recirculating dwc how to completely drain?

[UberPooner]

Hey I had a question on draining a recirculating dwc system. The way I have my setup and the way I have seen alot of setups is that the drain holes in the buckets that hold the plant are not completely even with the bottom of the bucket. Therefor when trying to draining all the water out there will still be some always in the system. I was wondering how people dealt with that before adding fresh nutes/water.

One idea was to just add a lot of RO water and dilute it then drain. There would still be water in though it would be diluted. There has to be a better way other than cutting holes on bottom of buckets.

Please let me know.

Thanks

 

[UneeK]

ShopVac ?

 

[UberPooner]

ah yeah I was hoping there was a way without buying another pump. That will work and will be my worst case solution. just sucks that now ill need to go in each bucket to clean. I was hoping with recirculation dwc I would have less res work than with each plant in individual res. I guess this is a little better.

Thanks for input!

 

[PetFlora]

HD sells a vac head that fits on their 5g bucket (~ $20) works great

 

[flat9]

Lowes sells one too for $25 and it's awesome. Sucks up water like a charm...

 

[UberPooner]

DANG! I just got a hand pump at Home Depot for boats and it was like 30$. I did not realize you could get a vac for cheaper

Though, I appreciate the input.

Thanks!

 

[ApolloAK]

You could add 2 valves and connect it to a hose to just pump out

 

[CGX]

Shop vac is def the way to go!

 

[Ripshot]

I have the same problem in my 50 gallon system. Cheapest solution is a big sponge (I use grouting sponges) and a bucket. You'd be surprised how fast and effective it is. And usually I'm scrubbing with the same sponge anyway.

 

[Granger2]

I second the Bucket Head Vac from HD.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Bucket-Head-Wet-Dry-Vaccum-BH0100/202017218
Best time/labor saver I've spent $23 on ever. Works great. Spend extra for the wand. Good luck. -granger