Gardener's Yards All About Gardening Although there are several types of hydroponic systems, deep water culture is one of the most preferred systems.
Unlike other systems, deep water culture involves hanging plants in a solution rich with oxygen, water, and nutrients 24/7.
In these other systems, plants are suspended, exposed to the air, and are watered frequently.
A deep water culture system is simple to set up, maintain, and monitor plants. Simply fill the reservoir with the right amount of water to prevent constant maintenance.
If you’re new to hydroponics growing or are looking for the best deep water culture system on the market, then you’ve landed in the right place.
After hours of research, we came up with the best 6 deep water culture for hydroponics growers. These are as follows:
| Product | Reservoir size | Grow unit | |
| PowerGrow Systems (DWC) Hydroponics | 5 Gallons | 1 | Check Price |
| PowerGrow Hydroponic Bubbler Bucket Kit | 5 Gallons | 4 | Check Price |
| HTGSupply Bubble Boy Single Shot DWC | 3.5 Gallons | 1 | Check Price |
| Atwater Hydroponics Standard A/C Powered DWC | 5 Gallons | 1 | Check Price |
| SavvyGrow DWC Hydroponics Growing System Kit | 2.5 Gallons | 11 | Check Price |
| HTGSupply Bubble Brothers 6-Site DWC Hydroponic System | 3.5 Gallons | 6 | Check Price |
PowerGrow Systems Deep Water Culture Hydroponic Bucket Kit 5 Gallon
What We Liked Most About This Product
PowerGrow is one of the most popular brands for DWC systems. They offer quality systems that are FDA-approved.
The PowerGrow Systems DWC hydroponic bucket kit comes with all the items you need to set up a deep water culture system for growing plants. It is one of the cheapest systems on the market, and using it is simple.
Product Overview
The PowerGrow, a 5-gallon system, comes with an air tubing, 44 GPH air pump, air stone, Rockwool seeds starting plugs, blue water level indicator, and growing medium. These are the things that you need to grow your plants hydroponically.
What’s more, the system features a 5-gallon bucket, which is enough for growing a single plant. You won’t have to add water often or nutrients in the bucket for the steady growth of the plant. Besides, it also comes with a 6-inch basket lid for covering the bucket tightly. So, the light won’t penetrate and affect the nutrients.
Additionally, it comes with a visible blue water level indicator that will let you know the level of water in the bucket. The bucket drain makes emptying water easy.
The 44 GPH air pump is another vital feature as it supplies oxygen to your plants. It also has Rockwool seeds starting plugs that support the roots of your plants for proper growth. However, several users have complained that the pump makes some noise which may be a nuisance.
Overall, this is a fantastic deep water culture system that is simple to use and affordable. On top of that, the manufacturer gives you a 1-year warranty; thus, you can relax knowing that you’ve made a worthy investment.
Also, the PowerGrow DWC system is best suited for beginners or growers who want a reliable deep water culture system for a single plant. Get this unit and start growing your vegetables in your indoor garden.
Pros:
- Easy to set up
- Outstanding construction
- Ideal for both beginners and professionals
- Affordable kit
- Lightweight DWC system
- It is a complete kit
Cons:
- It can only grow one plant at a time
- The pump is slightly noisy
PowerGrow Hydroponic Systems Bubble Bucket Kit
What We Liked Most About This Product
Still from PowerGrow, we’ve got the hydroponic systems bubble bucket kit. This DWC system is almost similar to the one above but with more buckets. This system is more suited for individuals who want to grow several plants in a slightly larger grow room.
Since PowerGrow makes it, this is a quality system that you can entirely rely on to grow healthy plants. A fascinating feature about this DWC system is that you can grow at least four plants instead of one.
Product Overview
The PowerGrow hydroponic systems bubble bucket kit is an advanced DWC system ideal for individuals who want to grow more than one plant.
It features four 10-inch 5-gallon buckets in one system to grow four different plants. Every bucket is connected to an airline, which connects to the air pump. This ensures that every plant in each bucket receives oxygen for proper growth.
The air pump is very effective in performance and will supply your growing plants with oxygen for healthy growth.
Featuring the water level indicator and drain, changing the water in these 5-gallon buckets is super easy. However, maintaining this system is quite cumbersome compared to a single system. You have to check and ensure that the conditions are favorable in all four reservoirs.
Made in the USA, the PowerGrow DWC four 5-gallon buckets hydroponic system meets the required standard and can be relied on. For instance, it is FDA-approved. As a result, you can be contented that you’re investing in a quality and reliable DWC system for your plants.
Aside from that, it is affordable when compared to other similar systems on the market. Using the system is also simple as it features a user manual for guidance.
If you’ve been looking for an extensive DWC system for growing different plants at an affordable price, then this is the unit for you. It is affordable but very easy to use and reliable.
