Setup Your Own DWC Hydroponic Growing System

Many people are switching to DWC as their chosen method, as a result we get many calls and emails about DWC.

So we are getting this blog together for DWC first timers as a step by step guide to help you succeed in your DWC grow.

Many people are switching to LED Grow Lights in combination with DWC from some very dramatic results.

So first things first lets gather the ingredients

Step 1: Clean Everything

It is vital that you start out your DWC adventure as you mean to go on and keep it clean as possible to discourage the build up of algae and other nasties. It is a good idea to use some liquid oxygen or other grow room cleaning agent.

Wash your buckets.
Net Pots.
Lids.
Measuring jugs, syringes etc.

Step 2: Balance Your Bits

It is vital that you PH balance your clay pebbles and air stones in water between 5.6 - 5.8 before use, iIf you fail to do this then your PH will be thrown our the moment the clay pebbles or air stone hits the water and can take several days to balance again with your plants in situ.

Also as your plants are only young when you transplant them, this is a vital stage in their development.

Step 3: Ensure Adequate Air Flow

Air glorious air, never underestimate the power of good clean air, it is just as important as any of the other ingredients in your grow room including light and water. Without adequate air to the plants root zone stunted growth and root rot will occur.

One of the main reasons that DWC is such a fruitful way of growing plants is that they plants get huge amounts of air into the root zone 24/7.

Your DWC pots must have an air stone in the bottom of the pot providing air to the nutrient solution. This ensures that your plants get all the air that they need it also ensures that the nutrient solution does not become stagnant.

Step 4: Correct Working PH

PH balance is essential for maximum nutrient intake, if your PH is not correctly balanced your plants will not grow correctly. PH settings are different for different mediums but in this instance we are talking ab best about hydroponic growing which includes rockwool, clay pebbles and coco.

The ideal working PH for these mediums is 5.6 - 5.8

Step 5: Correct Water Level

When you first put your net pots into the DWC buckets you must ensure that the water levels are correct.

When the plants have no roots emerging from the bottom en mass then you need to ensure that the net pots are submerged to a level that covers the plants rooting zone, this is very important because if you do not submerge the root zone before roots have developed the seedling / cutting can dry out very quickly resulting in the death or your plants.

When the plants have roots coming out of the net pot on all sides and the bottom and the roots are long you will then want to fill your DWC pots to 1-2 inches below the bottom of the net pot. This then creates an air zone before the roots meet the water and results in massive fast growth due to the extra air to the plant.