[hc2_accordion first question]
Advantages
[hc2_accordion answer]
- The upside to DWC is the accelerated growth, resulting from the superior uptake of nutrients and oxygen in the system. Aerating the roots improves water absorption and cell growth within the plants.
- Requires very little maintenance.
- Cheapest of the active systems.
- No nutrient pump necessary.
- Simple, reliable setup.
- Temperature is difficult to maintain if you are using a non-recirculating Deep Water Culture system.
- If the air pump goes out, there is a very small window for replacing it. If left without oxygen for too long, the plants will rapidly decline.
- The pH and nutrient levels can vary a great deal. Therefore, in multiple bucket systems, each much be tested individually on a regular basis.
- Higher risk of root rot if system is not cleaned & maintained regularly.
- Must frequently refill reservoir & top water until roots are long enough to grow into the nutrient solution.
- Begin by filling the reservoir (bucket) with hydroponic nutrient solution at a level that is just above the base of the net pot. Connect the air tubing to the air stone and place it in the bucket. Place your plant with visible roots growing out of the rockwool into the reservoir. Surround the plant with either your choice of growing medium or the aforementioned expanded clay pellets. Turn on the air pump.
- Initially, when the plant is still young, the rockwool needs to be in contact with the nutrient solution so it can wick the nutrients and water up to the plant. As the plant matures, the root system will grow and the level of the nutrient solution can be reduced.
- Every 1-2 weeks, remove the plant from the bucket and replace and refresh the hydroponic nutrient solution, then place the plant back in the bucket. You can add more buckets to the system, ergo more plants. If you add many buckets, you may need to add or upgrade the air pump.
SYSTEM COMPONENTS
[hc2_accordion first question]
Advantages
[hc2_accordion answer]
- The upside to DWC is the accelerated growth, resulting from the superior uptake of nutrients and oxygen in the system. Aerating the roots improves water absorption and cell growth within the plants.
- Requires very little maintenance.
- Cheapest of the active systems.
- No nutrient pump necessary.
- Simple, reliable setup.
- Temperature is difficult to maintain if you are using a non-recirculating Deep Water Culture system.
- If the air pump goes out, there is a very small window for replacing it. If left without oxygen for too long, the plants will rapidly decline.
- The pH and nutrient levels can vary a great deal. Therefore, in multiple bucket systems, each much be tested individually on a regular basis.
- Higher risk of root rot if system is not cleaned & maintained regularly.
- Must frequently refill reservoir & top water until roots are long enough to grow into the nutrient solution.
- Begin by filling the reservoir (bucket) with hydroponic nutrient solution at a level that is just above the base of the net pot. Connect the air tubing to the air stone and place it in the bucket. Place your plant with visible roots growing out of the rockwool into the reservoir. Surround the plant with either your choice of growing medium or the aforementioned expanded clay pellets. Turn on the air pump.
- Initially, when the plant is still young, the rockwool needs to be in contact with the nutrient solution so it can wick the nutrients and water up to the plant. As the plant matures, the root system will grow and the level of the nutrient solution can be reduced.
- Every 1-2 weeks, remove the plant from the bucket and replace and refresh the hydroponic nutrient solution, then place the plant back in the bucket. You can add more buckets to the system, ergo more plants. If you add many buckets, you may need to add or upgrade the air pump.
APPROXIMATE COST:
$270