before anyone says anything i've already checked the faqs and searched the site... and there was a similar question to this. I'm starting to accumulate supplies for when I get my MMJ card. I've found the nutes I want and decided on doing a RDWC system. however, my limitations are different from others. I have no limit on the amount of space (i'm probably going to devote an entire apartment bedroom to growing), but rather on the number of plants. WA state law allows for 15 plants in any stage of growth... so i'm gonna grow fuckin trees. so here's my question. I understand how to assemble a DWC system and know what materials i'll need if i have 15 separate pots going, but that sounds like an ungodly pain. what modifications to a DWC plan will I need to introduce a reservoir, and do you have any suggestions on construction materials for a DWC system feeding 5 plants? I want to have three separate systems so I can cycle them off for a more constant harvest.
There is an ungodly amount of info on these sites about DWC. The simplest way to add a res is to get another container, (the res), and connect this to each dwc bucket, this res is usually called a controller bucket. First you decide how many DWC buckets you wish to run per controller, set together and start work. Easiest way is to get some straight barbs and hose, (irrigation supplies), the bigger the better ( i usually use 19mm or 25mm), given flow and root clogging later during growth. Now take each DWC bucket, drill one hole on the side, at the very bottom of each DWC bucket, (ones that will hold plants), fit a grommet and push a single barb through each. Now count how many DWC buckets you have per controller. Drill that amount of holes in the side at the bottom of the controller, insert grommets and barbs, connect hoses direct to each bucket and there you have it. The controller may look like an octopuss but gravity will keep all pots at an even level. Now for consistance of ferty levels etc and recirculation of nuties, all you need do is add a water pump to the controller and run a drip line to each bucket and the nutie level should be uniform throughout the system.
this is probably one of the best RDWC threads out there. Follow this link and click on the "Blazeoneup's Recirculating Dwc Construction Tutorial" thread http://www.icmag.com/ic/forumdisplay.php?f=49
If you are only alloed 15 plants and you intend on growing these in an apartment I would say you might not want to flower 15 plants. You will want to have moms and young clones on hand. I would only flower around 6 or so plants and if you want trees the fewer plants you have the more they will be like trees, the more plants you have the more they all compete to absorb light. You could even make two smaller RDWCS instead of just one big one and use one for flowering plants and one for veging plants and just put ball valves on the end of the connecting lines so you can close the valve and just remove and swap out buckets. Oh and man if you have a harbor freight in your area you can pick up some decent sub pumps for cheap, hell just about anything for cheap.
