G’day!
So I’m planning on building a 4-site rdwc system based on the famous “fallponic system” designed by Gary from PA Hydroponics.
For the RDWC DIY’ers here: I’d love to hear your input, adjustments, things to consider …
And for the ones in Australia, can you tell me where to find 20L (or so) square buckets with lids, preferably black? They surely don’t sell em at Bunnings and I have a hard time finding any on the web that don’t have a ridiculous shipping cost. I have found some on eBay but that’s about it.
I also like this guy:
Cheers 
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I’m not affiliated or anything but how cool is this thing! Reckon it makes res changes a piece of cake.
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@Ethereal I built exactly what is in the 1st video you posted and it runs fantastically.
You can sub out these square buckets with storage bins but you often do end up with a volume problem as the bins are a lot larger than the buckets.
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Didn’t you have some issues with pipe size too IIRC?
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I made my return to spray 4 smaller streams , couple hit my pot and the other 2 disrupt the surface.
Also have a pump in my tote using the Venturi power head to add some more bubbles.
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The biggest issue was getting the parts. I went with 3" pipe and if I were to build it again i’d go with 4".
I got these in 3" and Im sure you can find similar ones in 4":
It’s all about the roots. The roots will flow into your pipes so having greater volume will allow for greater volume of solution later in the grow when your root mass is taking up some of that initial volume available.
For the main return I did do some root trimming on the site that was attached to ensure a good flow into the return res.
The slower the solution leaves the tent the hotter it gets and I stopped running RDWC as my next step must be a cooling unit before I do it again. And that’s not cheap.
Speaking of which: anyone want to donate a cooling unit for RDWC shoot me a message!* 
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not sure about where you are, but in the us cat litter buckets are square and about 3.5 or 4 gal. not sure on the liters either.
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Great system and garys a good fella to put his designs out there for everyone to diy.
Water has to stay below 72 degrees or so to avoid root problems. Ask me how i know.
Also i ran sterile.
Big happy plants
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Noted 
I’m in Belgium now. But the rdwc will be in Australia. Those cat litter buckets seem like a good alternative indeed, cheers!
Check!
He’s the best!
Thanks for the replies and tips everyone 
Appreciate it.
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For rdwc i use these toy bins
Cheap and sturdy. I simply bolt a plywood with a 10" net pot on top and voila.
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@Mithridate So the bulkheads in the bend edge are no problem?
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Comes down to your handyman skill level ultimately. If you use the right hole saw and make a clean hole, the shape of the tub shouldnt matter much. Also be reasonable… dont cut a 4" hole in a 6" can lol. 2-3" into a regular bucket is fine.
Early on square buckets werent really a thing… ive always used round recipients. Hell, ive built rdwc setups using the same uniseals going on 15 years. Theyre infamous for being leaky etc.
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One of the normal problems that people run into on these is the massive root balls clogging up the return pipes. Thus the effort to try and use 3 and even 4 inch ret pipes and uniseals.
If you have vertical space in your grow area I would strongly recommend using a vertical standpipe rdwc system instead of having your drains on the bottom of your bucket.
Provides two key benefits, your basic grow bed height will be roughly hip level (much easier to work like that) and you also have a consistent 5-6 inches of water in the bottom of your bucket for roots to soak in.
Because the root mass is heavier than the water it lays below the standpipe so your pipe will not clog.
The biggest downside is you lose a lot of vertical space. Not super practical for a grow tent, but if you’re in a shed or room. Much better choice.
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Might make better sense with some pictures.
Vert standpipe with roots
The plants from top of bed.
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Pipe from standpipe to sump. With pumps to try to beds and recirc thru cooling.
Here’s the sump.
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That’s brilliant. I might go back to the drawing board now 
Thanks mate.
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I’m all about making things easier when i can.
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Yep, usually keep a small rosemary, some basil, and some strawberries in the grow room as well. all work well cooperatively with the weed.
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I’m jealous of people who can do RDWC in the house. I’ve made so many messes.
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