Advice on DWC a.k.a. the bubbler system

Im considering starting my first grow using the D.W.C. method a.k.a the bubbler.
Top Tips - The Aero Pod™ Professional Deep Water Culture aka The Bubbler

But I have a few quick questions before I begin:

1) How much nutrients do you need to add to the water?
2) Why do growers layer mylar on the lid of the D.W.C. unit (under the plant)?
3) How are the splashes (bubble bursts from the air stone) able to get to the rockwool if the rockwool is resting on clay pellets (isnt their a gap between the water bubbles and the rockwool)?

Sorry if these are sily questions.

1) How much nutrients do you need to add to the water?
2) Why do growers layer mylar on the lid of the D.W.C. unit (under the plant)?
3) How are the splashes (bubble bursts from the air stone) able to get to the rockwool if the rockwool is resting on clay pellets (isnt their a gap between the water bubbles and the rockwool)?


to answer your questions starting with # 1.

It depends on what brand of nutrients your planning on using each product has a differant feeding schedule and a differant formula for mixing.

They simply lay mylar down for more reflection for the plants (the more the merrier)

basicly the buckets are filled with water and than they drain back into your resivoir.

Hope i answer your questions as good as i could, if i didnt maybe ask a more clearer question and ill clear it up. (im not saying you didnt ask clear questions just saying if theres something else you need to know just ask)

I just recently built one myself. I didn't to much care for the air stones at walmart though, if you can find a nice round bubble disc, i would say that would be best.

How many plants are you concidering growing in the dwc?

Thanks Garden man youv answered my quetions perfectly, but one more thing... what temperature should the water be at?

Thanks again.


Oh and FUZZ Im planning on growing approx 4 to start off with, even though this is my first grow but I like a challenge.

Ive read almost all of Greg Green's "The Grow Bible" book and I believe im ready to start my training.... I think LOL

nutrients are set to 1/16 strenght for the first 3-4 weeks. during this time the roots will be working there way down to the water. once the roots get below the rockwool, they will be recieving moisture off of the clay balls. the water level at first should be at the bottom of the net pods. once the roots make it to the water, lower the water level to 1-2 inches below the net pods. when you increase the nutrients go up slowly (1/16 at a time). if they are handling it well, you can keep increasing until you are 100%.

the mylar on top of the res is for keeping light out of the res. keep as much light out as possible. some use duct tape as well (whatever is cheaper). light in the res will grow algae. temps are also important for the fight against algae. they should stay between 65 to 70 (optimal) in the water.

once the roots are in the water, the rockwool no longer has any need for moisture. you only need to keep it lightly moist until the roots reach the res. seedling recieve enough nutrients to feed themselves for the first week or two from within the seed pods.

Just the answer(s) I was looking for thank you so much itll definetely come in handy.

Thanks all oh & happy new year everybody!!!

hi newbie here:O)

I made my own bubbler..doing well so far. One issue I don't want to have that papa mentioned is keep light out, what about the res does it have to be no light at all or would tinted plastic work to keep out algae?