Large DWC tubs

[Albireo]

Any reason not to use large (30+ gal) DWC tubs. I have quite a few grows under my belt, but I have had a 7+ year break. I used to grow very successfully organic hydro in 32 gallon rubbermaid tubs, 1 plant grows using something like the lucas formula (I was an OG'er and we did not call it the lucas formula back then).

I will be getting my physicians recommend this weekend and will be setting up a 6 plant grow . I am planning on 3, 4x4 scrogs (or so) with 2 plants per screen each under a 1000 or 600 watter.

My thoughts are to make wood framed tubs and use pond liner with a drain. Each tub holding somewhere around 30-40 gallons. I will be using the lucas formula or something similar. I will need cooling in the summer and will use either a chiller tied into all three tubs or AC (this will be another thread).

Does anyone forsee any issues with using large capacity tubs? Thoughts? Ideas?

 

[headfortrinity]

I don't see any probs, just need lots of airstones.
Last year I ran a 20 gal tub with a foam raft and an airstone, worked ok but gets real hot.
I'm thinking of burying some trash cans in the ground and use pumps to run an additional reservoir. Probably a piece of painted plywood for the top so it has an opening to add nutes.
I'm running three 5 gal buckets with an 18 gallon res in my greenhouse with great results. Sounds great Albireo! can't wait to see it.

 

[Hydro-Soil]

Any reason not to use large (30+ gal) DWC tubs.

If you're in a warm/hot climate they're a pain in the ass to keep cool and oxygenated. I've noticed a lot of setups with large res chillers when converting to E&F would be so much cheaper and effective in the heat they're trying to battle.

If you live in a cool climate.... it's a nice way to grow.

 

[Albireo]

Good stuff. I will have a chiller to keep temps down. Hopefully that will keep the temps in check. I see chillers are not bad in $$$. Around $500 for a 1.3 horse new and $250 used.

My last few grows (years ago) I had switched from air pumps with stones to power heads with venturi. There were threads on OG about how they were more efficient and produced more DO. Does anyone still run these?

I know from experience that large tubs are more stable, of course if it is hot and stable that is not good. I will most likey run the lights during the cool nighttime hours.

 

[Hydro-Soil]

Good stuff. I will have a chiller to keep temps down. Hopefully that will keep the temps in check. I see chillers are not bad in $$$. Around $500 for a 1.3 horse new and $250 used.

Good pump $50
Table and fittings $100
Not having to worry about root rot and DO issues? Priceless. You'll agree about 3 months after you switch to E&F, after messing with DWC for a few years.

 

[Albireo]

I have done 4 of my own grows e&f and have helped a friend with many e&f grows. I HIGHLY prefer dwc. To each his own I guess.

 

[lordbudly]

Good pump $50
Table and fittings $100
Not having to worry about root rot and DO issues? Priceless. You'll agree about 3 months after you switch to E&F, after messing with DWC for a few years.

so you dont even need alot of air pumps in their right? maybe just one or two to make sure things keep stirring? and you dont have any worry about temperatures?

 

[Hydro-Soil]

so you dont even need alot of air pumps in their right? maybe just one or two to make sure things keep stirring? and you dont have any worry about temperatures?

Every setup is going to be different. Flower chamber using a drip system floods about 6-8 times a day (I forget) and drips back into the res. Completely mixes the solution and keeps it stirred up and oxygenated. I don't need an airstone or pump.
My Mum/Veg room has an E&F table with a small res. That one actually has an airpump and stone in it but I'm considering removing it. Still have to test that one.
If your setup is bigger, I might think about an addtional source of O2 but it really depends on the setup.
So for my setup, no. I just have the one pump for the nutrients is all.

The nutrient solution is supposedly ok up to around 90F mixed. (I think they said 100F or something at GH for their FloraNova nutes I use) Mine hovers around 78F and the plants love it. Nice clean res too.
The solution drains back out and immediately begins evaporating off of the hydroton and the roots, cooling them to a temp they grow just great at. (Nice big fat fuzzy roots)