Ok, I've been growing in a single 3x3 using DWC with pretty good results. I am now stepping up to 2x 4x4 tents to setup a perpetual grow (hopefully). Although DWC has been fine, I live in an area with frequent power outages, I'm not home much to tend to them and it's become quite a chore changing Rez, etc. So I'm thinking of going to an automated drain to waste setup and would like anyone's thoughts and opinions on the design of it. I considered RDWC but I think a drain to waste will be more hands off
Cool idea using a whole tray to collect runoff instead of individual saucers. Only thing I'd change is the size of your tank. Fifteen gals goes fast. You'll need to put a check valve at the highest point of your tube coming out of your res if you use a tall container like that, or you'll get the syphon effect and drain your tank. You'll probably also want a float and pump to auto drain that 5 gal bucket. You're not gonna want to dump that as often as it'll fill. Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk
I think a small wooden tray with a shower liner will do the trick nicely and keep the clutter down for my OCD . Good call on bucket sizes. I'm not decided on res or waste container shape yet, maybe Rubbermaid totes would be better than cylinders. I think some sort of sump pump on a float would be perfect for waste water. I could just tee it into the HVAC condensate line as it is already through a wall exiting the basement. Great suggestions thanks
If you go the tote route, make sure it's sturdy. I went to home depot and got the 38 gal HDX tote. Inexpensive, perfect size, and sturdy enough. The sides still bow a little, but not as bad as this Rubbermaid I had, lol. It was a scary couple days with that tank. It was the battle of the bulge Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk
I have a few of those 27gal yellow lid totes from home Depot for my DWC they are the most sturdy I've found. For those 3 plants above, how much res water do you use in say a week? Do you feed daily, multiple times daily, etc?
I am feeding six times a day right now, almost week seven of flower. I probably go through 12-15 gallons a day. It was way more manageable in veg when they were only getting fed twice a day. I feel like I'd get more out of it if I'd gone for the hydro rings. I built my own out of drip emitters and the slow (10 gph per plant) drip takes longer to create runoff. I'll be going the hydro ring route next time. Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk
Have you considered a flood / drain to reservoir (ebb/flow)? You will save space, and its super efficient on water/ nutrients. The only down side is you sacrifice a little vertical grow space. Its pretty much what you designed except less waste and the drain catch is your reservoir. Just a thought.
Willing to consider all options. Headroom is always a concern, I'm actually already loosing a bit with the new light setup, plus a drain tray or catch reservoir. May have to go for a gorilla tent with extension :-X Space is not so much a concern in general, tents in semi finished unoccupied basement. My initial plans for the drain to waste setup was to be as hands off and automated as possible. I could do the same with an ebb and flow setup I guess. Are ph swings a concern? That's one of the few reasons I'm getting away from DWC and haven't considered RDWC, along with the huge PITA it has become with bigger plants especially. I'll do some reading on ebb/flow. I have a few weeks to figure it all out. Thanks
I have experienced minor fluctuations in PH, but corrected the problem by simply covering the reservoir. Automating ebb flow is easy, it only requires one pump and a timer. I use coco mats underneath my pots in the tray, it prevents the possible over watering issues. I have a lot of experience with these set ups, if you need help, feel free to hit me up. you can see my set up in another thread on here... Sanitary 1 light Grow Room