Size Reservoir, Net Pots, and Plant Count
1 hourCalculate reservoir gallons for root volume and evaporation, select net pot diameter for crop type, and plan plant spacing on raft or individual buckets.
Field context
This workflow is part of 2 niche fields
Complete guide for dwc hydroponic start — step-by-step workflow, tools, checklist, and expert tips to get started.
Calculate reservoir gallons for root volume and evaporation, select net pot diameter for crop type, and plan plant spacing on raft or individual buckets.
Calculate air pump LPM for dissolved oxygen, mix starter EC for seedlings, and adjust pH to 5.8–6.2 before transplant.
Set roots in net pots with clay pebbles, ensure air stone produces vigorous bubbling, and place under initial grow light at seedling PPFD.
Log pH and EC daily, calculate water change interval as plants mature, and adjust air flow if roots show browning.
Sizes DWC reservoir volume based on plant count, root mass, and daily transpiration.
Calculates air pump flow rate in LPM for adequate dissolved oxygen in DWC.
Determines acid or base volume to hit 5.8–6.2 pH target in reservoir.
Schedules full reservoir changes based on plant size and EC drift rate.
DWC Starter Parameters
| Parameter | Seedling | Vegetative |
|---|---|---|
| EC (mS/cm) | 0.8–1.2 | 1.4–2.0 |
| pH | 5.8–6.2 | 5.8–6.2 |
| Water temp (°F) | 65–70 | 65–70 |
| Air LPM/gal | 0.5–1.0 | 0.5–1.0 |
Adjust pH before adding nutrients — pH drift after mixing wastes expensive inputs.
Keep reservoir 65–70°F — warmer water holds less oxygen and invites root rot.
Drip loops on all cords entering reservoirs and GFCI on every outlet.