General Hydroponics WaterFarm (RDWC) Opinions?

Joint Monster

Well-Known Member
I've grown in soil quite successfully, but have been out of the game for a little bit. I tried a diy-single-cloning bucket before and it did not work out that well. (HOT water was one problem.) I can't do soil anymore, too messy and I can not carry that much soil around these days. So I am looking to get into hydro...DWC/ RDWC? (I'm not a complete beginner at hydro., but I could use some points.)

I found this General Hydroponics System and was wondering what your guy's thoughts are on it? Has anyone used it before? Is it way over-priced? (I attached a description of the unit below.) It costs about $800CAD or $640USD.

- I've used GH nutrients before and they treated me great.
- Would I need anything else with this unit? (I'm guessing the water will need a Cooler of some sort?) Are there any other "surprises" I should know about before getting something like this? (maybe a R/O unit for good clean filtered water?)
- Some people say adding a air-pump and air-stones helps... to clarify do they mean an air-stone in each of the eight buckets, or can I just put air stones in the main rez and achieve the same results?
- And is the Air-Pump that comes with the WaterFarm really loud? (I can had 8 nozzle air pump before and that think was insanely loud.) I haven't gone to the store to check out the Hydrofarm yet so That's something I'd have to ask them.


WaterFarm 8-Pack
8-Pack- Classic “plug n play” 8-bucket system

The WaterFarm 8-pack is eight WaterFarm module units connected to one General Hydroponics Controller- an integrated 13 gallon reservoir and an 8 gallon controller unit. The controller will keep each unit topped off with the correct level of nutrient for low maintenance. The WaterFarm 8-Pack is powered by GH’s Dual Diaphragm Air Pump and includes necessary hardware and Flora Series nutrients. The grower can arrange the WaterFarm units in a design that is suitable for any environment. Pack them tight or space them out for your growing situation. The WaterFarm 8-Pack is the system for big growers. Clay pebbles not included. You'll need about 70 liters of hydroton/clay pebbles to fill a WaterFarm 8-Pack.

This complete system includes:

  • 8-WaterFarm modules
  • 8-gallon controller
  • 13-gallon reservoir
  • Blue tubing & fittings
  • Air line & fittings
  • Dual diaphragm air pump
  • 3-part Flora Kit
 

rkymtnman

Well-Known Member
I'm trying 4 of the single Waterfarm units at the moment. So far, they are awesome. I modified them a bit with larger holes and added a airpump/stone to each one once the roots hit the lower res.
 

Joint Monster

Well-Known Member
Thanks for the reply!

I'm contemplating making my own system, as the cost would be significantly less.

Do you have some kind of cooler in your setup? I'm wondering if I would need one...
 

rkymtnman

Well-Known Member
Thanks for the reply!

I'm contemplating making my own system, as the cost would be significantly less.

Do you have some kind of cooler in your setup? I'm wondering if I would need one...
i'm keeping mine singles as i do different strains and it makes it easier to feed them differently if needed. and i'm alos doiing a perpetual grow and have 2 in veg while the other 2 are in bloom.

i built an rdwc years ago and had a cooler for it. i would recommend one for sure but so far mine are doing fine without and just using beneficial bacteria
 

Joint Monster

Well-Known Member
This guy (HygroHybrid)
had a pretty nice video!

I'm looking to do something like that, but maybe 4 smaller buckets instead of 2 larger ones. His build didn't use a cooler, but it might be good to have one on the safe side?

Was your build really loud? Or was sound moderately containable with good equipment?
 

rkymtnman

Well-Known Member
i built mine with 3 of the 27 gal yellow/black totes from walmart. 2 grow site per tote and one outside the room as a control tote.

aquarium chiller outside the grow room was probably the loudest and it wasnt' bad at all. i didn't use airpumps which can be pretty loud.

larger volume of water helps maintain pH better and you don't have to fill up the res as much too. i think mine was about 45 gals roughly total.
 
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