DWC (Deep Water Culture) is a simple but high yielding type of hydroponics. Another advantage is that because the roots grow directly into nutrient solution it means there is very little medium to dispose of after the grow. You may be asking yourself, in DWC – How much air do I need.

I am often asked how big does the ~~air pump~~ need to be. The answer to that is surprisingly simple – as a rule of thumb the air pump needs to supply: 1 litre of air per minute for every 4 litres of nutrient solution.

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DWC – How Much Air Do I Need?

Something to bear in mind is that every metre of air line reduces the air flow rate but as long as the run is no more than about 2 metres the rule of thumb above will still be true. If the run is more than 2 metres then you might need a bigger air pump.

As an example let’s take the Hydrofarm Root Spa Deep Water Culture Bucket System. It has a reservoir capacity of 19 litres. So, the air pump needs to supply: 19/4 = 4.75 litres per minute.

Some Tips for Growing in DWC

Starting off

When you first put your plants into your DWC system the roots won’t have emerged from the small net pot with clay pebbles in and reached the nutrient solution in the reservoir. The roots still need water, though. Overcome this by filling the reservoir so that the level submerges the net pot so that what roots you have are partly submerged. Reduce the level of the reservoir as the roots grow until eventually it is just below the bottom of the net pot when roots emerge from the bottom of it.

Keep the pH in the correct range

For DWC the ideal pH is 5.8 but at least it definitely needs keeping between 5.5 and 6.5. For best results check the pH daily with decent pH tester and adjust it as necessary.

Use a quality hydroponics nutrient

Many growers will already have favourite nutrient brand. As long as it is a quality nutrient then that’s fine. If you haven’t chosen a nutrient then a good one for DWC is Fox Farms Liquid Nutrient Trio.

Monitor the nutrient strength regularly

Ideally do this daily when you check the pH. If the strength increases over the course of a few days then it is too strong and ought to be reduced. On the other hand if it goes down then it is too weak and ought be made a little stronger. Most DWC lids are fitted with an inspection hole with a cover on. A bluelab truncheon fits through the this hole nicely.

Keep the reservoir topped up

The correct level is a little bit below the bottom of the net pot. If the roots can’t find water then the plant will wilt and die fairly quickly.

Use a quality air pump

They tend to be quieter which is a bonus if you want to keep your grow quiet and stealthy. Quality air pumps are more reliable too and that’s really important. If the air pump fails then the nutrient solution will quickly lose its dissolved oxygen. Plant roots need oxygen so if the pump fails the plant will suffer and eventually die. Which brings us on the next tip:

Keep a spare air pump

If you keep a spare air pump and the one your using fails then you can change it out quickly. If the failure happens on a Saturday evening, you might not be able to get a replacement until Monday or later. A plant can really suffer or even die in that time.

Prevent “back siphoning”

Back siphoning is where nutrient solution comes up out of the reservoir through the air line and gets into the pump. This will almost certainly cause damage to it. Prevent this by placing the air pump on a surface which is above the level of the lid of the DWC system. Also, we would advise using a non-return valve (sometimes called a check valve) in the air line. Make sure you fit it the right way around!

This is one of my favourite DWC systems and it’s very reasonably priced! Click HERE to find out more about it.

Want to learn more about DWC units? Read any of these:

Deep Water Culture Systems

The Best Hydroponic Bucket Systems

Hydroponic Bucket System – Which One is Best for You

How to Prepare Water For Hydroponics – pH, TDS and ppm