How I Built My DWC System - Recirculating Deep Water Culture

How I Built My DWC System - Recirculating Deep Water Culture - Hydroponic Peppers & Tomatoes EASY

Рет қаралды 396,383

Күн бұрын

In this video I give an overview of my newly built 5 - 5 gallon bucket DWC System. This is for growing 5 large plants such as peppers or tomatoes.
5 - 5 Gallon Firehouse Buckets (2 dollar donation for the bucket at firehouse)
1" Uniseals, 1" PVC Drain/Riser in Bucket
3" PVC Gravity Return to Reservoir
Pump is a 264 gal/hr, running 24/7 from eBay (12 dollars or so)
Feed is 1/2" PVC drilled for 1/8" brass barb at each bucket just squirting in - capped at the end of the rail.
3" Net Cups in Bucket Lid made with hole saw.
Reservoir not pictured because it is not the final one, currently a 5 gal tote. (Plants are very small)
No aeration, I don't run any on my other buckets - relying on agitation of water alone to oxygenate.
Media is Rockwool for the seeded plants with clay pebbles.
The tomato sucker was rooted in just clay pebbles no rockwool.
Growing media is subjective and up to you. Rockwool, clay pebbles (Hydroton), coco, perlite, etc can be used.
Total system volume is currently 25 gallons. The reservoir tote is only 4 gallons. Will be changing reservoir to 27gal or 55gal tote like my other DWC/Dutch bucket system when I buy one or plants start drinking a lot.
Currently not running nutrients for plants to get acclimated to new system/environment.
Will put in Masterblend Tomato Formula 4-18-38, calcium nitrate, magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) after a couple days.
I do not check TDS or PH, I simply follow the instructions on nutrient label and add extra water every now and then.
Changes from 1st system:
1. 3" Return Tube rather than 1" and connectors. (Better flow, easier, less leaks and I could possibly use it as NFT rail for herbs between Buckets)
2. Single 1/2" PVC feed with barbs, better than using drip tubing/fittings which clog easily and are difficult to clean. The barbs you can clean with a tooth pick. (On my next setup I might not even use barbs and just notch the bucket and drill the holes in the PVC, brass barbs aren't the cheapest $1.5 each x 5)
Items that I recommend and/or use
Amazon Link to Pump: amzn.to/3btIwFC
Amazon Link to Nutrients Kit: amzn.to/2wR1rvg
Amazon Link to Masterblend Kit: amzn.to/2wR1rvg
Amazon Link to PPM Meter: amzn.to/2WWJ3eX
Amazon Link to 3" Net Cups: amzn.to/3ah8mvl
Amazon Link to Hydroton Clay: amzn.to/3biFNPw
These are affiliate links that support the channel.

Пікірлер: 455

@BobGrows 4 жыл бұрын

Amazon Link to Nutrients Kit: amzn.to/2JqXmQW Amazon Link to PPM Meter: amzn.to/2WWJ3eX Amazon Link to 1" Uniseal Grommet: amzn.to/2UMsuzM

@topkushgta416toronto6 4 жыл бұрын

Nice set up man. You could filter the water with mesh before it goes back into the reservoir and it shouldn't clog on ya. Nice job tho looks awesome..

@sharinmoore5691 4 жыл бұрын

Is there a link for Fire house buckets

@BobGrows 4 жыл бұрын

Unfortunately no, they need to be bought in the restaurants

@ralphbower1138 4 жыл бұрын

@@sharinmoore5691 just call your local Fire House Subs, if you have one.

@WarzieBlue 4 жыл бұрын

Do you happen to recall what size drill bit you used for your barbs? Ours are all over the place and I haven’t found one that works well yet. 😓

@Charlotte_TSilva 4 жыл бұрын

To me, this is the best recirculating water-pump system and easy to install. Thank you. Abundant blessings to you.

@randomjohn 5 жыл бұрын

Slick setup, I like how you thought through and made improvements. Adding spaces to your NFT ready section is brilliant

@twistedpost1066 4 жыл бұрын

One of the best recirculating systems i have seen on You tube!!!

