Growing with Deep Water Culture (DWC): Kits, Tips & Tools
Growing indoors with hydroponics offers many system choices—each suited to different needs, space, and grower experience. One standout is Deep Water Culture (DWC)—also known as “bubbler” systems—which are compact, high-yield, and easy to maintain.
What Is Deep Water Culture (DWC)?
A DWC system suspends plants in net pots filled with growth media (like clay pebbles) above an oxygenated nutrient reservoir. As roots grow through the media, they reach directly into the solution, benefiting from constant oxygen and nutrient access. Popular with mother-plant setups, DWC inspires rapid growth in limited space—commercial kits like the Oxypot make it even more accessible.
How the Oxypot DWC System Works
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Plants are placed in a net pot filled with media (e.g., clay pebbles).
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The water level is set just above the net pot base for initial root hydration.
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Roots grow through the pot into the nutrient-rich solution.
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Once established, the water level is lowered slightly to promote air development in the root zone.
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The system’s constant oxygenation—via air pump—supports healthy, vigorous roots.
Create your own DWC system DIY-style or choose a ready-made kit like the IWS Oxypot Complete Kit for a hassle-free setup.
Advantages of Deep Water Culture
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Compact footprint – ideal for indoor grow tents and limited space
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Simple setup – fewer parts and minimal growth media needed
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Superior oxygenation – promotes large root systems and faster growth
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Low maintenance – once stable, only requires periodic reservoir checks
Essential Tips for a Successful DWC Grow
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Daily pH & EC monitoring – minimal buffering means nutrient imbalances happen fast. Tools like the Bluelab EC Pen help keep levels in check.
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Continuous aeration – keep the air pump running 24/7 to avoid root suffocation and stunting.
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Vibration management – elevate your Oxypot off the floor to reduce noise and ease water maintenance.
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Reservoir drainage – use the drain fitting to remove old solution efficiently.
What Is RDWC (Recirculating DWC)?
An upgrade from single-pot DWC, Recirculating DWC (RDWC) links multiple pots to a central nutrient reservoir, allowing automatic circulation, even pH/EC across all pots, and optimized yield performance. For growers seeking automation, kits like the Alien RDWC System are ready to go out of the box.
Recommended DWC & RDWC Products
- IWS Oxypot Complete Kit - compact DWC with net pot, media, and air pump
- Alien RDWC Hydroponic System - multi-pot recirculating DWC setup
- Bluelab pH Pen - fast and accurate pH checks
- Bluelab EC Pen – professional electrical conductivity measuring tool
- Shogun Samurai Hydro Grow & Bloom A+B – complete nutrient kit tailored for hydro setups
Growing with DWC: A Simple Checklist
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Set up and fill the reservoir with nutrient solution
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Mount net pots with clay pebbles and seedlings
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Place the water level just under the pot initially, then lower to promote aeration
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Run air pump continuously; check pH/EC daily
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Replace nutrient solution regularly and monitor system health
Which System Is Best for You?
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Want fast results with minimal parts? Choose DWC/Oxypot
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Need automation and scalability? Go for RDWC/Rush RDWC
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Serious about yields without complexity? Recirculating systems (RDWC) offer the biggest returns
Need tailored advice?
Visit our stores in Manchester or Huddersfield—or contact our experts online.