Combination Drip/ DWC system

[CasualGrower]

I got what you need. I'm build I a recirculating auto top up dwc system as we speak. All I need is the rez (a big ol rain barrel) and a 5 gallon bucket with a good lid. Here's what you do (or what I did). I got 6 tubs in two rows with a single drain line running down between the two rows. Each tub is T 'd into the drain line and raised 4" off the floor. The drain line runs to the bottom of the 5 gallon bucket. Another nipple runs from the 5 gallon bucket to the bottom of the reservoir. The bottom hole in the reservoir is controlled by a float valve like in your toilet. There is a pump in the 5 gallon bucket pumping water into the top of the reservoir. Now as the pump refills the reservoir from the dwc tubs I have the level of solution drops, as the reservoir fills the float valve is pulled (just like flushing the toilet) and the solution rushes out the bottom of the reservoir into the 5 gallon bucket and back into the tubs. When it finishes filling the tubs if the level of the water is below the second float valve (like the one that fills your toilet) it tops up the system and the cycle starts again. I have it set so that there is always 4 inches of water in the bottom of my tubs. This single drain setup simplifies the plumbing and ensures the solution is the same across the board. The trick is you need a res that can handle all the water in your system. Another nice thing about this is that at each tub I have a ball valve. I can turn the ball valve, remove the tub from the system for maitenance or cleaning or whatever and the system will adapt and auto level itself. Not only that but now I will only need to check one reservoir to know that all my plants are receiving what they need. I'll post pic's and a diagram explaining it asap.

Pretty much what I had in mind by the way I read it.... I just wouldn't have the big old rain barrel and mix in the bucket where the pump is.... A little math neds to be done, but I am good with numbers... or you can bump it a lil, run the pump and mix up the buckets and then recheck to see if you are where ya want to be....Somewhere in the drainline I would have a T-valve with a hose so I could drain the system for the complete wate changes.

 

[CasualGrower]

of all the different strains i've grown,they all have different needs.i just feel uneasy having the same nute level for all my plants at the same time.as all of you have done before,you start 10 seeds and they all pop at different intervals.they also grow at different rates.to me it just makes sense to adjust the nutes accordingly.i know that growdude has had some outstanding grows,hes gotten the waterfarm licked.i personally like to give individualized care to each individual plant.everyone has their preference on the way they grow and the systems they use.thats why this is a unique science we offer to our ladies.we strive to make the best situations possible for the ultimate outcome of our efforts.

True enough on that Andy, this system would probably not work for you vey well.... You like to grow seveal diffeent strains at a time. This system would be for someone to run a continous grow with say 6 clones the same age.....

 

[Tater]

The system I outlined above is going to have 48 plants in 6 tubs. 5 different strains and a tub of bagseed lol. If you keep your nutes on the low side the plants will still get what they need and you shouldn't burn any of them. Some are finicky but those don't get grown the next time. Crazy high ppm's, like 1600 and what not are just ridiculous and asking for trouble. Mine don't go over 1100 or so and even then they only hit that for one or two weeks. Nutrients are expensive, and just because the plant can handle it doesn't mean it needs that much.