@Butman. 4 жыл бұрын

I like that barbecue burn mark on the side of the house. 🔥

@barbarastefani254 2 жыл бұрын

Totally love this system love the changes can’t wait to build it drawing it out hopefully I haven’t forgotten anything thank you for your videos

@ayenice3484 4 жыл бұрын

I like what you’re doing 👍🏾! The whole trial and error is the part of life I like best when working on a project. You motivated me! Thank you!

@guillermo5066 4 жыл бұрын

I like how organized u are. I think everything looks very neat and the system is very good planned. Good job. I have learned a lot from your video. Now I have too many new ideas. Thanks a lot from Costa Rica. Thumps up.

@monicajohnson3408 3 жыл бұрын

Not ugly at all!! The red coordinates with the white! And the way it's set up is very neat and clean looking!! Professional built!! I would love to have this system once I move to a larger space!!

@ronniewest4606 4 жыл бұрын

Love the set up, thanks for helping us hydroponic growers,

@BobGrows 4 жыл бұрын

These systems are game changers I have tons of tomatoes now

@StoneSoupVideos 8 ай бұрын

Excellent layout and spacing abilities and am going to set this up w 4" pipe to avoid clogging. I need to do two sides, (12 buckets total) so I've got some flow experimentation to do, but one of the BEST features of this setup is being able to remove the entire bucket from the system without any hassle, Really well done and appreciate you sharing w us.

@MrMattDat 2 жыл бұрын

Nice job! Simple design (and I am a big believer in keeping things simple). Great job!!

@RyanMikael 5 жыл бұрын

Awesome. Awesome awesome you make me wish I was more understanding of engineering so I could more readily create a custom setup for myself and other people. Great stuff

@BobGrows 5 жыл бұрын

Mic TheXception This is very simple and you can start with only one container no pumps no nothing check out my other videos about Kratky. Once again thank you for watching!!

@unknownpersonofnointerest2743 Жыл бұрын

I like the system you’re trying out. I personally will use 4 inch pvc so I further reduce the clogging issue. I’m gonna do this on my deck. I’ll just put my reservoir under the deck. Nice video! Hope it serves you well

@brizalsgarden2646 5 жыл бұрын

Really cool system. I like the simplicity.

@Southstar1211 3 жыл бұрын

I setup my own system following this design. It's working better than I ever could have imagined. I've got grape and beefsteak tomatoes, cayenne and bell peppers, and soon to be cucumbers. I did add the spaces in between for herbs. It works beautifully, but I do need to keep up with pruning the roots on my herbs so the rail doesn't clog.

@BobGrows 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome!! Thank you we love the feedback

@AdhdBrady 2 жыл бұрын

You should make a video showing your setup!

@CBsGreenhouseandGarden 5 жыл бұрын

Nice job done on expanding. Looking forward to seeing what ya grow in them!

@BobGrows 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I'm really excited for these monster plants.

@johnbolongo9978 2 жыл бұрын

I like how the ease of access and drainage .....nicely done.

@michaelschnittker7388 3 жыл бұрын

Today 29 Sept 2020 I bought five of the buckets for at my local Firehouse Sub for $3 each here in Northern Virginia. They weren't sure if it goes to charity but I think it does. Incredible high quality bucket. Will use for storage and hydroponics. Great tip!

@prabodh11 3 жыл бұрын

Nice setup. Watching all the way from India and trying to learn the setup. Thank you for sharing 🙏

@undergroundhydroponics6527 4 жыл бұрын

I love this!! You just altered my whole blueprints for this next build of mine lmao 🤙🏻

@thattrenton 5 жыл бұрын

you could greatly increase yield just by upgrading your pump, increases oxygen and nutrient delivery. Covering your holes in your reservoir would stop sediment from clogging ur jets and algae growth -from sun getting into reservoir, alot of work just to go cheap on ur pump, a system is only as good as its weakest component.

@amroproperties4151 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks, this is a versatile and easy system for me. From here anybody can add a sediment filter to help the water pump having clean water recirculation. Great idea.

@BobGrows 4 жыл бұрын

My sediment get sucked up into my media bed but yes a filter can easily be added!

