The Deep water culture is the easiest type of hydroponic system to use in commercial .

In a DWC system, you use a reservoir to hold a nutrient solution. The roots of your plants are suspended in that solution so they get a constant supply of water, oxygen, and nutrients.

To oxygenate the water, you use an air pump with an air stone to pump bubbles into the nutrient solution.

Note: You need to keep the air temperature at 75 – 80 degree F, and root zone at 60 – 68degree F

Pros:

• Inexpensive. Easy to build, No Nutrient Pump
• Recirculating. Water saving
• Extremely low-maintenance

Cons:

• Does not work well for large plants
• Does not work well for plants with long growing period
• Risk of root rot and Must frequently refill reservoir

Water Analysis

A water analysis is a very important first step for any hydroponic system, regardless of type and size. If the water is to hard (high salt content), a Reverse Osmosis System must be used. A water analysis tests for the following: Nitrate-Nitrogen, Ammonium-Nitrogen, Phosphate, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Boron, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Sodium, Sulfate, Fluoride, Chloride, Carbonates, Bicarbonates, pH, EC, Aluminum, Iron, Manganese, Zinc, Copper, Molybdenum, SAR, Alkalinity(mg CaCO3/liter), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Hardness