How Deep?

Building my own DWC grow box.

I will have 7" diameter for each plant. I can stretch that to 8" if need be, but I am going to be lollipoppin in a SOG. Would the extra inch in diameter help? If not, I'd rather just use the space for additional plants.

I am NOT using a separate reservoir. Just installing a drain and leaving a couple of holes on top open for adding/draining water and nutes.

I can make the box 15" deep OR 20" deep. And that is my main question. Would 15" be sufficient OR would I be better off with 20" of space/depth for the roots? Basically 7-8" wide by 15" OR 20" deep per plant. That enough?

thank u

BTW - all things being equal, I prefer the 15" depth, since I already have the material for that. However, IF the 20" is in any way better, then it is a minor hassle and expense to expand it... So it's not too late to increase it. Just need to know before I proceed. thx

I think you gain little by the extra depth. But what do you mean by 7 in diameter? Are the netpots that big or does that refer to the space between them?

Illegal Smile said:

I think you gain little by the extra depth. But what do you mean by 7 in diameter? Are the netpots that big or does that refer to the space between them?

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Net pots are 3.75"... Each plant however, will have 7" to grow in. As in, from the center of each hole, the next hole measures 7" away. I've read a few times where people suggest 8" for each plant in a SOG, but 7" gave me enough room for an additional row and thus several more plants. But if it's going to be an issue, I can reduce the plants and increase the space a little bit.

So 15" is pretty much just as good as 20" as far as depth is concerned? I mean, if I gain anything by adding the 5", then it can be done.

thank you!

Or you could go to 3 inch netpots. I guess I'd leave it at 7 and add the extra row. And if your 15 inch res gives you more than a gallon of water per plant, I'd use it.

Illegal Smile said:

Or you could go to 3 inch netpots. I guess I'd leave it at 7 and add the extra row. And if your 15 inch res gives you more than a gallon of water per plant, I'd use it.

Click to expand...

why switch to 3" net pots? what's the difference? the space above will be the same either way.

hmm 7" wide by 15" deep SHOULD hold a gallon of water.. let me see if I can somehow figure out the math on this one. lol I mean, a gallon of milk isn't that big, so it should be at least a solid gallon.

How deep should I keep the water? does it matter? Just a shallow 4" or so and the rest air OR should I fill her up higher? this will be for flowering only BTW.. so no need for any drippers or sprayers at this point.

thanks.. i've read many of your comments and appreciate your input.

also.. was thinking to add 1 air stone for every 2 plants. would that be sufficient? seems to me that once the roots fill the bottom, that the bubbles would have a hard time working their way around to any neighboring plants.

bump for a 2nd opinion

oh boy, that avatar is something