Seedsman's Banana Jealousy Comparative Grow In Progressive DWC By Token Roll

Thank you for stopping by @KeithLemon and @KeyFinger
I have a question what is that pump looking thing is that Co2? 🍋
This grow is DWC- Deep Water Culture. Basically I am growing in water and the thing you see is an air pump. When I grow DWC I like to give my ladies maximum amount of air for growth. It helps the plants with oxygen and nutrient uptake. She is currently in a three gallon bucket, when I increase her bucket again she will be in a 5 gallon bucket with four air lines attacked.

I like the speed and size I get growing DWC.
I last one I grew, the weight came in at just over one kilo; which is excellent for a 5 gallon bucket.

Any other questions you may have feel free to ask them.

TR
 
That's a great looking plant, much efforts. Does it always take this much efforts to grow anything from Seedsman? Never really got anything good to say about their seeds though, yet this banana girl look's like something decent
There were a few headless seedlings here in there when we all started our seeds. A few needed some help with that outer shell, however I feel the seeds were very easy to germinate. An they took off fast!!
 
I will provided as much detail about growing DWC that I can think of; incase you would like to venture into another form of growing. Many growers are interested in DWC, but few follow it through. I personally like to grow this way in the colder months. That way it is easier to stay within the parameters, don't want my solution going over 72 degrees. Mainly because over 72 degrees invites root rot, and I use hydro-guard which helps a lot.

TR
 
Here is some info. on DWC @KeithLemon

This information is a good foundation for starting DWC and is from Cannabis Training University.
If I were to write this out myself I would probably forget some things.

For the best indoor grow system, refer to our DWC hydroponics guide for growers of all skill levels. Deep water culture (DWC) systems are popular types of hydroponic systems that use only water, nutrients, and a growing medium to produce stronger roots and better buds. Hydroponics, and DWC in particular, is a super effective way to grow weed, but there are many pitfalls. Learn to avoid them all with our DWC hydroponics cannabis grow guide.

What Is Deep Water Culture?

In a DWC system, the cannabis plant’s roots are submerged in a hydroponic nutrient solution/water. The plant's root system is kept in place in a mesh bucket/net pot with hydroton pellets. The plants are usually housed in a self-contained and opaque container such as a bucket (at least 5-gallon).

A major benefit of hydroponic growing is that the plant is being continually watered. However, it's up to you to add the missing macro and micronutrients to give your plants a fighting chance. In addition, you must regulate the pH, dissolved oxygen, and temperature of your solution throughout the plant's life cycle.

What Are Hydroton Clay Pebbles?

Hydroton clay pebbles are derived from an orange-red clay and look like brown balls with black spots. They are pH neutral (inert) and come in a variety of sizes to fit your specific needs. They are also pretty cheap and can be washed, dried, and reused for your next crop.

Hydroton clay pebbles are a good choice due to the clay’s water retention characteristics. Hydroton is capable of absorbing moisture to prevent the roots from drying out, especially in the case of a pump breaking.

In addition, the space between the pellets provides optimal airflow to prevent root rot when there's not enough oxygen. Finally, hydroton exchanges cations (positive ions) with plants to improve nutrient uptake and pH regulation.

Easy DWC Hydroponics Grow Start to Finish Set Up

If you're new to growing cannabis and don't want to build your own system, there are plenty of DWC ready-made systems kits online with everything you need. If you want to go build your own, a DWC system has the following components:
  • A light-sealed reservoir to hold the nutrient solution. Usually, a 5-gallon bucket will do, preferably opaque to prevent algae growth. Any cooler or large storage tub can become a reservoir with holes cut out for the baskets and pellets.
  • An air pump pushes air volume into the nutrient solution. About one watt per gallon is all you need. Consider hanging the air pump to reduce noise vibrations when placed on a surface.
  • An air manifold allows you to attach several diffusers to an airline.
  • An air stone (about 4”-6”) pumps air bubbles into the solution and provides enough oxygen to the roots.
  • An airline transports the air from the pumps to the air stone. Choose one that is bendable and opaque to prevent algae growth.
  • Grow media such as net pots or baskets filled with hydroton clay pellets are excellent for supporting the roots. The net pot will rest on the rim of the bucket, on the top.
  • A water chiller regulates water temperature and keeps temperatures below the level where algae and bacteria can grow. 72 Degrees.
8. A water transfer pump can quickly drain reservoir water.
9. Cannabis plants

Cannabis DWC systems range in size. Some growers may place multiple plants in a single reservoir, while others may pump nutrients and oxygen into several small DWC reservoirs that hold one plant each and some just do a single plant.

