I thought I would share some of the developing evolution of my DIY RDWC/aero hybrid system.
Here is a piece of the aeroponic incorporation. It’s great for that beginning stage when the roots haven’t quite found the solution. I run this on a continuous timer, it sprays a fine mist for 12 seconds, every 4 mins.
Obviously there are other parts involved. If anyone is interested, I can provide the parts list. In my opinion, the aero has been excellent for starting the root system with multiple tap root emerging. I really don’t think is helps alot past that point of the grow, but I may experiment a little by lowering the water level inside the buckets,and manipulating the timing of the spray. I think this may initiate more branching (we’ll just have to wIt and see) This has been a fun experiment. Yes, I have other experiments in mind too.
I call this system RedJed (after my screen-name’s sake). RedJed moved to version 2.0:
In hindsight, if something could be done wrong, I did it! So let this be your learning curve without the expense. This system, although it produced some bud, it was NOT a bragging-rights kind of grow.
This was when I learned about using metal (zinc laden) screw-on garden hose connectors…DON’T DO THIS!!!
I felt like I was making some progress with this one. I upgraded everything that I knew would help, and hanged the configuration to a gravity drain system. I also incorporated a standpipe drain for water level control
This version shows a 2" drain pipe. I have since settled on a 1.5" drain pipe. It allows the roots more room inside the the bucket. The drain rate is slower so the roots don’t get pulled into the drain pipe. A 1" drain did not drain fast enough. This allowed the water level to vary, above the drain. This would cause early roots to float and be pulled into the drain, eventually causing a clog, and bucket overflow. Go with 1.5" drains. The 2" is great but doesn’t offer any additional benefit, and it takes away room for the roots inside.
Next lesson: NEVER and I mean NEVER take bro advice and add black strap molasses to your solution. Yes, it’s organic, and yes it feeds pythium (root rot bacteria) VERY well. It’s just not RDWC compatible IMO.
I’m feeling much more confident with the current version (v 4.0). This version is the absolute complete system. Still configured as a stacked system using gravity, but ScrOG takes care of height concerns. I also switched away from organic. Although I love organic, Athena nutes are still giving me all the flavor and scents I want (and can filter out )
Version 4.0 has seen the addition of an air pump at a rate of 1030 gallons /hour. The water pump upgrade to 850 gallons/ hour, and EcoPlus 1/10th HP keeps it all at 66-68F.
Not sure if it’s effective but I know some people who don’t use air stones and just weigh down the hose with no corrosive nuts zip-tied to the end and they seem to make great airflow in the water.
Nice spin on combining the two systems. There was several of us building small aeroponic systems for cloning years back but they all required transplant before getting much substance.
For this next grow, I will have 3 air stones on each bucket. I use the 4"x2" cylindrical stones. That solution looks like a nice gentle rolling boil… And with the liquid exchange rate (850 G/h divided by two buckets), those bubbles easily carry into the reservoir. My dissolved oxygen sensor shows 99-100% saturation. I have these dialed in pretty well now…
I did use a venturi style aerator for my flood and drain reservoir prior to moving to the RDWC
Well, howdy redeye Jedi….. good to see another aqua grower on the forum. I’m not growing right now taking the summer off….. some nice ideas you’ve come up with and some good learning experience already
I have a few experiments coming up. They are a little off the wall, but maybe some science to it too. I shared it on another forum and it wasn’t well received
And the newest version of this system. I imagine is almost done, but probably not. I have further reduced the grow capacity to just two buckets. This is a 2x4 tent, and I expect this next grow to be explosive l, so I will need the space. This will be the absolute first time I have tried growing out an autoflower variety. I figured way not make it an even bigger challenge/ comedy and go with some F1 seeds. Honestly, with this attempt I will be popping Astro Lemonade F1 Auto. I’ll start a post somewhere in the next few weeks.
New set-up; upgraded sealed reservoir still 15 gallons (21 gallons total). Bucket stands, stronger, lighter, better fit. Gorilla Xi420light , larger 6" inline fan with a 4" supplemental booster to help maintain negative pressure when A/C turns on.
Yes, it is a bass shaker. I have always heard there are certain frequencies that can benefit growth if played audibly. So, in a nutshell, I want to physically “shake” the grow bucket at the desired frequency. The thought is to stimulate root activity, and since all the buckets are on the same reservoir, that would reduce variables
Sounds like a great experiment right now. They’re running a grow off on the forum dealing with different sounds. AFG vet uses tuning forks in her grows.
I think most don’t want to invest the time to work out their style and setup… they make basic mistakes trying to bring soil techniques to this … to me it is easy to grow DWC with no external chillers or reservoirs … I am in my grow room right now thinking can I wait till December to drop seeds ???
I expect to start the Astro Lemonade F1 Autos on 9/8.
I am always tinkering with this system. It really has turbo charged my grows. As for soil techniques, yes. I have tried to explain to my friends that this is fluid soil. That you can remove and doctor to be exactly what you want. Then add it back
My favorite part is when I have to top off the reservoir and add nutrients because the plants are feeding heavily.
Yes, I making up things to talk about now. I’m enjoying the Ghost Train Power today
So when you’re adding nutrients or topping off your reservoir, how do you know what nutrients are missing from your reservoir that your plant has been taking in?
I have some ultimate in my Venty….. it is nearly 2 years old and starting to be not as strong as it once was.
So let this be your learning curve without the expense. This system, although it produced some bud, it was NOT a bragging-rights kind of grow.
)
Drop them today. 
