DIY Recirulating 3 Bucket 5 Gallon Kit

DIY 3-Bucket Recirculating Deep Water Culture (DWC) System

This is for you DIY-ers out there wanting to get into hydroponics! This Kit will arrive with everything you need to get started, out in the open or inside a tent. 

Indoor with grow light, or outdoors during grow season!

Enhance your hydroponic setup with our DIY 3-Bucket Recirculating Deep Water Culture System, designed to maximize plant growth in a compact space. Ideal for a 2x4 or 3x3 grow tent, or just out in the open under a grow light, or even outside, this system includes two growing buckets and one central reservoir bucket, making it perfect for nurturing up to two plants simultaneously.

Each growing bucket features net pots and a secure lid to support robust root development while preventing light exposure. The central reservoir ensures efficient nutrient distribution through a seamless recirculating system. Included in the kit are a powerful air pump, air stones, and all necessary tubing, making assembly and operation straightforward.

Whether you're a novice or a seasoned grower, this DWC system offers a space-saving solution for optimal hydroponic growth and impressive yields. Simplify your growing process and achieve exceptional results with this efficient, tent-friendly, outdoor-friendly, simple setup.

Materials Included in the Kit:

• 3 x 5-gallon buckets (1 reservoir bucket, 2 growing buckets)
• 1 x Solid lid (for reservoir bucket)
• 2 x 6-inch Net cup lids (for growing buckets)
• 1 x Air pump (4-outlet)
• 4 x Air stones
• 4 x 6 ft pieces of 3/16 inch Black air line tubing (for air stones)
• 4 ft of 1/2 inch Tubing (for water pump)
• 2 ft of 1 inch Tubing (for nutrient return line)
• Connecting Tubing (for bucket connections)
• Hydroponic growing medium (clay pebbles)
• 2 x Root Riot Cubes
• Nutrient solution (for hydroponic plants) (optional add-on)
• pH and EC meters (optional add-on)

Tools Needed:

• Drill with appropriate bits (Step Bit ideal) to cut 1in and 3/8in holes
• Utility knife or scissors

• Step-by-Step Assembly Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Buckets:

     • Growing Buckets: Ensure that (2) of you 5 gallon buckets have a net cup lid, and (1) has the hard top/full coverage lid. The hard top lid will cover the reservoir bucket. You can arrange these in a triangle shape, straight line, whichever you feel is best for your space!
     • Reservoir Bucket: Ensure the reservoir bucket has a solid lid. 

       1. Drill and Set Up Outlets:

          • Growing Buckets: Drill a 1-inch hole near the bottom of each growing bucket for the outlet tubing. This will allow the nutrient solution to flow back into the reservoir. Make them as close to the bottom as you can get.
          • Reservoir Bucket: Drill a 1-inch hole near the bottom for the water pump outlet, ensuring alignment with the outlet tubing from the growing buckets.
          • note: only the reservoir bucket will have 2 of these holes. Both Growing Buckets will only have one.
          •  

            2. Connect the Buckets:

            • • Nutrient Flow: Use 4 ft of 1/2 inch tubing to connect the outlet of the water pump in the reservoir bucket to the inlet of each growing bucket. Ensure the tubing is cut to the correct length for effective nutrient flow.
              • Return Line: Use 2 ft of 1-inch tubing to connect the outlet holes in the growing buckets back to the reservoir bucket, creating a recirculating system for the nutrient solution.
              • Water Pump Outflow: Connect the 1/2 inch tubing from the water pump to the outlet hole in the reservoir bucket to ensure proper circulation.

                Set Up the Air System:

                • • Connect Air Stones: Attach each air stone to the air pump using 6 ft pieces of 3/16 inch black air line tubing. Ensure each air stone is fully submerged in the nutrient solution in the growing buckets.
                  • Position Air Stones: Place one air stone in each growing bucket. Connect the air tubing to the air pump and ensure it’s operating correctly. Your reservoir can have two if you'd like!

       2. Test the System:

          • Air System: Plug in the air pump and verify that all air stones are producing bubbles and circulating the water effectively.
          • Nutrient Flow: Check that the nutrient solution is circulating properly through the tubing and returning to the reservoir bucket. Inspect for leaks and ensure smooth flow between the buckets.

       3. Introduce Your Plants:

          • Place seedlings or young plants into the 6-inch net cups in the lids. Add hydroponic growing medium to the net cups if needed to support the plants.

       4. Monitor and Maintain:

          • Regularly check the nutrient solution levels and top off as needed.
          • Use pH and EC meters to monitor and adjust the nutrient solution for optimal plant health.
          • Clean and sanitize the system periodically to prevent algae growth and other issues.