My first DWC system...

Hello all!!!

I ordered a DWC system online about a week ago, and according to online tracking. It should be here TOMORROW! :D I haven't purchased a lighting system yet, only because Iâ??ve been trying to decided if I should go with LED's or HPS. Electricity consumption is a big concern! And I also haven't purchased any nutes yet; don't know which to go with? As much as I can grasp every other terminology related to growing cannabis. The numbers on nutes make no sense to me. (?-??-?) Also, Iâ??ll be using bag seedsâ?¦ (If anyone knows a CHEAP place for seeds, let me know) Keep in mind, Iâ??m on a rather low budget for a while, but suggestions are welcomed and greatly appreciated and if all goes well this thread will turn into my first grow journal!!! :smokin:

Oh, I attached a pic of the system...

Where to begin... You really need to read the boards. Asking a few questions to get a few answers is no substitution for grasping the idea at hand: cultivation. Without at least a moderate understanding of what you're planning to do, you will be relying on people walking you through everything.

I will offer a few things though:

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Iâ??ve been trying to decided if I should go with LED's or HPS. Electricity consumption is a big concern

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If energy and cost are big concerns, you should look into CFL lighting. They produce little heat, are relatively cheap, and you can use as many/few as you want to determine energy consumption.

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And I also haven't purchased any nutes yet; don't know which to go with?

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There are more possibilities than you could imagine. If you are asking these questions, than you need to do more reading. If you're not a highly-inclined individual, I would recommend a one-part nutrient so you don't have to mix different parts. I would tell you to use General Hydroponics Flora Series (a three-part). You can follow the directions on the product, or use Latewood's or Lucas' formulas from these boards.

First off, let me say thanks for the reply. But make no mistake; Iâ??m not an idiot by a long shoot. I have read enough to make my ears bleed, not just on this particular message board. I honestly would have no problem mixing different parts, and I honestly think Iâ??ve already answered that question for my self. I'm just looking for an experienced suggestion, as to which inexpensive brand that will give me the best "bang for my buck!" and not clog my air stone.

Thanks for the CFL tip though... I'm definitely going to look into it! But I think Iâ??ve found a deal I canâ??t beat on a 400 Watt HPS so TO HELL WITH THE LIGHT BILL, LMAO!

I can't really tell from the pic, but is that the whole dwc kit? Is it a bubbling bucket? Like with no pumps/resevoirs?

I ask because I'm wanting to build a similar dwc setup. I feel like it's the simplest(cheapest too) way of delving into the world of hydroponics. This way you don't have to mess with anything but an air pump and some air stones.

Whichever fert you decide make sure you get measuring devices. You'll also need a ppm meter and a ph meter, along with ph up/down.

I've heard using General Hydroponics 3 part micro/veg/bloom is pretty easy. Never used it myself, though.

Good luck.

edit: definitely keep a log too, with hydro there is too much to keep track of without writing it down. Notebooks are like 79cents and in the long run it will help a lot.

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Originally Posted by New2Dro

First off, let me say thanks for the reply. But make no mistake; Iâ??m not an idiot by a long shoot. I have read enough to make my ears bleed, not just on this particular message board. I honestly would have no problem mixing different parts, and I honestly think Iâ??ve already answered that question for my self. I'm just looking for an experienced suggestion, as to which inexpensive brand that will give me the best "bang for my buck!" and not clog my air stone.

Thanks for the CFL tip though... I'm definitely going to look into it! But I think Iâ??ve found a deal I canâ??t beat on a 400 Watt HPS so TO HELL WITH THE LIGHT BILL, LMAO!

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I certainly didn't think you to be an idiot, and I'm glad to hear that you've read a lot.

As for all the knowledge I have on nutrients, I have found that with a few exceptions, most nutrient lines will yield the same. Providing that you tune your system in properly, any decent line should suffice. I would certainly recommend the General Hydroponics, as I said. The Flora 3-part is cheap and effective, a winning combo in my eyes. There are Lucas' and Latewood's GH nute programs that are proven winners, so you don't even have to manipulate much on your end.

As for the 400w HPS, all I can say is: hells yah!!! If you have the space and money for that light, get it. If you have enough for the 600w, get it (the 600w is the most efficient size, so you get more lumen output per watt). Make sure you have enough exhaust for your growroom, those lights put out some serious heat.

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Originally Posted by Orzy

I can't really tell from the pic, but is that the whole dwc kit? Is it a bubbling bucket? Like with no pumps/resevoirs?

I ask because I'm wanting to build a similar dwc setup. I feel like it's the simplest(cheapest too) way of delving into the world of hydroponics. This way you don't have to mess with anything but an air pump and some air stones.

Whichever fert you decide make sure you get measuring devices. You'll also need a ppm meter and a ph meter, along with ph up/down.

I've heard using General Hydroponics 3 part micro/veg/bloom is pretty easy. Never used it myself, though.

Good luck.

edit: definitely keep a log too, with hydro there is too much to keep track of without writing it down. Notebooks are like 79cents and in the long run it will help a lot.

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Hello Orzy!

Yeah, that's the whole DWC system. From what Iâ??ve read hear and on other sites, Iâ??d say YES! It is a bubbling bucket! It doesn't have separate reservoirs, but it does have an air pump and air stone. I Plan to add a drainage valve for easy water changes though.;)

I drove around on Saturday attempting to buy parts and build my own, but I would still have had to buy at least; Net Pots, Rockwool Cubes, and Hydroton Grow Rocks online. Which means I'd also have to pay S&H. It worked out to be more expensive that way. As these item aren't sold at the local hardware stores in my area, I LOOKED!!!!

The entire system I ordered cost me less than $50 including S&H online. Of course Iâ??ll have to order more supplies in the future. But I don't think I made a bad 1st Time investment at all...

Good luck to you, what ever you choose... KIT:thumbsup:

Thanks Gainesvillegreen,

I'd been considering the Flora Series... It's pretty chesp evey where i've looked...

Yeah, I spent a couple years in north Georgia and don't recall ever seeing a hydroponics shop anywhere.

I'm probably gonna do bubbling buckets with those 5 or 2 1/2 gal buckets they sell at hardware stores. Figure 3 of those and a 400w hps should be sufficient to sustain my needs.

That's not a bad deal though, $50 for that whole kit. Keep us updated on how everything work outs.

Check out Mandala Seeds for cheap seeds. I've seen grow logs of satori and hashberry and they were both great looking plants. But it's probably not a bad idea to go with bagseed for your first time with a new system.

Rea this about GH 3-part:
http://boards.cannabis.com/hydroponi...rt-calmag.html

Heres where I buy my shit online:
High Tech Garden Supply

And I don't know if you looked into LED's at all but there super expensive.

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Originally Posted by socialistpete

Rea this about GH 3-part:
http://boards.cannabis.com/hydroponi...rt-calmag.html

Heres where I buy my shit online:
High Tech Garden Supply

And I don't know if you looked into LED's at all but there super expensive.

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The panels i've been considering aren't very expensive at all on ebay about $40 usd! Here are some pics from maspino1 he's already using them...