dwc troughs

[chris marshall]

could people in the know, with practical experience, tell me what is the minimum depth that can be used in the construction of the troughs. my plans says 12" on the sidewalls using plywood but i was considering using concrete blocks for a more durable finish but they are only 8" high.

[TCLynx]

I would recommend going two blocks high then.  You might be able to get away with shallower troughs but deeper ones are better.

[chris marshall]

thanks TCLync. Question though, Wouldnt the increased depth with a greater water volume require a larger fish tank to adequately support the nutrient requirement of the plants?
 
TCLynx said:

I would recommend going two blocks high then.  You might be able to get away with shallower troughs but deeper ones are better.

[Nigel Clement]

Chris,

How many troughs are you planning to put down?

[TCLynx]

Nope, greater water volume might just require a little more time to build up the initial ammonia spike for cycle up but the amount of nutrients required for the plants has more to do with the surface area to grow the plants, not the depth of the bed under them.  A deeper trough under the plants will just provide more water in the system and therefore more stability in the system as well as more space for the plant roots to develop without as much competition between the plants as well as better depth for the aeration needed in DWC troughs.

[chris marshall]

Nigel i'm planning on doing 25 troughs, 50 feet long
 Nigel Clement said:

Chris,

How many troughs are you planning to put down?