Building a diy dwc

Hey guys, I’m planning on building a diy dwc out of a heavy duty tote for only 2 plants and had some questions.
Would it better do each plant in a 12 gallon tote or do 2 in a 27 gallon tote?
I was also thinking of building one dwc and one aeroponics mini system based off of the stinkbud system. Would that be a good experiment to see what works best for me? And also what size net pot would be good for aeroponics as I was thinking of doing a 5 inch in the dwc which wouldn’t fit in the aeroponics one. Would A 3 in net pot hinder growth at all?

Last question, would a combination of the two be a better option? Like a dwc with sprayers near the top pointed towards the net pots?

JJroro said:

Hey guys, I’m planning on building a diy dwc out of a heavy duty tote for only 2 plants and had some questions.
Would it better do each plant in a 12 gallon tote or do 2 in a 27 gallon tote?
I was also thinking of building one dwc and one aeroponics mini system based off of the stinkbud system. Would that be a good experiment to see what works best for me? And also what size net pot would be good for aeroponics as I was thinking of doing a 5 inch in the dwc which wouldn’t fit in the aeroponics one. Would A 3 in net pot hinder growth at all?

Last question, would a combination of the two be a better option? Like a dwc with sprayers near the top pointed towards the net pots?

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I'd go with a single 27 gallon hdx tote. That way you're only having to maintain a single container. Maintaining individual containers is a pain. If you can do it, look into doing an RDWC. Check out my "RDWC/UC" link in the signature box.

If you end up using a single tote, I'd cut an access hole between the two netpots, so that you're not having to lift the lid, with the plants, whenever you need to access the water, which will be all the time. Like, multiple times per day, when you're first learning DWC. Make it big enough to see the readings on a TDS pen/pH pen, while the tip is in the water. Keep it covered when not in use.

Don't do aeroponics, at least not yet. Learn dwc, and build from there. Aeroponics comes with its own challenges, and is a setup for an experienced hydro grower.

As far as netpots, 3" is a good size. You don't need anything big.

Last answer - No, don't do a hybrid hydro/aero setup. Again, it's for the experienced, but really, it doesn't accomplish anything more than what each individual setup can do on its own. Plus, more pumps/equipment means more points of failure. On top of that, pumps create heat, something you definitely don't want in your water. More pumps equal more heat. You want your water between 66 and 70, otherwise you start developing root problems that can have drastic effects on your plants.

Good luck

I fully agree with JSB99 . Keep it simple silly , (KISS ),.Definitely make some access port for ph , ppm , water excavation , adding nutes etc . Ive made single , double and quads depending on the type of plant strain im using and the time frame im trying to achieve, doing scrog etc. Ill try to attach a couple of pics of some of my set ups . You may notice I have utilized Auto Pot float valves (that run off reservoirs) as often no one is home for weeks at a time . Im fully automated apart from a way of lifting lights haha .