# Building my first RDWC system

**URL:** <https://ilgmforum.com/t/building-my-first-rdwc-system/15526>\
**Category:** Hydroponics\
**Created:** [October 1, 2017, 1:43pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/building-my-first-rdwc-system/15526 "2017-10-01T13:43:43Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Rusty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f17d59/32.png) [@Rusty](https://ilgmforum.com/u/Rusty)\
**Post date:** [October 1, 2017, 1:43pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/building-my-first-rdwc-system/15526/1 "2017-10-01T13:43:43Z")

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It’ll be 6 five gallon buckets with 6" net pots and a large Rubbermaid tub as a reservoir. One air pump with 6 lines for the buckets and a seprate air pump for the reservoir. 1200W LED lighting.

What is a good size for the feed and return lines? I have read that 3/4’ PVC is best to use or is rubber hose ok? How do I determine the size of the reservoir that I will need?

Also what size of water pump would I need for a setup like this? Does the water pump have to be located in the reservoir or can it be located outside the reservoir?

If someone has a proven simple setup and can give me a quick run down, I would truly appreciate it.  
Thank you.

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**Author:** ![Myfriendis410](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/user_avatar/ilgmforum.com/myfriendis410/32/556067_2.png) [@Myfriendis410](https://ilgmforum.com/u/Myfriendis410)\
**Post date:** [October 1, 2017, 3:35pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/building-my-first-rdwc-system/15526/2 "2017-10-01T15:35:58Z")

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Look at “Undercurrent System” in the threads. He just built one. Your pump would be better off outside the reservoir due to heat concerns.

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**Author:** ![Snowman](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/user_avatar/ilgmforum.com/snowman/32/70758_2.png) [@Snowman](https://ilgmforum.com/u/Snowman)\
**Post date:** [October 1, 2017, 4:30pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/building-my-first-rdwc-system/15526/3 "2017-10-01T16:30:56Z")

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Well the size of the line is completely up to the builder. I chose to use 1-1/2" pvc. Less clogging, hopefully. I do see systems with 3/4" hose that work just fine. If it were me I would consider making a overflow tube at the top of each bucket. Just in case it clogs it still can keep cycling.

Not sure on the recycling part but mine recycles the system 7 time an hour. You can always get a 3/4" ball valve to fine tune the flow a bit.  
Try figuring out the water quantity in each bucket with the pots in. And then find the pump that will circulate the system 7 times an hour

Hope this helps.