Pros:
- 4-growing buckets
- Complete kit for ease of installation
- Simple to change water as it comes with a water level indicator and drain
- Easy to use
- It is FDA approved
- Reliable brand
- Affordable system
- 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
Cons:
- It is quite challenging to maintain as it involves 4 buckets
HTGSupply 3.5 Gallon Bubble Boy Single Shot Deep Water Culture Hydroponic System
What We Liked Most About This Product
HTGSupply is another top brand in DWC systems. The HTGSupply 3.5 gallon bubble boy single shot deep water culture hydroponic system is perfect for beginners looking for a compact and quality DWC system to start with. Besides, the kit is affordable, yet it delivers exceptional results.
The most outstanding feature of the HTGSupply 3.5 gallon bubble boy single shot DWC system is the quality air pump that it comes with. Unlike some air pumps on the market, this one is adjustable, thus allowing you to supply your plants with the right amount of oxygen.
Product Overview
The HTGSupply 3.5-gallon single DWC system comes as a complete package.
It features a compact 3.5-gallon low-profile bucket, larger 4-inch premium air stone, 6-inch net-pot lid, powerful adjustable dual-outlet air pump, air tubing, ¼-inch connector, and high-quality hydrostone grow medium.
These features play a huge role in ensuring that your plants get a conducive environment to grow healthy.
As stated earlier, the most outstanding feature of this system is the powerful 7.8 liter-per-minute (123 GPH) adjustable dual-outlet air pump. It enables you to adjust the air accordingly.
The air pump is also straightforward to use. Compared to other air stones on the market, this one is of a higher quality, and it provides increased oxygenation and excellent diffusion that allows plants to grow faster.
Furthermore, it has a robust black reservoir and a factory-pressed lid that ensures that the bucket stays dark to help protect from algal growth and keeps roots white and healthy. So, the light won’t penetrate and destroy the nutrients.
Due to its compact design and ease of use, the HTGSupply 3.5 gallon bubble boy single shot DWC bucket system is more suited for newbies and inexperienced growers.
The manufacturer also simplified the user’s work by including instructions and hydroponic tips, for starters. So, you don’t have to guess anything.
If you’re just getting started with hydroponic systems and want a simple, affordable, and quality DWC system for your grow tent, then this is an excellent choice for you. It is inexpensive and easy to set up. You can start with this system and advance later.
Pros:
- Durably made to last longer
- Complete kit for ease of installation and use
- Affordable DWC system
- Ideal for growing one plant
- Compact and lightweight
- It is very efficient
Cons:
- Not suitable for growing many plants
- It lacks a water level indicator
Atwater Hydroponics Standard A/C Powered DWC Deep Water Hydroponic System
What We Liked Most About This Product
Atwater hydroponics standard A/C powered DWC deep water hydroponics system is a quality and unique system. Unlike most DWC systems, it saves water through the top feed aerated recirculating drip. So, you end up reducing your water bill as you don’t have to drain the water and refill the reservoir with fresh water.
Additionally, the Atwater hydroponics DWC system uniquely appeals to onlookers. Also, you will love that it is compact and straightforward to install.
Product Overview
If you’ve had issues installing your DWC systems in the past, then you can relax as this technique is easy to set up. The manufacturer included a user manual that directs you on installing and operating the system.
The kit features:
- a 5-gallon food grade-black bucket
- 8-inch mesh bucket lid insert
- dual-outlet air pump
- water level indicator
- tubing, dual elbow connectors
- hydroton grow rocks
- hydropod setup & user instructions
- pH testing kit
- 6 pack of Grodan 1.5-inch starter cubes.
As you can see, the Atwater hydroponics DWC system comes with a complete kit for growing your favorite crops. Simply follow the instructions in the user manual to start growing your plants faster than the traditional way.
This technique is very efficient and less cumbersome. With the unique top feed aerated recirculating drip, you will save water and reduce the times that you have to change the water.
With this DWC kit, the roots of your plants won’t have to search or fight for water and food as they are readily available. As a result, your plants will grow three times faster and they will not be affected by weed.
Pros:
- Complete kit to start growing your plants
- Saves water with the top feed aerated recirculating drip
- Unique and sturdy design
- Easy to use
- Quality product as it is made in the USA
- Comes with instructions for ease of set up
Cons:
- It is quite expensive when compared to the other units on this list
SavvyGrow DWC Hydroponics Growing System Kit
What We Liked Most About This Product
If you love growing vegetables, flowers, herbs, and salads, then you will love the SavvyGrow DWC growing system kit. As sleek and compact as the system appears, it is effective in growing different foods. The kit is also simple to assemble and use.
SavvyGrow DWC started as a family business, but it has now grown exponentially. Today, they boast of several DWC system kits, with the DWC hydroponics 11 plant sites bucket being one of the most popular.
Product Overview
SavvyGrow is stylishly designed for ease of installation. You can put it in a drawer or in a place you wish.
The kit features a bucket with 11 plant sites, a powerful air pump, water level indicator, airstone, tube &clay pebble, and set up instructions.
