Plumbing several DWC systems together?

DND

DND

Well-Known Member
Not much of a DIY'er, but I know it's possible. The tubs are 2'x3'x7" which are large, but shallow compared to most DWC systems. Due to them being shallower, I see a lot of excess maintenance and ph fluctuation needing to be attended to so I would like to have a larger central reservoir to cut down on both.

What type and size fittings/tubing should I use? Also, once it's plumbed together how will I control the amount of water in each system so that they wont overflow? I have ran DWC before, but only as individual units. Sorry if these questions sound elementary, but I honestly don't know how this works.

Thanks,
DND
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problemsolver

Active Member
Solved! Put at least 2- 3/4" bulkhead fittings on the bottom of each DWC tank. Then put a pvc pipe extending to the desired water level of the shallow bin ( the pipe is either glued or threaded via male threaded pipe adapter) originating from the bulkhead (one overflow bulkhead per bin) on the inside of the bin. Make sure these two overflow style bulkheads are close enough together so they may overflow into a a 5gallon bucket but preferably 20gallon rubbermaid brute pail situated underneath the bins. Support the bins above the auxiliary reservoir bucket/pail but not touching it.
Now align another bulkhead (1/2" at least) in each bin so a 1/2" pvc pipe will connect each bin so they will share a common water level. It will look like two 90 degree elbows are coming from each bin bottom and connecting to each other with a straight piece of pipe. No overflow is sent from these two bulkhead/90 degree connections. It is only done so that the bins will share a common water body.
Now use two small pumps with basket strainers to pump water into the overhead bins. The water overflows from the bin down the overflow pipe and into the auxiliary reservoir below. Two pumps are necessary in case one fails. Because the water bodies are connected , if one pump fails, both bins will still overflow into the reservoir underneath and constant water level ( and a whole bunch of aeration!) is achieved.
Simply use the level sensor of your choice to replace evaporate water in the auxiliary reservoir, preferably a 20 gallon rubbermaid brute pail. You could use a 5 gallon bucket underneath the two bins ( for an aux. res. ) just slow down the water flowing from the two pumps with a valve so that the overflow will not be so violent to cause nuisance short cycling of the auto top-off level sensor. This is exactly the method I use in my 2 side-by-side grow cabs.
 
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DND

DND

Well-Known Member
problemsolver said:
Solved! Put at least 2- 3/4" bulkhead fittings on the bottom of each DWC tank. Then put a pvc pipe extending to the desired water level of the shallow bin ( the pipe is either glued or threaded via male threaded pipe adapter) originating from the bulkhead (one overflow bulkhead per bin) on the inside of the bin. Make sure these two overflow style bulkheads are close enough together so they may overflow into a a 5gallon bucket but preferably 20gallon rubbermaid brute pail situated underneath the bins. Support the bins above the auxiliary reservoir bucket/pail but not touching it.
Now align another bulkhead (1/2" at least) in each bin so a 1/2" pvc pipe will connect each bin so they will share a common water level. It will look like two 90 degree elbows are coming from each bin bottom and connecting to each other with a straight piece of pipe. No overflow is sent from these two bulkhead/90 degree connections. It is only done so that the bins will share a common water body.
Now use two small pumps with basket strainers to pump water into the overhead bins. The water overflows from the bin down the overflow pipe and into the auxiliary reservoir below. Two pumps are necessary in case one fails. Because the water bodies are connected , if one pump fails, both bins will still overflow into the reservoir underneath and constant water level ( and a whole bunch of aeration!) is achieved.
Simply use the level sensor of your choice to replace evaporate water in the auxiliary reservoir, preferably a 20 gallon rubbermaid brute pail. You could use a 5 gallon bucket underneath the two bins ( for an aux. res. ) just slow down the water flowing from the two pumps with a valve so that the overflow will not be so violent to cause nuisance short cycling of the auto top-off level sensor. This is exactly the method I use in my 2 side-by-side grow cabs.
Click to expand...
Very helpful my friend and I thank you! Also, if you have pictures that would be killer.
 
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