Troubleshooting
All plants decline at once.
Check shared reservoir pH, EC, water temperature, aeration, and signs of root disease.
One bucket has poor circulation.
Inspect plumbing for blockage, air locks, or uneven pipe heights.
Recirculating Deep Water Culture (RDWC)
A hydroponic method where plants grow in aerated buckets or modules connected to a shared recirculating nutrient reservoir.
Maintenance
- Keep water temperature cool and oxygen levels high.
- Inspect plumbing for leaks, clogs, and root intrusion.
- Clean reservoirs and buckets between crops to reduce biofilm and root disease risk.
Make It Yourself
- Connect multiple plant buckets or modules with plumbing so nutrient solution can circulate between them and a reservoir.
- Install a water pump for circulation and an air pump or air stones for strong aeration.
- Place plants in net pots above the solution so roots can grow into the aerated water.
- Monitor water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and EC closely because all plants share the same solution.
Cost
- 150 - 1200 NZD
Power Consumption
- 20 - 200 W
Variants
- Bucket RDWC: Individual buckets are linked with return plumbing and a central reservoir.
- Modular tote RDWC: Larger totes or modules support bigger plants or multiple net pots per module.
Cultivars
- Tomato: very good
- Bell Pepper: good
- Basil: excellent
- Watercress: excellent
- Spinach: very good