Feeding dwt off rdwc res

Aolelon

Well-Known Member
I'm thinking of starting a hydro grow, I am thinking of doing 2 site undercurrent rdwc, and 2 site top feed dwt.
I am thinking I still need to do a lot of research before I make this happen. But a couple of questions.
Can I feed the dwt feom the rdwc res? If I am able to, am I going to need a backup res, to top off the rdwc res?
I'm probably going to be doing 5 gal buckets for the rdwc.
Also if you have any videos or any diy guides that would be much appreciated.
 

rkymtnman

Well-Known Member
I do auto feed dtw GH waterfarms. all it takes is cutting the blue tube on the side about an inch above the white line.
 

JohnDee

Well-Known Member
Can I feed the dwt feom the rdwc res? If I am able to, am I going to need a backup res, to top off the rdwc res?
Couple things come to mind. Not all plants take the same time to finish nor require the same feed strengths...so what you're describing would work best with either all the same strains...or at least similar in feeding requirements.

And then you'd need a third res to top up the second one, whose purpose it is to top off the first one. Maybe even more. lol (just fooling with you)

Some guys use a "keep full" system utilizing either tap water or direct from an RO source. Set up with a float valve. Gradually your res will drop ppm but that's what you're there for. To refresh nutrients in the res.
JD
 

JohnDee

Well-Known Member
So for 2 5 gal dwt pots, what is the best size res to go with?
Good morning Aolelon,
There are loads of acronyms out there. So that everyone knows what you're talking about...it's "drain to waste" (dtw)

I believe that you are overly complicating things by trying to automate both a dtw and rdwc with the same res.

This is how I would handle it. Just keep the res for the DWC system. You will need to "service" the res every couple of days or maybe even daily. While you're topping up, phing and adding nutes to res...just have a bucket handy and mix enough extra to hand water your DTW. That way you can tailor the nutrients...in case they are at different stages or different strains. You know...the keep it simple adage.
JD
 

Aolelon

Well-Known Member
Good morning Aolelon,
There are loads of acronyms out there. So that everyone knows what you're talking about...it's "drain to waste" (dtw)

I believe that you are overly complicating things by trying to automate both a dtw and rdwc with the same res.

This is how I would handle it. Just keep the res for the DWC system. You will need to "service" the res every couple of days or maybe even daily. While you're topping up, phing and adding nutes to res...just have a bucket handy and mix enough extra to hand water your DTW. That way you can tailor the nutrients...in case they are at different stages or different strains. You know...the keep it simple adage.
JD
Yea I know its dtw, I didnt realize I typed it backwards, my phone must have autocorrected to DWT
 
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JohnDee

Well-Known Member
So for 2 5 gal dwt pots, what is the best size res to go with?
So this question is just if you were going to have separate reservoirs? For me, it depends on what nutrients you're using. Sometimes it's best to not leave nutrients sitting around in a res if you don't have to. But I'd say big enough for a weeks watering and then clean and mix weekly. 8-10 gallons should be plenty big.
JD
 

Aolelon

Well-Known Member
So this question is just if you were going to have separate reservoirs? For me, it depends on what nutrients you're using. Sometimes it's best to not leave nutrients sitting around in a res if you don't have to. But I'd say big enough for a weeks watering and then clean and mix weekly. 8-10 gallons should be plenty big.
JD
Yea that's what I'm thinking, I guess with 2 dtw sites hand watering would prob be easiest, my understanding of them wasnt the best, and I was thinking of using bluemats for the drippers.
 

rkymtnman

Well-Known Member
one major benefit to dtw is that the plant gets the exact same nutes every feeding. if you use your rdwc res, you lose that.
 

JohnDee

Well-Known Member
.
So how often would I feed. Say i would use 3 gal fabric pots. Once a day to 20-30% runoff?
We don't even know what medium you'll be using. Water them according to need. If you plan on coco...then you'll need to water more often.
JD
 
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