To set up your system, fill your reservoir with the properly mixed nutrient solution. In the beginning, when the plants are young, the nutrient solution will reach the bottom of the media.

As the plant grows, the solution level will go down. It's important to check every day to ensure that your plants have the right amount of nutrient solution. Leaving them without any nutrients can quickly damage your roots and plants.

Water/Nutrient Solution for DWC Hydroponics

In the beginning, you won't need to replace the nutrient solution as frequently compared to when the plant has matured. How often you replace the nutrient solution depends. It could be every one to two weeks or longer.

When the plants are young, their roots won't be long enough to reach the bottom of your reservoir. During this initial period of growth, it's important to water your plants from the top.

Advanced top-feeding/dripping systems continuously trickle water over the young plant’s roots. After the plants’ roots have grown enough, some growers switch back to the original DWC set-up.

pH

Invest in a pH meter to regularly check the pH level of your DWC system. Ideally, keep this level between 5.5 to 6.5. If your pH goes beyond this level, consider adjusting the pH using pH kits found online with pH up and down.

Nutrients

We recommend using organic nutrients for the best results. If you're a beginner, consider investing in complete grow systems that include solutions for every stage of growth. Some of the most popular ready-made nutrient options include General Hydroponics’ Flora Grow Series or FoxFarm’s Trio formula.

What Is Recirculating Deep Water Culture?

Recirculating deep water culture is an advanced form of the DWC system. Everything is pretty much the same except for a central main reservoir that connects to multiple bucket distribution lines and the air volume pump that recirculates and aerates the nutrient solution.

This method is particularly effective due to the constant pumping of fresh nutrient solution. In addition, the lateral flow of this system can increase your roots’ health, growth rate, and yield.

DWC Hydroponics Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ideal pH level for DWC cannabis?

Between 5.5 and 6.5 is the best pH range for cannabis grown in DWC setups. Keeping the pH in this range makes sure that plants can easily take in all the nutrients they need.

Can you use tap water for DWC?

For DWC, you can use tap water, but you need to let it sit out for at least 24 hours so the chlorine can leave. Before you add nutrients and plants, you also need to check and change the pH level of the tap water.

Portable RO-Reverse Osmosis filter can be purchased online which will bring starting ppm’s down to zero. I use this.

What are common problems with DWC hydroponics?

1. Root rot is caused by not enough oxygen or dirty surroundings.
2. Nutrient lockout or toxicity can happen when the pH or amounts of nutrients are not right.
3. Nutrient solutions that are left out in the open can cause algae to grow, which fights with plants for oxygen and nutrients.

How often should you change the water in a DWC system?

Every one to two weeks, the nutrient solution in a DWC system should be fully changed to keep the right balance of nutrients and pH and to keep the nutrients from building up. For the best plant health, the pH and EC/TDS values of the nutrient solution must also be checked and changed on a regular basis.

What are the best nutrients for DWC cannabis?

For DWC weed, the best nutrients are those that are made to work with hydroponic systems. These nutrients mix well with water and are easy for the roots to take in. It is important to use nutrients that give the plant all the macro and vitamins it needs for its growth stage (flowering or vegetative).

How do you set up a DWC system for cannabis?

These steps are usually needed to set up a DWC system:

-A container that can hold the nutrient mix.
-Plants can be held above the tank on a platform or in net pots, which lets the roots hang straight into the solution.
-An air pump and an air stone to add oxygen to the mix of nutrients.
-Fertilizers for hydroponic systems that are made to help weed grow and flower.
-To keep an eye on and change the nutrient solution, pH and EC/TDS meters are used.

Why use DWC for growing cannabis?

Cannabis plants do better in DWC than in soil because it lets them take in nutrients more effectively. This means plants grow faster and could produce more. A steady flow of air to the roots also helps them grow in a healthy way. DWC systems may also be easy to keep up because they don't need to deal with soil or pests.

I hope this helps you understand what DWC is.

Stay safe and grow well my friends,
Tok.. :bong:
 
Here is some info. on DWC @KeithLemon

This information is a good foundation for starting DWC and is from Cannabis Training University.
If I were to write this out myself I would probably forget some things.

For the best indoor grow system, refer to our DWC hydroponics guide for growers of all skill levels. Deep water culture (DWC) systems are popular types of hydroponic systems that use only water, nutrients, and a growing medium to produce stronger roots and better buds. Hydroponics, and DWC in particular, is a super effective way to grow weed, but there are many pitfalls. Learn to avoid them all with our DWC hydroponics cannabis grow guide.

