Need opinions/advice on my first RDWC/Bubble system...

So after discovering this whole RDWC/Bubble method here I decided I had to try it, so I built this single unit to get the hang of it before applying it on any larger scale. At least if I screw it up only one plant is lost I've been doing ponics for years so know my basics but am totally new to DWC as well as hydroton. I've got two airstones in the main bucket and a small water pump constantly circulating the water between the main bucket and the rez bucket. Incoming water enters half way up the main bucket(just below the net pot) via a 1/2" fitting and drains back at the bottom via a 3/4" hose.

My main concerns are: 1) Are my two air stones gonna aerate the water enough? My air pump is a decent size dual outlet unit but I wonder how much is enough?

2) To start off my first clone in the unit do I want the water level up into the hydroton so the clone roots are underwater from day one? Or is the bubble spatter enough that I should keep the water below the pot? Or do I need a top feed dripper to keep the clone happy at first? Seem like if roots can survive underwater then the clone's roots would but I'm not sure? My clones are ready to move out of an ezcloner, I just await your advice before I make my move

Thanks!!!

Looks cool man,
You say its your first time using hydroton, I hope you washed it then soaked it in low pH like 5.0 water. You need to do that or your pH will be too high.
Its hard to say how to water the new clones, depends on how big they are, If they are small keep the colors on them to support them and start with wet clay pellets. If the roots reach the water then all the better, if not then yea, if the waterline is within like 1/2 in and you got bubbles they will get moist. If they droop a little then top feed a couple days.

cruzer101 said:

Looks cool man,
You say its your first time using hydroton, I hope you washed it then soaked it in low pH like 5.0 water. You need to do that or your pH will be too high.
Its hard to say how to water the new clones, depends on how big they are, If they are small keep the colors on them to support them and start with wet clay pellets. If the roots reach the water then all the better, if not then yea, if the waterline is within like 1/2 in and you got bubbles they will get moist. If they droop a little then top feed a couple days.

Click to expand...

Hey Cruzer, yup I did rinse and soak the hydroton, in RO water. My clones are small but very well rooted. That's a good idea about keeping the collar on it, maybe I should bring the water right up to the clones collar?

My bad, I was thinking of rockwool, yea just wash off the dust is all. I would bring the waterline up to the collar yea, maybe 1/2 in under, keep in mind hydroton floats.