Basic DWC Rez Maintenance Questions

I am poised to run a very basic and very small DWC grow with a few airstones and aquarium air pumps in 5 gallon buckets (1 plant per bucket).

On average, how many days can I expect to let the system go without having to top-off the reservoir?

I don't mean change out the reservoir nutrients for a clean solution, I mean mid-cycle refill to maintain an ideal water level in the bucket in between nutrient additions...

I understand the variability in this goes along with nutrients, light, strain etc. but I was just looking for a ballpark range for each part of the cycle (veg, flower).

Thanks!

I would check the water every day..

Check the water levels daily but its usually every 3-4 days depending on the size of your container, and at what stage of growth? Also if the plants small/young it could be over a week, but if your in late veg or later then the top up time is more rapid and can sometimes be daily, hope this helps - stelthy

IMO, if you can't tend it every day, hydro may not be the best way to go.

Got it, I was just confused about the frequency of "topping-off" your rez. There wasn't a clear answer after some forum searching.

The reason for keeping the water level steady is that when it goes down, it "might" reflect a proportional nutrient usage which would be fine. Or it might mean just water was taken up and the nutrient concentration is higher - a potential problem. This is also why changing the res weekly and "resetting" the nutes is advisable.

I'm also doing a 5 gallon, 1 plant DWC and want to know, if I don't have a ppm meter, should I add nutes to the topoff solution or just add pH'ed water?

Also, H2O2, should I add it to the reservoir as a matter of course? Will it ever cause a problem?

orzparty said:

I'm also doing a 5 gallon, 1 plant DWC and want to know, if I don't have a ppm meter, should I add nutes to the topoff solution or just add pH'ed water?

Also, H2O2, should I add it to the reservoir as a matter of course? Will it ever cause a problem?

Click to expand...

You can do nutes either way. I reset the res weekly then just add pH water till next week. If you don't use a meter that would be best. h2o2 won't hurt, if you have doubts use it.

Anyone ever try using a float valve just a reserve container or pH balanced water to maintain fill level for a few days? Kind of a low-tech solution.

lancer55 said:

Anyone ever try using a float valve just a reserve container or pH balanced water to maintain fill level for a few days? Kind of a low-tech solution.

Click to expand...

That's very possible. But keep in mind there are other things that can come up that, if you are there, you can fix, but if you are away you can't.

Clearly.

All things going as-planned (which never happens) this could suffice if the reservoir levels are checked through out the course of the grow and the amount necessary for the period of absence is estimated accordingly.

Arbitrary example: a unit that is topped off with about 1 gallon daily could be left for a number of days if an additional reservoir, triggered by a float valve held say 7-10gallons of whatever h2o/nutrient solution previously determined as well as the lights being far enough away to not inhibit growth/ cause damage.

Correct?

It's just a matter of estimating the risk of something going wrong and not being there to tend it. Most new hydro growers find there are issues almost day to day, until they get it down. Even then, one of the downsides of hydro is that it does require more monitoring and adjustment.

1 full flowering plant would suck my 3 gal DWC Dry In 2 days flat I had to constantly be topping it off with fresh Nuted Ph'ed water daily and cleaned it once a week or so

If you have a larger res ... 10 + gallons and say three plants growing in it. Also the roots are already dipped into the res, you could possibly go a day or two but dont plan anything longer than that. your plants will def need your attention. If you dont have a large res dont even plan on doing this.

I personally have better luck with hydro. It is basically growing by number. As long as the number add up, the plants will take care of themselves. I wouldn't leave the system for more than 3 days.