Grow Mediums B RICH'S RDWC budget build

[Muddy]

I wouldn't buy another system, I'd build it myself after seeing how them are made. I built my veg system, four Brute 14 gallons totes, 2 plants per tote for about $500, half of which was the chiller. CC has changed their air manifolds since I got mine. I had already replaced mine with ones I got on eBay made from the same material as yours. They are okay but the washers they use to weight them are corroding. They were only zinc coated, so I knew they would. I've got enough old brass fitting I can use them to replace the washers. Brass won't corrode. I also aerate my top off rez. Sometimes it takes 6-7 days to go through 30 gallon and the bubbling helps keep it from going stagnant as well as further aerating the solution. You should put one in your rez as well.

Here's my veg system: https://www.autoflower.org/threads/muddys-diy-veg-system.57744/#post-1350421

 

[BRICH999]

I have another airpump and airstone i was going to put in the res but (and i know this is bad for the pump) im getting a ton of microbubbles due to air being sucked through system. Pretty sure my DO levels are peaked for the water temp without getting too crazy. Chiller is probably in the future but thats a major cost. Maybe a grow or 2 down the road.

The key to building this was finding the buckets(shoutout to zenhydro, spent a silly amount of time searching for squareish buckets). Surprisingly harder to find than i anticipated. Almost went with glass aquariums but couldnt dream up a good lid system. Really cant wait to start build 2 with someone elses wallet haha.

Ill update with whatevers there when i get back from vacation sunday

 

[Muddy]

Here you go: http://www.mbferts.com/8-Gallon-DIY-Undercurrent-Hydroponic-Grow-Buckets-DWC-Hydro-870.htm. They have 8 and 13 gallon and the proper lids. lol, took less than 5 minutes to find them. I had seen them before, just had to remember where.

 

[BRICH999]

Those are the lids i got with my buckets. They semi permanently attach at back 1/3 and front 2/3 is opening section after tearoff. I cut holes for 6" net pots but due to shape etc they are a tricky fit but very cost effective. Think they were like 3 bucks a piece on zenhydro but im going with the white abs plastic cc 8" pot lids next time and may upgrade mine in future.

And it seems to be working. Back from vacation today, 15 days since seeds started germ, 12 days since i could see them break surface. Left 2 are taller than right 2 which seemed like the root riot cubes were a hair dry but i aint complaining. Think system will work quite nicely

Sorry if anyones neck hurts trying do view. They arent sideways on my phone but yeah

 

[Muddy]

Looks like you're off to a good start. I know those type lids. I fished a couple cat liter buckets out of the recycling dumpster that had those lids. They are perfect for carting and cleaning my hydrocorn after a grow.