@barbarastefani254 2 жыл бұрын

Love the way you made the changes

@robertbakerii5469 5 жыл бұрын

This is my first year with hydroponics and I have almost the exact same setup that you just made but all my buckets are dutch. I freakin love how simply you turned a Dutch bucket into DWC! I’m blown away! Next season I’ll be converting to your system for sure! Great system and be proud of it! Thanks for the idea!

@noahriding5780 5 жыл бұрын

Does the bucket system work better than just putting the plants into a big long 3" PVC pipe itself? Or maybe its better for the larger plants like tomatoes?

@winstonsmith935 Жыл бұрын

I converted my Dutch Buckets about 3 years to a Very Similar System, I raised the water level in the Dutch Bucket by raising the internal elbow up, I can adjust the water level up or Down. My main Tank 20 Gal has an Air-stone in it to keep the water oxygenated. I run the Pump 15 Min on 45 min Off, in hot weather, 30 min on. This saves me a lot of money on Perlite for the dutch Bucket, and easy to clean out at the end of the season.

@guyosburn8858 5 ай бұрын

Very Helpful video. Nice setup! Firehouse Buckets are a Great Value! I use them for everything!

@JonnyDoe1776 2 жыл бұрын

I love the FIREHOUSE SUBS buckets! Money well spent!!

@mkakesh1042 9 ай бұрын

This is a great set up. Add some peroxide every so often to the water to balance the plant easier. It will stop any root rot and actually strengthen the plant. Have a Nice Day.

@robertmiller8210 Жыл бұрын

What a great video, so informative and interesting! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR POSTING IT!

@mrsmarcellus 4 жыл бұрын

getting started on my dutch bucket system today... yay!

@BobGrows 4 жыл бұрын

Yayyy

@LongWindedUsername Жыл бұрын

This is fantastic; exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!

@paulanloague2499 3 жыл бұрын

LOVE THIS!!! For using Firehouse Subs buckets. I never buy buckets from anywhere else. However, they are $3 a bucket now. (2 years after this video), still a better buy, and your money goes to a Fire Fighter Charity. (Double Thumbs Up for your Karma)

@purbious1030 4 жыл бұрын

Great video, I had a similar system when I lived in lantana a while back.

@JRock-yr5rw 4 жыл бұрын

You could install a knockout pot to catch sediment and alleviate clogging. You can kind of think of it as a P trap with a drain valve at the bottom for easy dumping of sediment buildup that accumulates at the bottom of the P trap.

@BobGrows 4 жыл бұрын

Good idea

@FoxFamily4Life 2 ай бұрын

Could you please explain what that is? I'm just starting out and my brain is literally going to explode with all the research 🤯

@ryanquinn1257 4 жыл бұрын

A couple nice hacks for a system like this that I’ve built up using this as a launchpad inspiration: Adding frozen jugs to the reservoir as a ghetto water chiller And using reflectrix to shield the reservoir has kept my temps down 10degrees F

@BobGrows 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@FixItAngel 4 жыл бұрын

That is awesome brother

@BobGrows 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Keep growing!

@THERE.IS.NO.DEATH. 4 жыл бұрын

the nft drain would be awesome, gunna have to redo my system to give that a try, thanks for the helpful video

@ayshaayala9218 4 жыл бұрын

this is the best I've seen in circulation systems, the least amount of pipes, I'm trying to figure out how to do towers and fish tanks and this gives me a better idea on how to accomplish that

@mangofever4681 Жыл бұрын

You should try turning a 90 down at your 3 inch hole and extend it to 1/2 inch off the bottom. That way there will be a large moist air gap and the roots will grow down into the 3 inch reservoir. However, the drip need to enter the net cup. Also I notice that the roots will float at the water level, so the 90 down to the bottom will prevent the roots from clogging your drain. Its like an aeroponic, kratky hybrid. There is a lot of moisture in the air gap, you will notice that the inside of the bucket is always wet.

@whitefreeman5798 3 жыл бұрын

awesome project.. thank you for sharing

@davidmassengill5290 3 жыл бұрын

Loved when u looked down the pipe and said nft.. Thats a good idea buddy.. Optimization

@TacoBell5DollarBox 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks this was helpful. Just learning all this stuff.

@gingerrymer5240 2 жыл бұрын

So we tried adding spaces in between but it didn’t work the way we wanted. We love this idea and are just going to try another 3” pvc tube to redo. We can’t wait to put plants in!

