first dwc...got a few simple questions

im building my first dwc setup for my next grow...i had a few basic questions...first off my setup.....
15 quart container..its clear but will be wrapped in a few layers of duct tape to block the light.10" air stone attached to the bottom...

also put in a hose on the side that runs from the top (sealed end) to the bottom (open) as a water level indicator.
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my main questions are.....
1.how much water should i fill the res with...should the water level be up to the net pots?
2.ill be starting the seeds in rockwool cubes...should i put them in the net pots with the clay pellets when the roots are long enough to reach the water...or do the roots grow into the water as its growing.
3.do i just water the rockwool as it becomes dry till the roots reach the water.....

simple stuff.....but after doing my normal research i find many different answers...so i thought id drop a thread to try to get some better answers

I keep my water so the bubbles are hitting the bottom of the net pot...the roots will find their way down to the water.
Then when you have lots of roots, you can have the water like an inch from the bottom of the pot.

rowlman said:

I keep my water so the bubbles are hitting the bottom of the net pot...the roots will find their way down to the water.
Then when you have lots of roots, you can have the water like an inch from the bottom of the pot.

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killer bro...ty...thats about the same as i was thinking...+rep to you for giving the first simple answer

ok...got another question folks....ive got my system almost all together now...but i dont think this pump is going to cut it...dont get any bubbles above water level...its a 5-15 gallon pump.im using a 3 1/2 gallon container...it only needs 2 gallons to get the water levels right....what would be a good pump for that size container without breaking the bank...something somewhat cheap and simple....ive learned that walmart pumps suck ass...so ive got to upgrade

i found this one...should this be powerful enough....
MA 400 AQUARIUM PUMP
• For 30 - 50 gallon aquariums

• Power: 2.4 watts
• Output: 2000 cc min.
• Dimensions: 5.16" L x 2.58" W x 2.33" H
• Outlet: Dual
• Control: variable

i found the vibra flo 2 for up to 30 gallons....i saw a guy selling 18 gallon prebuilt dwc systems on ebay and he included to vibra flo 1 for 20 gallons with it....so with a 30 gallon pump...and 2 10 inch air stones...that should be enough right?

djruiner said:

ok...got another question folks....ive got my system almost all together now...but i dont think this pump is going to cut it...dont get any bubbles above water level...its a 5-15 gallon pump.im using a 3 1/2 gallon container...it only needs 2 gallons to get the water levels right....what would be a good pump for that size container without breaking the bank...something somewhat cheap and simple....ive learned that walmart pumps suck ass...so ive got to upgrade

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Check out the sunleaves dura pump air. They come in various sizes and from my experience are the best and most dependable by far. I think they start around 25-30 bucks.

Dude im doing the same thing but with a 18 gallon tote. You guys think i can do the same setup or should i do another one , this i s my first hydrophoincs grow

One thing I would do differently is to not seal your airstone in place - use suction cups, or weight it down.
You will find that they will need replaced to keep the bubbles at maximum levels.

ok i also was going to plant like 5-6 plants . Some people tell me that it will over crowd but i might as well try right , you think i would get a good yeild if they were to crowd

angelsbandit said:

One thing I would do differently is to not seal your airstone in place - use suction cups, or weight it down.
You will find that they will need replaced to keep the bubbles at maximum levels.

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hi there u can fix ur airstones down with AQUARIUM SILICONE SEALANT and its easy to replace ur airstones fixed with AQUARIUM SILICONE SEALANT it will not mess wid ur water to as its gud for fish and i use it on all fitings to make sure i get no leaks

buy decent airstones and you don't have to worry about sealing them down.

ok..ive got my setup done...took forever for the dumbass on ebay to ship my net pots...but all is done...light proof...leak proof.
ive got a 30 gallon dual air pump with 2 10 inch air stones,ive got 2 lids for this dwc...one with 4 net pots and one with 6 net pots.
ive got it filled with 2 1/2 gallons of ph'ed water..pumps hooked up and running...will leave it running for the next 24 hours.
got the hydroton rinsed and sitting in ph'ed water.
right now the water level is about 2 inches below the net pots...gets a good misting on the bottom and sides of the net pots....
here is my only question.....how much water is too much water to be splashing on the nets? i dont want to drown them...or let them run too dry
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on a side note....i bought everything brand new for this...total cost was around $25....the one bag of soil i was going to buy before building the dwc was $28

I hate drilling holes low like that. Drill em above your net pots so they always above the water line then no worries of leaks.

r1tony said:

I hate drilling holes low like that. Drill em above your net pots so they always above the water line then no worries of leaks.

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all the holes are well above the water line...but the one thats under water is a water level indicator...so it has to be underwater...but the hose fits tight...used aquarium silicone around the hose on the outside...no leaks after 2 days full of water and 1 day with the pump going.i thought it to be worth taking the chance to be able to not lift the lid each time i need to check the water level