DIY rDWC system

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GrowTutor
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Re: DIY rDWC system

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Actually, hemi is right. Insulating the sides/top would help keep them from absorbing more of the ambient heat and decrease the load on the chiller when you do need it but, as you point out, it is more work. I'm not sure that the bubble wrap has a very high R value though. Of course it's not required and I understand lazy...but it does help. :nod:
hemivette
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Re: DIY rDWC system

Post by hemivette »

I don't think it has a huge r value either. My res got 3 layers. My chiller kicks on every 20 minutes, give, or take, and my room is 75-85. h
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rkymtnman
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Re: DIY rDWC system

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well, now that everything is plumbed in and not moving, i'll have to deal with the uninsulated version. my grow room is actually below grade so the room that has the control tub is usually in the 60's anyway.

here are a few pix
fully operational
fully operational
IMG_6782.jpg (191.2 KiB) Viewed 21171 times
chiesel
chiesel
IMG_6783.jpg (197.93 KiB) Viewed 21171 times
neville's (kinda scrawny as a youngster)
neville's (kinda scrawny as a youngster)
IMG_6785.jpg (155.14 KiB) Viewed 21171 times
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rkymtnman
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Re: DIY rDWC system

Post by rkymtnman »

hey hemi and GT,
i did have a 5 gal bucket a long time ago (pre chiller) that I wrapped the silver bubble insulation around. to make it even better, i made it a bit loose and then took a can of the expanding foam insulation and sprayed it on between the bucket and the insulation so it expanded. it worked pretty well. the foam probably had a much higher R than just the bubble itself.
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Re: DIY rDWC system

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Yeah, that expanding foam is actually very good insulation. If I were building a new house I'd use that on all exterior walls at the very least.
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Re: DIY rDWC system

Post by rkymtnman »

i just started seeing commercials here for a retrofit foam insulation company. it looks like they drill holes in existing exterior walls and pump it in. our house is from the mid 80's and i've got to believe that the R value of our walls is pretty low.

prior to this winter, i blew in insulation in our attic and it has made a huge difference. hardly any of the snow on the roof melts now and the upstairs feels a lot warmer too
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Re: DIY rDWC system

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It's not cheap to do a whole house either but it'd be worth it long-run...
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Re: DIY rDWC system

Post by rkymtnman »

just a quick update. clones are still alive and kicking. doing nicely so far. have dropped the water level to about 1.5 inch below netpot. roots are looking really nice and white and plentiful.

i'll put some pix up when i do a res change this weekend.
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Re: DIY rDWC system

Post by rkymtnman »

clones are 2 weeks old
clones are 2 weeks old
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Re: DIY rDWC system

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What's the big long droopy flex hose for?
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