@apocalypticrain Жыл бұрын

very cool system im trying to build something like this too on my patio using rainwater

@semiuolajide2890 4 жыл бұрын

Nice video and lots of creativity there. It will be nice if you do a follow up video, like to see the performance of the plant and also lesson learnt from this new setup

@sweetlovetiger 4 жыл бұрын

that spray defiantly putting air in the water I like how you made it with what you hand it will help people on a budget good job oh by the way shade cloth will help keep your water tank cooler and a small roll will last a while since your just using it for just covering a tank

@kidphillyorg 4 жыл бұрын

I appreciate this video very much. Thank you for making it and explaining your setup. Time to get to work and start building for my garden. Thanks!!

@nickking6371 4 жыл бұрын

Great job bob

@upinsmokedre8376 2 жыл бұрын

Nicely made bro

@Fmkayla Жыл бұрын

This is cool I hope you will show more I just subscribed👍🏻

@adamc9570 3 жыл бұрын

Like the set-up man! Change the clear hose from your pump to opaque hose to prevent algae growth.

@dav274lau 3 жыл бұрын

love your setup :)

@MyTube4Utoo Жыл бұрын

I love my DWC system, although it's a slightly different setup. I'm growing zucchini, multiple varieties of tomatoes, two different hot peppers, bush beans, cucumber, and green peppers, and everything is doing great. I'm probably gonna setup another 8 buckets soon. Easy to setup, low maintenance, and easy cleaning in between grows. What's not to like? The only potential downside I can possible see is if you're wanting to grow a lot of a single plant like maybe leafy greens, I wouldn't wanna tie my buckets up just for say lettuce, but I have other gardens for that. I also have 5 AeroGardens, and AG knockoffs that I can get a surprising amount of leafy greens and herbs out of. Good video, thanks.

@melodylyons4631 2 жыл бұрын

Like it Bob Like hydroton also Been hydroponicing for many years and have seen it all.

@ryanolivares3219 4 жыл бұрын

thank you for sharing gonna try this out

@nadinesawtell3267 4 жыл бұрын

Styro foam insulation might work to help keep water cooler and help reduce evaporation. You could look for an old cooler or a styrofoam one

@lesseeknowngood1731 4 жыл бұрын

Really cool good job!

@shaggyrumplenutz1610 4 жыл бұрын

Those Firehouse buckets are great!

@BobGrows 4 жыл бұрын

Yes they are and the donation helps firehouses.

@shaggyrumplenutz1610 4 жыл бұрын

@@BobGrows it's a win win for everyone.

@user-vn8od5nq7m 2 ай бұрын

You can set reservoir on a 2in pad of foam insulation. The foam back carpet insulates as well. 65 degrees is perfect temp for oxygen retention

@gradenguynn7823 3 жыл бұрын

It is a great design .I would replace the clear hose with a black hose to keep out the sun that can cause algae .

4 жыл бұрын

God damn Bob. Roll that black mark off the house. Hey KZfaq. Its a beautiful day! I'm awesome contributing to the firehouse. They told me for free to get the grill away from the house. The hydro system is tips. Way to go.

@BobGrows 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you John I will fix it in post production next time.

@XBDawgX 4 жыл бұрын

I am making a system inspired by you, a little different as it will be in my basement. But this will be my hot sauce base station. 6 pepper plants for constant hot sauce production!

@moreno0917 3 жыл бұрын

What form did your system take and how is it working out?

@mikeb7283 5 жыл бұрын

Increased aeration in RDWC is what sets apart this growing method from all others! I would highly recommend 1 air pump at least in the reservoir to transport more highly oxygenated water and when you can, 1 in each bucket.

@BobGrows 5 жыл бұрын

Air pump has been added since to each container and reservoir!

@mikeb7283 5 жыл бұрын

Also, (in case you didnt know) if you can calculate the amount of aeration in the water you will be able to systematically dial back your nutes. When your roots are in oxygen rich water at the correct temperature, your plants are able to feed more thus requiring less ppm/ec.

