advice on rdwc set up

hi all .

I'm looking to buy/build a RDWC system i am looking to grow around 35 plants i do not want to grow in the tree fashion as i do not have the patience for the long veg times.

i have experience in ebb and flow set ups and coco DTW, but want to give RDWC A go due to the fast growth rates and the lack of substrate wast. i have a few questions on dwc that don't seem to be in any of the threads

1: do you need to change the depth of the solution in each pot as the roots grow ?

2: how long could a plant last if there was a power cut and the plant was just sitting in the water?

3: when changing the solution how long can the plants last without being in the water ?.

4: if you lift the lid to look at the roots and move the plant from the bucket will the light cause any damage ?

i am looking at the alien rdwc but it seems expensive i would like to add a water cooler for peace of mind , what sort of cost would it be to build a good RDWC system excluding the water cooler ? is there any plans available ?

You don't have too but in early veg I keep the level high until the roots reach the water.

Hard to give a specific amount of time, a few days maybe longer. Until the water becomes stagnant.

Again, difficult to be specific. Depends on the size of the root mass and how much water is trapped within it. You easily have enough time to change out without panic.

No...unless you want to stare at them for a few hours.

Depends, the Alien is the same design as the Under Current. You could build your own for roughly half what it costs to buy, but lots of variables there too. Whats your time worth to hunt down the individual pieces?

I have a UC system I got in a raffle from local hydro store, but I suggest people with any decent skill to DIY it off the same build...

As long as u r using a good air pump. and keeping the water temps low (65ish) there will be enough O2 in the water to keep the roots OK for 24-72hrs easy... bigger problem from lights being off for too long than air...

Can last out of water as long as the roots stay moist... dead/damaged roots can not heal, must be replaced. Short term (1-5mins) bursts of air/light will not be harmful, only prolonged exposure, talking 30-120+ mins...

Keep a large enough water supply on hand to refill quick @ nute change, use good pumps.. and ur good...