341

    This is another similar setup (I don't see that this is a RDWC it looks like it would be DWC?), Is there a major difference in yield between the RDWC and DWC? Would someone mind going over a few pros on cons of each? Is one of the main factors that there is a main reservoir with one and that somehow makes things better when it comes time to do weekly changes etc?

    I would need to have 2) complete RDWC/DWC setups independent of each other if I want to do the perpetual grow using both of the tents I buy?

    I would not hate it if a few veterans would offer some links or guidance to either pre-fabbed or turnkey kits which would suit my needs. I don't mind spending the money if I have to, I just was not looking to have to spend $600 dollars for each 3 bucket hydro setup per tent.

    Thanks in advance and I hope this long winded ass thread will help others besides me.
     
  2. #2 johnnytable, Jun 1, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 1, 2015
    Grown a few times in DWC with up to 3 plants to experiment with DWC before jumping over. Currently building a 9-site perpetual RDWC to make the transition. Reason I'm transitioning: Less works, more consistency. Taking care of 9 buckets individually isn't going to work for me. More specific reasons:
     
    -Adding a chiller in the loop - I have troubled keeping res temps down even in a basement on tile
    -Nute solution will be consistent at each site (provided system is designed right)
    -pH will be consistent at each site (provided system is designed right)
    -Ability to check solution strength and pH level from a single point
    -Drain/fill will be faster and a lot of time/work saved
    -Adding a reserve tank with triggered pump will keep up on your levels
     
    That 4-site setup should fit in a 3x3' footprint. My 9-site in 5gal buckets takes up a 4x4' footprint (3x3 plants).
     
    I could probably keep up with 4 buckets individually, but would be more happy with a RDWC for multiple plants.
     
    Your first link recirculates, the second doesn't appear to and just has a separate res. The recirculating is what allows for adding a chiller into the loop, filter, knowing your solution is consistently equal across all sites and probably helps with DO a bit.
     
  3. The above post has been an immense help. I now have a very good grasp on why someone would want to be utilizing a RDWC vs the DWC. While functional, it's also quite the luxury item too I see. I guess the only thing that I will have to worry about is, that along with the benefits of the "cosistency" come the drawbacks as well. In my case if I make an error on something, it will be a "global" error.

    Johnny, if you don't mind commenting again, with what I have described above as my scenario (including being perpetual) would you think that I should have 2 independent RDWC setups? one RDWC for veg and one RDWC for flower or is one not needed. I just don't want to be doing something which is not needed or overkill. Penny for your thoughts on this too please.

    Last question (anyone who has experience with RDWC prefered) but anyone please feel free to answer, did the first link I posted seem about right in price for the 4 bucket setup and did it seem to have all the need elements and/or items. I would be open to other places which may be more economical regarding the purchase of 2 RDWC kits, the one I posted (first one) just happened to be the first place I checked.

    I appreciate all the feedback, I don't usually put the cart before the horse, but you know what they say "Prior planning prevents piss poor performance.". It's really remarkable to me the amount of money that I am going to be investing in my new hobby.

    Thx tremedously
     
  4. Mods,
    I have since purchased 2 RDWC systems. This thread cab be locked and closed if you deem fit.
    Thx,
    Linux
     
  5. where
     
  6. I ended up using 2 kits which i purchase online through Amazon. It was fine. I now use simple DWC, I no longer use RDWC. When it comes to the moving and manicuring of the plant. it is just simply nicer to not be so connected, so interlocked. I like the idea of being able to move one or more 5 gallon buckets completely out if i need to.
    Linux
     

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