What Is Deep Water Culture?

In a DWC system, the cannabis plant’s roots are submerged in a hydroponic nutrient solution/water. The plant's root system is kept in place in a mesh bucket/net pot with hydroton pellets. The plants are usually housed in a self-contained and opaque container such as a bucket (at least 5-gallon).

A major benefit of hydroponic growing is that the plant is being continually watered. However, it's up to you to add the missing macro and micronutrients to give your plants a fighting chance. In addition, you must regulate the pH, dissolved oxygen, and temperature of your solution throughout the plant's life cycle.

What Are Hydroton Clay Pebbles?

Hydroton clay pebbles are derived from an orange-red clay and look like brown balls with black spots. They are pH neutral (inert) and come in a variety of sizes to fit your specific needs. They are also pretty cheap and can be washed, dried, and reused for your next crop.

Hydroton clay pebbles are a good choice due to the clay’s water retention characteristics. Hydroton is capable of absorbing moisture to prevent the roots from drying out, especially in the case of a pump breaking.

In addition, the space between the pellets provides optimal airflow to prevent root rot when there's not enough oxygen. Finally, hydroton exchanges cations (positive ions) with plants to improve nutrient uptake and pH regulation.

Easy DWC Hydroponics Grow Start to Finish Set Up

If you're new to growing cannabis and don't want to build your own system, there are plenty of DWC ready-made systems kits online with everything you need. If you want to go build your own, a DWC system has the following components:
  • A light-sealed reservoir to hold the nutrient solution. Usually, a 5-gallon bucket will do, preferably opaque to prevent algae growth. Any cooler or large storage tub can become a reservoir with holes cut out for the baskets and pellets.
  • An air pump pushes air volume into the nutrient solution. About one watt per gallon is all you need. Consider hanging the air pump to reduce noise vibrations when placed on a surface.
  • An air manifold allows you to attach several diffusers to an airline.
  • An air stone (about 4”-6”) pumps air bubbles into the solution and provides enough oxygen to the roots.
  • An airline transports the air from the pumps to the air stone. Choose one that is bendable and opaque to prevent algae growth.
  • Grow media such as net pots or baskets filled with hydroton clay pellets are excellent for supporting the roots. The net pot will rest on the rim of the bucket, on the top.
  • A water chiller regulates water temperature and keeps temperatures below the level where algae and bacteria can grow. 72 Degrees.
8. A water transfer pump can quickly drain reservoir water.
9. Cannabis plants

Cannabis DWC systems range in size. Some growers may place multiple plants in a single reservoir, while others may pump nutrients and oxygen into several small DWC reservoirs that hold one plant each and some just do a single plant.

To set up your system, fill your reservoir with the properly mixed nutrient solution. In the beginning, when the plants are young, the nutrient solution will reach the bottom of the media.

As the plant grows, the solution level will go down. It's important to check every day to ensure that your plants have the right amount of nutrient solution. Leaving them without any nutrients can quickly damage your roots and plants.

Water/Nutrient Solution for DWC Hydroponics

In the beginning, you won't need to replace the nutrient solution as frequently compared to when the plant has matured. How often you replace the nutrient solution depends. It could be every one to two weeks or longer.

When the plants are young, their roots won't be long enough to reach the bottom of your reservoir. During this initial period of growth, it's important to water your plants from the top.

Advanced top-feeding/dripping systems continuously trickle water over the young plant’s roots. After the plants’ roots have grown enough, some growers switch back to the original DWC set-up.

pH

Invest in a pH meter to regularly check the pH level of your DWC system. Ideally, keep this level between 5.5 to 6.5. If your pH goes beyond this level, consider adjusting the pH using pH kits found online with pH up and down.

Nutrients

We recommend using organic nutrients for the best results. If you're a beginner, consider investing in complete grow systems that include solutions for every stage of growth. Some of the most popular ready-made nutrient options include General Hydroponics’ Flora Grow Series or FoxFarm’s Trio formula.

What Is Recirculating Deep Water Culture?

Recirculating deep water culture is an advanced form of the DWC system. Everything is pretty much the same except for a central main reservoir that connects to multiple bucket distribution lines and the air volume pump that recirculates and aerates the nutrient solution.

This method is particularly effective due to the constant pumping of fresh nutrient solution. In addition, the lateral flow of this system can increase your roots’ health, growth rate, and yield.

DWC Hydroponics Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ideal pH level for DWC cannabis?

