I've grown in FF soil and also in coco. I'm thinking about moving to a RDWC setup... I already ordered a 1/4 water chilling, and 2" uniseals. Now I'm just trying to get the rest of my supplies. To get to my question, I'm debating on whether to go with eight 8 gallon square buckets vs eight standard 5 gallon round buckets in a 4x8 tent. Any pros, cons, difference in using one over the other other than cost? I'll be vegging for appox a month if that makes a difference..
On a average day my plants in flowering use a easy 3 to 4 gallons of water per day . Picture the plants roots in your grow container , my plants take up 3 to 5 gallons of space inside the grow container . On a hot day my plants in flowering can use up to 8 gallons or more of water. Personally I don't wish to check the water every day or twice a day. I grow medium to large plants for a 4x8 tent …. My personal opinion is a 5 gallon bucket isn't a big enough reservoir to grow certain sized plants . I say this because I like taking off for several days at a time and don't wish to have to have some one come in and take care of my plants .
Square buckets are easier to drill out the holes and allow you to get better seals with all the fittings. I always use them for RDWC setups purely for that reason.
I have to post these photos . I know there are successful growers using 5 gallon buckets. I used a areoponic system where I grew inside a square plastic 5 in x 5in fence post . The roots got to big and made the system dysfunctional . Now I am growing in 20 and 30 gallon totes My system is successful but it does require allot of RO water ..
I think that it will come down to what size plants you intend on growing, for example, if you're growing an autoflower variety, you may be fine with a 5 gallon bucket. But if, instead, you plan on doing photoperiods or intend on growing tree sized plants, you'll certainly want to go with the 8 gallon container. Generally speaking, larger is usually better when it comes to root space. Choose whichever will fit into your grow space and grow style the best. Make sure you've plenty of vertical space as well!