DWC Nutrient Schedule

This is the exact schedule I follow for my DWC grows using the General Hydroponics 3-Part Flora Series and my preferred additives. All measurements are per 5 gallons of water.

I (try my best to) maintain pH at 6.1 throughout veg and 5.8 in flower. I never exceed 5 ml of Orca or Silica per 5 gallons, and I only use Rapid Start during the seedling stage.

Use this as a baseline and adjust if your plants show signs of stress or hunger.

Note: General Hydroponics, Advanced Nutrients, Bloom City, Plant Success (or ANY other nutrient/additive brand mentioned on this website,) is in no way affiliated with UTF Media Co., Ben Chasin' Big Budz, or any of the sponsors/affiliates contracted with UTF Media Co.

This is only a reference/guide therefore, NONE of these brands are recommended. It's just what I use. 

Sincerely,

Ben 😎

 

Links to all the nutrients and additives I use are below. These are for veg.

 

Note: I add Liquid Kool Bloom in flower.

Nutrient Table

Notes:

  • All amounts above are measured per 5 gallons of water.

  • Orca and Silica stay at 5 ml (total) per 5 gallons throughout.

  • Rapid Start is for seedling stage only.

  • pH: 6.1 in veg; 5.8 in flower.

  • Monitor EC/PPM and adjust slightly if needed.

Light Schedule for DWC Grows

Seedling Phase (Weeks 0 - 1)

  • Light Cycle: 20 hours ON / 4 hours OFF

  • PPFD: 100-250 µmol/m²/s

  • Light Height: ~36+ inches above canopy

  • Intensity: 10-25% (adjust based on stretch)

Veg Phase (Weeks 1–6+)

  • Light Cycle: 18 hours ON / 6 hours OFF

  • PPFD: 300–500 µmol/m²/s

  • Light Height: ~22 inches above canopy

  • Intensity: 25-50% (adjust based on stretch)

Transition Week (Week 1-6)

  • Light Cycle: 18/6 → 12/12 (flip day-one of flower)

  • Intensity: 50-60%

  • Light Height: ~12–18 inches above canopy

Flower Phase (Weeks 6–10+)

  • Light Cycle: 12/12

  • PPFD: 600–1000 µmol/m²/s

  • Light Height: 12–18 inches above canopy

  • Intensity: 60-75% for most lights

  • Optional: Dial back intensity slightly in final week if foxtailing occurs

Final Week (Ripening / Flush)

  • Light Cycle: 12/12

  • Intensity: 50%

  • Optional: 48 hours of darkness before harvest

The 8th Step to DWC: The Complete Guide to Deep Water Culture Growing

If you’re brand new to growing and just want a quick, no-fluff checklist to get started, my original 7 Steps to DWC is perfect for you and is available below or in the "STORE" tab.

But if you’re the kind of grower who wants to know everything — every mistake I made, every little trick I picked up, and every detail that can make or break your harvest — then you’re ready for The 8th Step.

This book includes the complete 7 Steps to DWC in full and adds everything else I’ve learned through years of growing. It’s written for anyone who wants more than just the basics — who wants to understand not just how to grow, but why things work, and how to get consistent, reliable results.

In this book you’ll get:

  • The full 7 Steps to DWC guide — updated and integrated.

  • Deeper explanations of each step, with examples and troubleshooting tips.

  • Common mistakes and how to avoid them.

  • How to set up your environment properly the first time.

  • My personal routines and techniques to keep things simple and stress-free.

Whether you’re a complete beginner who wants more than a checklist, or someone who already started but feels lost in the details, The 8th Step is your roadmap.