1st time DWC - build and seed questions

Hello,

I'm about to build my first DWC. The plan: get a large black tub with lid from Home Depot, net pots, air pump and air stones. What parts am I missing? (I know, hydroton, lights, fans, etc, but I'm just checking to make sure I don't need anything else for the actual grow bucket. )

Where should I keep the water level in relation to the bottom of the net pots?

If I start seed in a paper towel, how do I get it to then grow in this contraption?

I want to go SCROG, small space.

Thanks for any help!

Haiz Diamond. Sounds like you got about everything needed for the bucket besides yur PH Down, nutez, and whatnot. I keep my water levels roughly 1-2" below the bottom of my netpots. Supposedly roots take advantage of this small air gap and roots get both water and O2 at the same time(air roots and water roots so to speak). I started all my girlz using the paper towel method as well. I waited until the taproot was roughly 1/4" long and then put the seed in the rockwool ROOT DOWN. It doesnt need to be placed in deep. 1/4" down and brush the wool over the top of it should do the trick. Let the seed sit in the rockwool for 16-24 hrs without light so it can "settle" and then put it under some CFLz or something. They dont need alot of light by any means, just enough to get them to pop. Mine took roughly 2-4 days to fully pop above the wool. Use PH'd water at 5.5ish only. Watering a seedling lightly every other day seems to be the popular choice until they get bigger and your true leaves start coming in. Pretty much once your seeds have popped, you can move em to your bubbler and continue watering them with JUST WATER until your root systems develop. Once they hit your rez it's pretty much auto-pilot as they can eat/drink on their own and all youd have to do is keep water levels full. Bout it...hope this helps you Good luck and happy growing!

Mineralz pretty much give you everything you need know. Water level about 2 inch UP the net pot tell you get a few roots popping out then lower it to below the pot 1-2 inches below the net pots. BUT I would try and use a igloo ice-chest. Instead of a bucket as its a pain to keep the water 60-65ish. Any brand will work but Ive tested them all its the brand the keeps the water coolest for the longest .

Thank you both for the wonderful info! I really appreciate the help!

I thought only a air pump was needed.