Description
Two 7-Gallon Deep Water Culture Buckets With a Top-Drip Start
The Spider Farmer DWC Hydroponics Grow System is a ready-to-run deep water culture kit for two plants: two square 7-gallon (26.5 L) buckets, each with a 6-inch net cup, an air stone and a top drip ring, all driven by one air pump. Roots hang in oxygenated nutrient solution, which is why DWC is known for fast vegetative growth and vigorous root development. The weak point of plain DWC is the first couple of weeks, when young roots have not yet reached the water; the adjustable drip ring wets the net cup from above until they do, cutting the risk of transplant shock and stalled seedlings. It suits tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, leafy greens and herbs.
What's Included
- DWC buckets - two 7-gallon PP buckets with triangular refill covers
- Net cups - two 6-inch cups and a bag of clay pebbles
- Air pump - one pump with two air stones, two airflow regulators and four inline check valves
- Top irrigation - two drip rings with water inlet tubes
- Water level tubes - two, each with a red floating ball
- Black tubing and user manual - 6 m of 4/6 mm tube
Key Benefits
- Big 7-gallon reservoirs - 26.5 L per plant keeps pH and nutrient strength steadier between top-ups
- Top-drip start - the adjustable ring feeds young plants from above until roots reach the solution
- Easy checks and refills - lift the triangular cover to top up or test, and read the level off the floating-ball gauge
- Leak-resistant design - air and drip lines enter from the top, not through the bucket wall, and check valves stop solution siphoning back to the pump
How to Use
- Set up the buckets on a level floor with the air pump sitting above the water line; two buckets side by side need a tent at least 70 cm wide.
- Fill each bucket to just below the net cup, mix in your hydroponic nutrient and check pH and EC; most growers run DWC at about pH 5.8-6.2.
- Plant into rinsed clay pebbles and run the drip ring while roots are short, turning it down once they reach the solution; keep the air pump running day and night.
- Change the solution every one to two weeks and top up with pH-adjusted water in between.
Technical Specifications
- System: deep water culture (DWC) with top drip irrigation, 2 sites
- Buckets: 2 x 7 US gallon (26.5 L), square, corrosion-resistant PP, triangular refill cover
- Bucket size: approx. 30 x 30 cm base, 40 cm high; about 31 cm across the top
- Net cups: 2 x 6 in (15 cm)
- Aeration: air pump (8W per Spider Farmer's listing), 2 air stones, 2 airflow regulators, 4 inline check valves
- Irrigation: 2 adjustable top drip rings with water inlet tubes
- Level gauge: 2 water level tubes with red floating balls
- Tubing: 6 m black 4/6 mm
- Medium: clay pebbles included
- Space needed: tent at least 70 cm wide for two buckets side by side
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tent do I need?
Each bucket is about 31 cm across the top, so two side by side need at least 70 cm of width; a 70 x 140 cm tent takes the pair with room to work.
Why is there a drip ring if the roots sit in water?
Seedlings and cuttings start with short roots that cannot reach the solution. The drip ring keeps the net cup moist from above until the roots grow down, then you turn it down or off.
How often should I change the nutrient solution?
Every one to two weeks, topping up with pH-adjusted water in between. Check pH and EC every day or two, as a small reservoir drifts quickly once plants are growing hard.
Can I add more buckets?
This kit is a two-bucket set with a pump sized for it. Spider Farmer also sells a separate four-bucket system.
Works Well With