@mohammedibrahimali7798 5 жыл бұрын

Yes you are right

@jamesroesser9300 3 жыл бұрын

You just made it so much easier

@BobGrows 3 жыл бұрын

Keep it simple

@rabbitbreed1 3 жыл бұрын

I been watching you for years.. show the monsters in the crib🤙. Can't change your voice..lol

@dirtydeedzmainecultavator68 3 жыл бұрын

has to be right full of alagery with all that light getting to the water🔥💨

@suzukirider12vanguilder44 Жыл бұрын

Nice job!! Looks nice and professional, plus like the detailed explanation on everything. If you have 4 five gallon buckets plus a 10 gallon reservoir and you do add nutrients in the recirculating system would you be mixing enough nutrients for 30 gallons of water and then keep monitoring your solution as your plants drink it and you add plain water?

@Raukeematagi 4 жыл бұрын

Truly love the video can you tell me what all different kinds of plants can be used in this system ?

@halasimov1362 4 жыл бұрын

What the Bucket thats a good dealeo!

@das250250 3 жыл бұрын

A couple of observations, A. A better sealed water reservoir lowers contamination. B . You could add a sediment t junction that collects the sediment although the sediment should drop to floor of tree containers . C. You could add a bell syphon to each bucket which dumps the level of water down to a predetermined level .this may act as a relief to the roots to get more oxygen. When the bell syphon fills again the roots become I contact with fertile water .

@ralphbower1138 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Bob. I am setting up my first hydroponic system and am modeling yours. Questions: how do you attach the barbs to the PVC feed? Are you using any kind of cement with your PVC or just pressure fitting?

@davidmassengill5290 3 жыл бұрын

As long as its circulating or recirculating water im pretty sure the wate doesnt need to be airated as long as the roots are not totally submerged which the hight u have the drain at prevents from happening.. Good setup

@Tony-2023 4 жыл бұрын

Add a over flow pipe on the big buckets for when u grow the herbs and if it does clog then the water might divert away just a thought

@BobGrows 4 жыл бұрын

Good idea

@greenleafgrow6257 5 жыл бұрын

Great job man. Looks good. Cheers bro 🇨🇦✌🇨🇦✌🇨🇦✌😎🔥🔥

@BobGrows 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you boss. I’m super excited

@CarmoTV-pl1ne 4 жыл бұрын

The way he said beautiful Miami then u her the syrin 😂 great video bro

@BobGrows 4 жыл бұрын

It happens man, police have to regulate. Maybe they heard I’ve been growing the best cabbage around

@biffoswilly 4 жыл бұрын

The pump would probably be okay, as all you need is a trickle flow to feed the plants, maybe a bigger tote, also to stop any evaporation from the tote block up the holes in the cover and your good

@eggspanda2475 Жыл бұрын

good job

@ronniewest555 4 жыл бұрын

Love your set up, how did you make the drip PVC pipe drip line, little confused how to drill hole and how you have water running through it, i saw you had a hole in the pipe, thanks for any help

@tonyfelix8655 Жыл бұрын

good stuff

@paulwhite9580 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Bob.

@BobGrows 5 жыл бұрын

Paul White Thanks, Paul.

@eggspanda2475 Жыл бұрын

thick white foam boxes are good for insulating the tote.

@HuyNguyen-uu3jv 4 жыл бұрын

Whats the advantage of having the tubing reach up to the netcups vs having it few inches from bottom? Is it because you're spraying it on the bucket instead of on the roots itself?

@CitizenJane- 2 жыл бұрын

What an excellent system. Very efficient use of water. Was that a 12v pump or ...? Really liked the way you addressed all the bugs, when you built the new system. Well done !

@TheUncannykodiak 4 жыл бұрын

Hail from Jacksonville!!! Btw herbs in aquaponic are not small. Them and their roots get huge. Mind overflow carefully

@pepster137 4 жыл бұрын

Understand to scale, I'm starting with 4 from your vid, ty. First will probably be drip, no aeration, maters and peppers*

@onsiteelectricianscott4025 2 жыл бұрын

I going to try this. Thanks for the video! Question. Do you ever spray the plant itself from time to time or is it better to let it get everything from the system?

@kyril98741 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video...

@jamesingram5461 4 жыл бұрын

Hi sir could you please make a video tutorial on how you install the pipes inside the bucket. Thank you

@rizamsaddikeen5040 Жыл бұрын

Nice vedio.

