Also when buying air pumps the farther they are from buckets the larger you need. Keep that in mind.
I have about 10’ air lines 2 per tote 3 totes one is a res. I have to use 2 pumps to get enough air. Dual 1157gph
You can save a lot building your own system or at least have better for what you can spend.
I use 1 inch black lines from plant totes returned to reservoir. I have 1/2 inch black lines that go from water pump in res to sides of each tote. So that causes a nice flow of water.
I also have a second water pump going from res through a chiller and back to res.
The totes are from lowes 17gal 9bucks each. I would find taller ones as these have a shallow water amount they can hold with netpot in it.
Here are a few pics for your learning and guide. There are many ways to build a system. Look at all of them and plan a build. Save money and have better setup.
Well I’m a bit embarrassed as to how messy this looks. But anyways all the tiny lines are 1/4 air lines. Big ones are return lines to reservoir and medium is water pumped to totes from res.
Also these are the fittings I use.
Fittings for 1/2 3/4 or 1" and for air lines I just cut a small hole in top side of tote.
And finally a little root porn for the end of my post.
Best of luck building your system and happy growing !!!
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@Oddjelly always log out of Amazon before you link a photo. It has your name and city. Just a precaution.
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Can you see his location, or your own?
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It’s got his name and zip code on the screenshot. It needs to be edited out.
edit: done
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Gotcha. I misunderstood. Thought amazon was doxing us as we linked (which makes little sense, but I don’t put anything past tech at this point.)
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hi i am beginner and dabbleing in DWC i have a top feeder and 2 bubble wands in large 15 gallon tote,(i have heard mention of bubble ponics is that accurate? did you say the root ball will get as large as a basket ball? i have everything on the list except a hydrotron can you please advise what that is
@BetrayedSoul ty ty ty that’s exactly what I was looking for. I’ma visual person. I appreciate you taking the time with such great detail.
I was not aware of my info being there. Ty so much for removing. I will not do that again.
Ok I think I got a plan.
I quest the only thing I haven’t figured is water chiller.
Can I get by with just putting large chunks of ice like frozen gallon jugs. Or do I need to spend the money.
If I do does it run constantly or is there built in automation
So many questions so little time. I’m guessing I should have double off everything also in case of failure. Like pumps chiller. Lines?
I know everyone says hydro is the easiest but man that looks complicated 
.
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@Oddjelly
Is there a specific reason you’re leaning towards a full hydro system ? I grow in coco which is basically hydro with the feel of soil and the growth rate is fantastic.
@Watt-Sun I too used a coco blend with great reults. I’m just curious to see if I can speed the process and have complete control
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Hydro I think is just easiest as the system can be automated.
It’s my lazy way to grow and fun but expensive to build and run. And god forbid if power goes out and u dont have a backup.
It truly is the most complicated lazy way to grow. I may get some soil. I sure wish I could spin a plant to get to back side of it to trim.
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@BetrayedSoul May I have a look at your automation please
@Oddjelly I am not 100% automated as I do not have my ph and nutes yet on a system but I will by next grow. Only thing is it isn’t cheap to get a nutrient doser.
I do have temp controller connected to exhaust fan.
Then I have the humidity controller. Rite now it’s at end of flower so its connected to dehumidifier set to 55rh which takes it down to 50rh
During veg I have it set to humidify with a sweet humidifier. Usually set it to 65 or 70rh depending on temp I am running.
that’s ideal air 70pint. Raises from 50 to 70rh under a minute. Its piped to house water with 1/4 copper line.
And because its winter it needs heat so I use a oil heater set at 75f rite now. Lights bring it up to 80f
I’ll be buying a doser and auto ph thingy from blulab before next grow. Does nutes also. Up to 12 dose pumps can be on it.
And if corse the light timer. Cheap one but works great
Also new circuits ran for setup so I dont pop breakers.
Yes its messy here. No place to put anything. Soon I will install a pop tent in yard for me to sleep in lmao. The tools for work and the grow equipment have taken over !!!
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@BetrayedSoul ty I’m in same boat as you. I have all that except the blue lap automation. Soon as I cure this last batch I’ll have it. Hard to spend that money lol. But I figure it so pay for itself.
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