If you’re a beginner, you will still have a simple time installing this kit. Thanks to the user manual that is included.
The kit is elementary to use, making growing your plants easy and fun. Read the assembly instructions and get started right away.
One of the most exceptional features of this DWC kit is the dependable airstone that oxygenates the water enabling your plants to grow quick and healthy.
This system is estimated to grow plants 3 to 5 times faster than soil. This is because your plants will receive complete nourishment without utilizing soil.
Moreover, the SavvyGrow DWC system can also be used to transfer seedlings to the greenhouse. This is because of its compact design.
It won’t take up much space but can hold different plants. With 11 plant sites, you will have the opportunity to grow up to 11 different vegetables or herbs in this kit.
For those looking for a perfect DWC system for their vegetables, the SavvyGrow DWC hydroponics growing system kit is the best option.
It can be utilized by both professionals and beginners. Aside from that, Set up is quick and simple, so is using it.
Pros:
- Best suited for beginners and schools
- Medium-sized bucket for growing several plants
- Quality airstone that that fully oxygenates the water
- Easy to set up
- Simple to use
- An outstanding system that abundantly feeds your plant roots
- Inexpensive DWC system
Cons:
- It is only suitable for small plants and not large ones
HTGSupply Bubble Brothers 6-Site DWC Hydroponic System
What We Liked Most About This Product
Last but not least, we’ve got the HTGSupply bubble brothers 6-site DWC hydroponics system. This kit is great for growers who want to grow several plants in one system.
Similar to the HTGSupply single-shot system, this Bubble Brothers 6-site system is easy to set up and use. But unlike other advanced kits on the market, this one comes with a compact design that won’t take up much of your space.
Product Overview
The HTGSupply bubble brothers 6-site DWC hydroponic system kit includes 6 compact 3.5-gallon low-profile buckets, one 715-GPH high-power air pump with 6-way divider, ¼-inch air tubing, and 6 larger 2-inch air stones.
Setting up the kit is super easy and if you’re new to hydroponic growing, you can refer to the user manual for directions.
A unique feature of the HTGSupply Bubble Brothers 6-site DWC system is the larger commercial pump. Even though this pump is louder, it does a great job of supplying the reservoir with oxygen so that your plants can grow faster and healthily.
Use this kit to grow lots of plants at an affordable price. The HTGSupply Bubble Brothers technique kit is simple to set up and can be utilized by both beginners and pros.
Pros:
- Suitable for advanced growing as you can plant up to 6 plants
- Powerful air pump
- The manufacturer included assembly instructions
- Easy to set up
- It is sold at a great price
Cons:
- Several users have complained about the air pump being loud
- It lacks a drain pipe
Deep Water Culture (DWC) Systems – FAQ
What is a deep water culture system (DWC)?
DWC system is the technique of growing plants by hanging the plant roots in a solution of water, oxygen, and nutrients. The procedure utilizes floating rafts to hang plant roots into a water pond typically between 8-inches and 12 –inches deep.
What are the vital parts of a DWC system?
Before you buy a DWC system, you must know the most vital parts of a fantastic deep water culture system.
Some of the essential parts include:
- DWC bucket
- air stone
- air pump
- airline tubing
- pH controller
- PPM meter
- net pots
- plant nutrients
- growing medium
- airtight pressed lids
How often should I change the nutrient solution in the DWC system?
It depends on the volume of your nutrient reservoir and the size of your plants. In most cases, nutrient solutions last for 14 to 21 days.
If you don’t want to add nutrients frequently, you can fill the reservoir with a half-strength nutrient solution that will be used for a long while.
Is there any particular problem that a DWC grower should know of?
Yes, there is. DWC system experiences problems like root diseases, pythium, fusarium, and much more. These problems normally come about because of the high nutrient strengths, warm water, and unworthy growing environment.
Is the reservoir water capacity critical when picking a DWC system?
Of course, it is. Pick a reservoir that can hold a lot of water for outright plant growth. A good DWC bucket should be large enough to don’t have to fill it often.
In some situations, you may need a small system to plant small crops, but having a large reservoir will prevent you from filling it several times.
What are the crucial things to note when growing plants in a DWC system?
When you decide to embrace the DWC system, there are certain things that you should always be on the lookout for. These are the nutrients, pH level, and temperature.
It is recommended that you check the pH level of your system once a week. Also, you need to check the water temperature and ensure it is somewhere between 60 to 70 degrees F. Finally, don’t forget to put in nutrients every two weeks.
Bottom line
A hydroponics DWC system is easy to use and maintain. With our detailed review and guide, we hope that we’ve made your work easier by selecting the best DWC systems for you to grow plants. Pick a system that is best suited for your types of plants and get the best yields possible.
But just like any other growing system, you will have to consistently check on your plants to ensure that everything is in order. Always check on the pH, temperature, and nutrients in the solution to ensure that your plants grow favorably.
