Equipment and Setup
What kind of air pump should I get?
Most air pumps will work, from pet store air pumps to hydro-specific air pumps. We recommend the highest GHP within your budget and always choosing a 4-port pump. One consideration is the location of your grow and tolerance to the sound of the pump. The larger the pump, the louder it will be.
What kind of air stone should I get?
We prefer a 2” x 2” cylinder, though almost any kind will work. This shape remains fully submerged until your fluid level drops beyond 2”.
What equipment do I need?
In addition to your HydroBucket and HydroLid you will need:
- Some rockwool or hydroton, depending on your choice of HydroPod.
- An air pump, air stone, and airline.
- A quality light that will produce up to 150 Watts per 2sqft of grow space.
- A light timer and power bar.
- A humidifier or dehumidifier depending on your plant count and geographical location.
- A grow tent.
- A carbon filter if you desire a scent-free exhaust.
- An inline fan to exhaust hot air.
- An oscillating (or stationary) fan to circulate air inside your grow tent.
- Nitrile gloves for handling chemicals.
- A plastic garbage bin or 5 gal bucket for mixing nutrients.
- A large paddle or drill with a paint mixer attachment for mixing nutrients.
- Eye protection.
- A pH pen and a TDS pen to test your ppm and pH.
- pH solution up and down to adjust your pH.
- A quality nutrient brand to feed your plants from seedlings to harvest.
- Cleaning and sterilizing solution such as bleach or H2O2.
- A notebook.
Maintenance and Monitoring
How do I check the pH and ppm?
You can use handheld digital devices that are widely available.
How often do I change the nutrient solution?
The nutrient solution should be changed every 7-10 days.
What ppm should the nutrient solution be?
Seedlings should be under 300ppm. Early to mid veg will climb from 400ppm to 700ppm. Late veg will be around 1000ppm-1200ppm. Flower will be 1000ppm up to 1500ppm. CO2 is required for higher ppm solutions. Watch your plants for signs of deficiencies or overfeeding.
What pH should the solution be?
The ideal pH is 5.8. The drift between adjustments should stay between 5.5-6.5.
What temperature should the nutrient solution be?
18C (64F) to 26C (78F) ideally keeping it as close or resetting to 18C when possible.
Will I drown the plant?
No, as long as you keep the fluid level below the bottom of the HydroPod (or netpot).
How do you remove nutrient solution from the HydroBucket?
A small aquarium pump will fit inside the side reservoir. For larger gardens, we recommend a rubber impeller “Pony Pump”.
How do you clean air stones?
H202 or Bleach can be used to sterilize them. An acidic solution will help with the accumulation of mineral residue. Hypochlorous acid products work well. Placing airstones in boiling water for 15 min can also be effective.
Which nutrients can I use?
Any nutrient line that is fully dissolvable and states it is designed for Hydroponic use.
Can I use beneficials?
Yes. You must either run beneficials or run a sterile solution.
Can these be used in a recirculating system?
Yes. The flat surface is ideal for mounting plumbing fittings.
How often do you clean the HydroBucket?
The HydroBucket should be cleaned between grows.
Plant Selection and Location
What can I grow?
DWC is ideal for high-value crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and cannabis. Leafy greens and herbs grow incredibly well in DWC.
Can I grow outside?
It is possible but rarely done.
Can I grow in a greenhouse?
Yes, you can grow in a greenhouse.
Is sunlight from the window enough?
No. A quality light is required for a quality harvest.
Which light should I get?
Shop within your budget. We recommend a full-spectrum LED light with a dimmer function, which will work from seed to harvest.
Do I need a grow tent?
No, but they are recommended. Most crops require 100% darkness each night. A tent will also help with climate control.
Water Source
Can I use town water?
Yes, in most cases.
Can I use well water?
Possibly. Some well water is amazing, and others are not suitable. A water test should be performed to understand what is in your water.
Do I need an RO machine?
No, but they can be used with great success.
