Waterfall questions rdwc

brewster81

brewster81

Well-Known Member
I'm modifying a rdwc system. I'm trying to incorporate waterfalls. I have a cooler circuit that circulates back into the controller. I plan on running the rdwc though a 1000gph pump from the controller into the two totes. I was thinking for the waterfall effect I would have either a 3.5" or 6" net pot full of hydroton. No plant in this pot. Then run the pump line to the middle of the net pot but just above to a ninety pointing straight down into the net pot full of hydroton. The idea being the water shooting down through the hydroton would fall into the container over a larger surface area basically creating a better water fall effect than just a ninety shooting straight into the water below in the tote. I would really like to hear anyone's thoughts and suggestions.
 
Airwalker16

Airwalker16

Well-Known Member
brewster81 said:
I'm modifying a rdwc system. I'm trying to incorporate waterfalls. I have a cooler circuit that circulates back into the controller. I plan on running the rdwc though a 1000gph pump from the controller into the two totes. I was thinking for the waterfall effect I would have either a 3.5" or 6" net pot full of hydroton. No plant in this pot. Then run the pump line to the middle of the net pot but just above to a ninety pointing straight down into the net pot full of hydroton. The idea being the water shooting down through the hydroton would fall into the container over a larger surface area basically creating a better water fall effect than just a ninety shooting straight into the water below in the tote. I would really like to hear anyone's thoughts and suggestions.
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It's all about agitation. The 90 straight stream is your best bet I'd think,
 
brewster81

brewster81

Well-Known Member
Not that I think I know better because I definitely don't. But I understand it's about agitation. I thought maybe the water falling down across a larger area in multiple droplets/streams off of the hydroton might cause better agitation? I realize that force behind the water hitting the nutrients below will be diffused across the hydroton but won't it be getting aeration from flowing over the hydroton and into the tub? I'm totally ripped lol got the oil rig out.
 
BornGreen1987

BornGreen1987

Well-Known Member
Hey Brewster,
Maybe try adding a screen of some kind over the pump line so as the water falls through it creates the effect you're looking for and increases the surface area to get better oxygenation. A screen like one of these might do the trick: http://thmarine.com/miniature-stainless-aerator-screens.html

I'm trying to design an RDWC system myself but want to avoid airstones if possible so this might be the way to go.

Interested to hear what you decide to do.
 
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