Between 5.5 and 6.5 is the best pH range for cannabis grown in DWC setups. Keeping the pH in this range makes sure that plants can easily take in all the nutrients they need.

Can you use tap water for DWC?

For DWC, you can use tap water, but you need to let it sit out for at least 24 hours so the chlorine can leave. Before you add nutrients and plants, you also need to check and change the pH level of the tap water.

Portable RO-Reverse Osmosis filter can be purchased online which will bring starting ppm’s down to zero. I use this.

What are common problems with DWC hydroponics?

1. Root rot is caused by not enough oxygen or dirty surroundings.
2. Nutrient lockout or toxicity can happen when the pH or amounts of nutrients are not right.
3. Nutrient solutions that are left out in the open can cause algae to grow, which fights with plants for oxygen and nutrients.

How often should you change the water in a DWC system?

Every one to two weeks, the nutrient solution in a DWC system should be fully changed to keep the right balance of nutrients and pH and to keep the nutrients from building up. For the best plant health, the pH and EC/TDS values of the nutrient solution must also be checked and changed on a regular basis.

What are the best nutrients for DWC cannabis?

For DWC weed, the best nutrients are those that are made to work with hydroponic systems. These nutrients mix well with water and are easy for the roots to take in. It is important to use nutrients that give the plant all the macro and vitamins it needs for its growth stage (flowering or vegetative).

How do you set up a DWC system for cannabis?

These steps are usually needed to set up a DWC system:

-A container that can hold the nutrient mix.
-Plants can be held above the tank on a platform or in net pots, which lets the roots hang straight into the solution.
-An air pump and an air stone to add oxygen to the mix of nutrients.
-Fertilizers for hydroponic systems that are made to help weed grow and flower.
-To keep an eye on and change the nutrient solution, pH and EC/TDS meters are used.

Why use DWC for growing cannabis?

Cannabis plants do better in DWC than in soil because it lets them take in nutrients more effectively. This means plants grow faster and could produce more. A steady flow of air to the roots also helps them grow in a healthy way. DWC systems may also be easy to keep up because they don't need to deal with soil or pests.

I hope this helps you understand what DWC is.

Stay safe and grow well my friends,
Tok.. :bong:
Sounds interesting but I’m not ready for the investment that would take to switch over. I have to admit that it gets great results though. CL🍀
 
Plants looking superb toke :welldone:some great info there too. I tried RDWC twice but both times plants went down hill in flower so ima stitch with dirt 😂 I know your results will always tempt me though 😬 hats off to you
 
Thank you for stopping by @Greenvein

I read others journals that are using a recirculation system, and watch as they overcome problems learning the system. RDWC is a good system, just not for me currently. I normally only do one 5 gallon bucket, veg for about 8 weeks before I flip and my results are normally between 1 to 2 pounds or a little over.

TR
Don't worry I've seen your beasts 😂 💪

Reading your recent posts it could possibly have been a oxygen issue.. i didn't calculate oxygen to total amount of water just chucked some stones in 😂 everything else was perfect and the system worked perfect until mid flower 😬
The guy who gave me the system used to have a silent stack, no air pumps/jets or waterfalls.. the stack ran on pressure which added oxygen to water silently.. I've never seen it used online. Turns out a guy in a grow shop made it so probably only used over here.
 
Time for an update of @SeedsMan Banana Jealousy in DWC.

The next time or by Wednesday I will be changing my solution and bucket size also. I will be putting her in her final bucket which will be a 5 gallon one. I will be using a bucket that has a chiller probe in the solutions, so I have better control of water, solution temperatures. The probe will drop the solution temps down 6 or 7 degrees from the ambient temp.
I will also be placing the net over her to start scrog training.

I am still using 5 ml per gallon or about 1.25ml per liter of @Remo Nutrients grow formula; that why she has that rich green color. This is a little less that what the manufacture recommendations are. I'm sorry, but I grow my plants and know what they need or don't need.

Here are some current images.

I believe this to be enough roots for the next larger bucket.







That's all folk's.

Stay safe and grow well my friends,
Tok..
 
Well it looks like @Twist Me Up won't be making it tomorrow. He took his truck in to get it service and the mechanic said did you see the red warning light. He said no, well the service ap0pointment how consist of oil change, water pump, and a pan gasket total $4000.00. So needs less to say he is not going to make it.

Here is a couple images of the rolling progress.



Stay safe and grow well my friends,
Tok..
 
Joined late but re-read everything up until now. I'm just over a week into my first real DWC setup. I literally have my stool pulled up with my laptop to tag along. Cheers.
 
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