Bubbleponic question... how is it different than a real DWC?

So, if the recommended water level for a DWC is 1" away from the netpots, why is a bubbleponic system better? I mean, from the setups I have seen, a bubbleponic system uses DWC/Drip style methods. How is the constant water to the roots any different than say filling the DWC up to the root line of the plant??

In my experience, I had better results keeping the water level in a DWC 1" from the roots (not the net pot)... but once the roots get long enough they're in the water regardless. So how is it different? It's water to the roots.

I have read Rosemans tutorial and such, but I guess I didn't get my answer.
 

BigBuddahCheese

New Member
I consider them one in the same a DWC, one with a drip and another without. I run my DWC without, but many run them with a drip system. I never needed it, but I do rely on the bubbles.

If anything I would consider the one without drip, as a bubbleponic as you rely on those bubbles to wet the medium, roots etc.

I keep my water at bottom of net pots or slightly below, never an inch or more, usually less. Never an issue, always snow white roots. That being said, I keep temps, water temps, nutes and other factors under control. I think the main thing with the amount of space beneath the net pots is just personal preference as long as the bubbles, do their job at that distance. My water drops about 6" each day exposing roots for a period of time, so they might benefit from that as well.

After all that it doesn't matter what you do or what you call it, it is what works for you. Try it "does it work"...? No... try another avenue, that is what excites me about growing not that I get the medicine I desire. It is a hobby and I learn more every time, mostly because I worry about the important things and see for myself results before I "believe" them.
 
I agree. I just am curious about this as I have done DWC without the drips my entire time and plan to experiment with the drip system this time. People claim it's so much faster, but in my mind, it's the same thing as having a DWC without drippage and just filling the water up to the plants roots. I guess I haven't seen the science behind it enough to verify a benefit...
 

ru4r34l

Well-Known Member
I agree. I just am curious about this as I have done DWC without the drips my entire time and plan to experiment with the drip system this time. People claim it's so much faster, but in my mind, it's the same thing as having a DWC without drippage and just filling the water up to the plants roots. I guess I haven't seen the science behind it enough to verify a benefit...
From my experience the only reason the bubble set up seems faster is when you place a seedling or small clone with barely any roots the drip helps the roots to get nutrients and grow down in into the bucket, after the roots have hit the water there should be no difference whatsoever.

I run my DWC/Bubble set up with no drip as my clones go in after about 2 -3 weeks of veg and have healthy long roots. ;-)

regards,
 

BigBuddahCheese

New Member
Exactly.. it would be faster with a drip and I know this so what I do to compensate and works well. Is to put one layer of hydroton in net pot that is where my rapid rooter sits on, so I know the base of the plant is like 1/2" up from bottom.

So the first few weeks I keep the water at the bottom of the net pot or little up into it, this allows the water to be almost where it needs to be at roots. Then when I see roots coming out I pull it down to bottom or little below the net pot, this keeps things rocking instead of messy drips etc.

I think people who fail is the people who plop a 2" rockwool into a 10" or 6" net pot near the top, then keep the water inches below the netpot with no drip then cry "what is happening?!".

I mean I think most mistakes are just common sense failure on the growers part.
 
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