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.
Beginner1-2 weeks
Dwc Hydroponic Start
Complete guide for dwc hydroponic start — step-by-step workflow, tools, checklist, and expert tips to get started.
indoor growersbasement gardeners
Workflow
Size Air Pump and Initial Nutrient Strength
2 hoursCalculate air pump LPM for dissolved oxygen, mix starter EC for seedlings, and adjust pH to 5.8–6.2 before transplant.
Transplant Seedlings and Verify Oxygen
2 hoursSet roots in net pots with clay pebbles, ensure air stone produces vigorous bubbling, and place under initial grow light at seedling PPFD.
Monitor Daily and Schedule Water Changes
OngoingLog pH and EC daily, calculate water change interval as plants mature, and adjust air flow if roots show browning.
Tools Used
- Reservoir Volume CalculatorPrimary
Sizes DWC reservoir volume based on plant count, root mass, and daily transpiration.
- DWC Air Pump SizingPrimary
Calculates air pump flow rate in LPM for adequate dissolved oxygen in DWC.
- pH Adjustment CalculatorSupporting
Determines acid or base volume to hit 5.8–6.2 pH target in reservoir.
- Hydroponic Water Change IntervalReference
Schedules full reservoir changes based on plant size and EC drift rate.
Checklist
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Water Quality
Electrical
System
Monitoring
Maintenance
Equipment
Reference Materials
DWC Starter ParametersTable
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 |
Reservoir VolumeFormula
Minimum gallons ≈ plant count × 1–2 gal for lettuce; larger fruiting crops need 2–5 gal each.
Light-Proof ReservoirStandard
Block all light from nutrient solution — algae consumes oxygen and nutrients.
Stabilize pH First
Adjust pH before adding nutrients — pH drift after mixing wastes expensive inputs.
Root Zone Temp
Keep reservoir 65–70°F — warmer water holds less oxygen and invites root rot.
Electrical Safety
Drip loops on all cords entering reservoirs and GFCI on every outlet.
Safety Notes
- Keep electrical components away from water — use GFCI outlets for all pumps and lights.
- Monitor pH and nutrient levels daily — imbalances kill plants quickly.