rdwc return line

doniboy · May 26, 2016

I'm doing a DIY reverse pressure under current RDWC system with 2" pipes. My question is what size pipe should I use for the return pipe and why? I'm asking because I seem a smaller return line in most other setups I've seen.

vostok · May 26, 2016

big as you can find..18 inch diameter is good ....lol

its the return that will ALWAYS block

with roots, and trash thrown in by the public ....lol

good luck

widowmaker31 · May 27, 2016

smaller return like 1/2 or 3/4 - as you don't want to outrun your recirc flow....

loftygoals · May 27, 2016

widowmaker31 said:
smaller return like 1/2 or 3/4 - as you don't want to outrun your recirc flow....

This is a common misconception (and I understand why).

If the return line was purely gravity fed then pipe diameter would make a difference. But as you'll be using a pump to control this flow it is independent of pipe diameter (unless you're restricting things with a tiny, tiny pipe).

To understand this better ask yourself: which scenario provides more flow, pumping 1 GPM in a 1″ pipe or 1 GPM in a 2” pipe? Well 1 GPM is still 1 GPM regardless of the pipe size!

So really you want as big as a pipe as possible (to stop root blockage) with a correctly sized pump (which controls flow).

widowmaker31 · May 27, 2016

loftygoals said:
This is a common misconception (and I understand why).

If the return line was purely gravity fed then pipe diameter would make a difference. But as you'll be using a pump to control this flow it is independent of pipe diameter (unless you're restricting things with a tiny, tiny pipe).

To understand this better ask yourself: which scenario provides more flow, pumping 1 GPM in a 1″ pipe or 1 GPM in a 2” pipe? Well 1 GPM is still 1 GPM regardless of the pipe size!

So really you want as big as a pipe as possible (to stop root blockage) with a correctly sized pump (which controls flow).

Not with my UC System - I run a custom setup so it's VERY crucial and I'm an engineer so I get GPM, etc, thank you for the lay intention, best of luck!

jijiandfarmgang · May 28, 2016

make the min size the inlet of pump. If you want restriction use a smaller pump or a ball valve.

But I think undercurrent is dumb. Why mimic something sub-par?

- Jiji

doniboy · May 28, 2016

jijiandfarmgang said:
make the min size the inlet of pump. If you want restriction use a smaller pump or a ball valve.

But I think undercurrent is dumb. Why mimic something sub-par?

- Jiji

Undercurrent seems to be a popular method used by many with much success. What, in your opinion, makes it "stupid" and "sub-par?"

widowmaker31 · May 28, 2016

jijiandfarmgang said:
make the min size the inlet of pump. If you want restriction use a smaller pump or a ball valve.

But I think undercurrent is dumb. Why mimic something sub-par?

- Jiji

sub-par? your so misinformed but to each his own.

jijiandfarmgang · May 28, 2016

widowmaker31 said:
sub-par? your so misinformed but to each his own.

Pretty good for a beginner.

- Jiji

jijiandfarmgang · May 28, 2016

doniboy said:
Undercurrent seems to be a popular method used by many with much success. What, in your opinion, makes it "stupid" and "sub-par?"

I didn't say stupid, I just said sub-par.

I say the same thing about stinkbuds aero setup.

People don't like it when I say that but just trying to help.

- Jiji

Edit- because well basically its sub-par lol. The best growing site in the whole undercurrent setup is the epicenter. Except you don't actually grow in that location lol. And to try to makeup for that fact you have to run an airpump(s) and airstones.

widowmaker31 · May 28, 2016

jijiandfarmgang said:
Pretty good for a beginner.

- Jiji

LOL - one more for you to "grow" on...... such a parody.... TA TA!

Beginners use Electronically actuated ball valves & fertigation .......... now slap yourself on the back for being smart, lmao.

doniboy · May 28, 2016

jijiandfarmgang said:
I didn't say stupid, I just said sub-par.

I say the same thing about stinkbuds aero setup.

People don't like it when I say that but just trying to help.

- Jiji

Edit- because well basically its sub-par lol. The best growing site in the whole undercurrent setup is the epicenter. Except you don't actually grow in that location lol. And to try to makeup for that fact you have to run an airpump(s) and airstones.

I miss quoted you. You said dumb which isn't much different I guess...

As far as being sub par, everything I've seen and heard thus far contradicts you, but I'll humor you. What is the superior growing method in your opinion?

jijiandfarmgang · May 28, 2016

doniboy said:
I miss quoted you. You said dumb which isn't much different I guess...

As far as being sub par, everything I've seen and heard thus far contradicts you, but I'll humor you. What is the superior growing method in your opinion?

Most peoples grows are sub par lol.

Check the thread in my sig.

- Jiji

redi jedi · May 28, 2016

I've never had a problem with any air pump. Makes me wonder what people are doing to make them fail?

redi jedi · May 28, 2016

widowmaker31 said:
LOL - one more for you to "grow" on...... such a parody.... TA TA!
View attachment 3693652 View attachment 3693653

Beginners use Electronically actuated ball valves & fertigation .......... now slap yourself on the back for being smart, lmao.

Thats some serious plumbing going on in there.

ttystikk · May 28, 2016

loftygoals said:
This is a common misconception (and I understand why).

If the return line was purely gravity fed then pipe diameter would make a difference. But as you'll be using a pump to control this flow it is independent of pipe diameter (unless you're restricting things with a tiny, tiny pipe).

To understand this better ask yourself: which scenario provides more flow, pumping 1 GPM in a 1″ pipe or 1 GPM in a 2” pipe? Well 1 GPM is still 1 GPM regardless of the pipe size!

So really you want as big as a pipe as possible (to stop root blockage) with a correctly sized pump (which controls flow).

You have an engineering background, don't you?

Well put!

ttystikk · May 28, 2016

jijiandfarmgang said:
make the min size the inlet of pump. If you want restriction use a smaller pump or a ball valve.

But I think undercurrent is dumb. Why mimic something sub-par?

- Jiji

I like how you think!

ttystikk · May 28, 2016

jijiandfarmgang said:
I didn't say stupid, I just said sub-par.

I say the same thing about stinkbuds aero setup.

People don't like it when I say that but just trying to help.

- Jiji

Edit- because well basically its sub-par lol. The best growing site in the whole undercurrent setup is the epicenter. Except you don't actually grow in that location lol. And to try to makeup for that fact you have to run an airpump(s) and airstones.

BWAHAHAHA! I've been saying exactly the same thing about that under crapper for years now!

ttystikk · May 28, 2016

redi jedi said:
Thats some serious plumbing going on in there.

Yet complexity is almost never the best solution.

Airwalker16 · May 28, 2016

jijiandfarmgang said:
make the min size the inlet of pump. If you want restriction use a smaller pump or a ball valve.

But I think undercurrent is dumb. Why mimic something sub-par?

- Jiji

I agree. I use submersible with a chiller. Pump in the res to supply waterfalls to buckets. Gravity returns the water to the res.

rdwc return line

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