@cdh79 4 жыл бұрын

great setup.. about the aeration: just put an air-stone into the reservoir, then one will be enough for them all..

@BobGrows 4 жыл бұрын

That’s what I ended up doing

@ajsstudiosinc 2 жыл бұрын

i plan on a dutch bucket set up. i like your deep water system for tomatoes. less chance of roots running out of water in summer heat. did your tomatoes do better in deep water than the dutch bucket?

@tradarobby4686 3 жыл бұрын

Hi bob. This video inspired me to make DBS my own. But i just wondering if the plant is growing biger and bigger, where is the root will go? Pls let me know what to do with the root that must be much more than it. Anyway...thank you

@skeets6060 4 жыл бұрын

Question,, are the pots in contact with the water or just above or are you using something int he pot to wick up the water before the pant gets roots?

@richjageman3976 8 ай бұрын

I found out when I grew different types of peppers near each other that they can cross pollinate and you might get unexpected results. I had poblano, bell and cayenne and ended up with a few pretty hot bells.

@chrisforjesus4740 3 жыл бұрын

Can you do a video on how to grow the roots of your vegetables and the process of it because i have a struggle with it

@JeepersCreepersTarantulas 4 жыл бұрын

Hey Bob question for you I’m looking into biking a bigger system like you have here. What are the rubber grommets you have on the side of the bucket where your pipes going through? Are they just called uni seals? I appreciate it. Great videos glad I found you.

@BobGrows 4 жыл бұрын

Yes uniseal grommets, link in the description

@stinkyfeetbandit 4 жыл бұрын

Sir, I would really like to reach you concerning the uniseal and how exactly it was installed or if you've done a video on it. I'm looking at a year thing vegetable hydro grow like yours with only the nutrient you mentioned. I also hope I can find out the mix you talked about too

@ttvphilswifft8682 5 жыл бұрын

What a coincidence I have a sweet pepper and a lemon boy tomatoe growing in my room

@mohitchimanlal1116 4 жыл бұрын

Hi, could you please show the fitting inside of the bucket, of your new bucket system?

@Woffie70 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Bob- I have been wanting to do something for a while and this version seems a easy work. I already have like 80% of the crap needed so now I got loads of time I figure why not? I still need to make a run for some base items that are too big or heavy to ship. I'll try to make some type of vid and link ya once it's done. Wife suggested to do a hybrid system where the return of the vertical system drains into the buckets and then have the buckets drain to the return but I'm going to start small. They way you do it you can easily add to it so why not! :)

@BobGrows 4 жыл бұрын

It’s so much fun! Good luck Roy!

@Woffie70 4 жыл бұрын

@@BobGrows since I'm sitting here waiting on delivery...what size bit did you use for the 1" grommets? I hand cut all the lids and 3d printed all the net cups for the buckets...so bored I even spray painted the buckets to match. Lol. I might steampunk this bad boy...

@Woffie70 4 жыл бұрын

@@BobGrows Yeah...biggest spade bit I got is 1 1/2 and this isn't gonna fit to make the bucket units no matter how much butter I use. Any Suggestions? ...Amazon listing shows Holesaw size: 1.75'' (44mm)...ah...should have checked. Well there it is for anyone else.

@matthewamberbird4945 4 жыл бұрын

@@BobGrows Hi Bob-quick question. I just started putting together a system like the one if this video and read that you later added air stones to each bucket. Has that been a huge improvement, and would adding just a single ayirstone to the supply reservoir suffice instead. I am making a setup for 4 cherry tomato plants using four buckets. I just want to make sure I am getting the proper DO to my plants without adding unnecessary complication to the design by adding an ayirstone to each bucket. Your thoughts?

@BobGrows 4 жыл бұрын

@@matthewamberbird4945 The air stones did not make much of a difference. I ended up putting them all in the reservoir which helps mix the nutes when i put them in. I did change the buckets themselves by removing the drain riser tube lowering the amount in the buckets to about 3-4 inches. This was a huge improvement. The roots kind of dangle in the air and get wet by water dripping from the roots above. Only the end roots reach the water. I think this method works on the aeroponics theory as the roots are exposed to air.