HYDRO DWC transfer pumps

[Jebidiah]

Just curious….when I first started DWC I noticed after I got some roots in the tub I was getting some roots in my buckets after changeouts. I glued a screen over the impeller of the transfer pump knowing it was going to shorten the life of the pump and slow it down from extra resistance so I picked up a second pump just for pumping back into the tote. This morning the extra resistance caught up and I’m trying to decide on screening my newer pump, maybe a sponge, or just let it cut its way through and see how that works. So do y’all try to filter the roots out or just let the pump give them a little trim? My biggest fear is some of the root pieces sticking in the pump somewhere and eventually causing me unwanted organic’s in my reservoir. Had thought about trying a more open screen like a faucet diffuser the original was something I had plenty on hand of…a bowl screen.

[DW2]

Howdy Jebidiah, I have used some of the nylon fiberglass window screen on the submersible water pump. I make a 'tube' out of it and attach it with plastic zip ties to the pump and, simply staple the open end closed with staples. I make it as long as I have room for it to fit in the reservoir to reduce the restriction to the water flow. I do not use a pump to drain the reservoir, I have the reservoirs up on a platform, just tall enough for a five-gallon bucket to fit under them and let gravity do the work. After each grow, I disassemble the pump (Elemental brand) and clean them out and sterilize them by running them with some hydrogen peroxide to kill off any thing that did not get rinsed away. The roots will always tend to move towards the flowing water (that's why the irrigation flow tubing should be placed at or near the bottom of the seed cube).

[SwitchH2O]

Jeb, where are your pumps located? What kind of a system are you running. My recirculating DWC setup has the pump in the reservoir and not with the plants. Let’s see pictures of your set up.
But to answer your question… I wouldn’t screen it unless you want to keep buying new pumps. They have subscribe and save with Amazon😜… but if you can reach the root area, I’d trim it. I’m assuming it’s only going to be a fraction that you’re going to cut.

[Jebidiah]

It’s a hand held transfer pump like mentioned on GWE. I wish I had the height I wanted to gravity drain them like DW2 does but like me my space is shorter. I made my tote lids to give me access in the corner and I use the paint stirrer I check my water levels with to keep the roots pushed back away from that corner when I check water levels. I start out top feed but after the roots make it to the water I move the lid to a tote with just air stones so the submersible pump doesn’t get lost in the root ball I just have to dig in to retrieve my air stones.

[Jebidiah]

Funny how all that was one post…these pics go with my reply to SwitchH2O

[SwitchH2O]

I thought you were growing in DWC… haven’t seen a set up like yours before. And I’ve seen my share of set ups. You chop your plant on purpose like that?

[Jebidiah]

Just using what I read from the mother-site and finding what works for me. I guess I could have called it bubbleponics and the hack job seems to work somewhat.

[SwitchH2O]

Oh
ok now I see your set up and understand it.
Great work on the plants.
Have you tried FIMing. I can get you four of those branches instead of just two if you FIM instead of chop. Try it next time. Lots of tutorials on this website on how.

SwitchH2O

4’x4’x8’ Mylar frame built grow room
Spider Farmer SE3000
4” Vivosun powered intake
8” Vivosun outtake with 8” Filter achieving VPD
Recirculating DWC
Rockwool starter with clay pellet medium
Combination of Remo, Advanced Nutrients and a proprietary root blend.

2nd last grow - 19.98% THC

Last grow - 22.23% THC

CURRENTLY GROWING

White Tahoe Cookies by DrSeeds

[Jebidiah]

Thanks, I’m still actively learning and I’ll check it out. I saw your system it looks great!

[UndergroundFarmer]

I quit growing in totes with the pump at the bottom(running a venturi for aeration) because I couldn't find a way to keep the roots out of the filter. I switched to a RDWC system with the pump in a reservoir and each plant in its own bucket with an airstone at the bottom and got better results.