Under Current users - What are some cons to this great system?

[Lone Wolf]

I was trying to do some research on the negatives/cons/bad things about this system so I can be better prepared.

I have been dead set on buying this system since I first saw pictures of it on the forums a few years ago ...

Pricey as hell but seems to be the "best" system money can buy...

What do you folks think?

 

[overbudjet]

1.Built one yourself some DIY desing are here.Much cheaper i built mine for 50 box per site.
2.Keep water temp. in check 65~69.
3.Well know also to be prime target for roots rot(brown algea)
4.Be ready for large fatty bottom girls

 

[sahdgrower]

The cons are, you must be more diligent in maintaining everything within certain parameters. In other words, it is essential that you maintain PH, PPM, water temp and oxygen levels within the correct ranges. PH and oxygen are the most important however if your water temps get to high you encourage all sorts of bad stuff and sudden plant death. If water temps are too low your plants will stall out and not really grow at all. For me the air pumps are very noisy and I don't like that. The system is not very portable, once set all the plants are pretty much stuck there, for me I like to be able to drag each plant out to individually tend it. You must also maintain the water level, it is not that hard but problems can arise if you let the water get too low, and also it is highly advisable to empty and refill the res with new solution approximately every 1-2 weeks. This can be a little cumbersome depending on your setup.

All this being said I like the system. I did a DIY RDWC system based highly on Snypes design. It is easy to find his thread here on ICMag. It is a great tutorial to build the system for far less than you pay for the UC. It is a very similar system and Snype also lay's out exactly how to grow using his system. Very very informative thread.