Beginner's Guide for Mars Hydro DWC Hydroponic Kits
Welcome to the exciting world of hydroponics—where plants grow faster, healthier, and without soil! If you're new to the concept or curious about growing plants without soil, the Deep Water Culture (DWC) Hydroponic System Kit is the perfect way to start. Designed for any grower, the Mars Hydro DWC hydroponic system kit takes the guesswork out of hydroponics.
Ready to grow lush, vibrant plants with ease? Let’s explore how the DWC Hydroponics makes indoor gardening simpler and more rewarding than ever!
Table of Contents
What Is a DWC Hydroponic System?
DWC is a simple yet powerful method of growing plants without soil. In this system, plant roots are suspended in a container filled with a nutrient-rich, oxygenated water solution. An air pump sends bubbles through air stones, keeping the water full of oxygen. Nutrient concentrations are precisely controlled to create the ideal environment for your plants.
Since the roots have constant access to water, nutrients, and oxygen, plants grow faster and stronger with less effort. DWC is also low-maintenance and beginner-friendly, making it a great choice for anyone starting with hydroponics or looking to grow thriving plants indoors.
The Mars Hydro DWC Hydroponic System Kit now features four upgraded 5-gallon PP plant buckets, allowing you to grow fruits, vegetables, flowers, and other crops all at once. It offers an all-in-one solution to meet a variety of planting needs.
DWC Hydroponics vs. Soil Cultivation
When comparing DWC to traditional soil growing, the advantages become clear:
Faster Growth: Plants in DWC systems can grow up to 50% faster. With roots getting immediate access to nutrients and oxygen, they experience a remarkable growth rate.
Bigger Yields: Without competing for nutrients in the soil, plants focus all their energy on producing larger, more abundant fruits and vegetables, resulting in a bigger harvest.
Less Maintenance: No weeding, tilling, or daily watering is needed—just periodic checks on water levels and nutrients.
Water Saving: DWC uses about 90% less water than soil gardening since the system recirculates the same water.
Fewer Pests & Diseases: Without soil, you avoid common issues like fungus gnats and soil-borne pathogens, leading to healthier plants overall.
What Should You Know about A DWC System
Before setting up your DWC system, understanding the core components will set you up for success. Each element works together to create the perfect growing environment for your plants.
DWC Equipment: The foundation of any successful system, proper equipment like air pumps, air stones, and net pots ensures stable growing conditions and secure root support, allowing plants to thrive in their aquatic environment.
Nutrient Solution: This carefully balanced mix delivers all essential macro and micronutrients that plants need for healthy growth, development, and maximum yields in a soilless setup.
pH Levels: Maintaining proper pH is critical because it directly influences whether plants can effectively absorb nutrients from their solution, preventing deficiencies or toxic buildups.
EC/TDS: By measuring electrical conductivity or total dissolved solids, growers can precisely monitor nutrient strength, ensuring plants receive optimal feeding without stress from over- or under-fertilization.
Oxygenation: Constant aeration through air stones and pumps keeps roots healthy by preventing suffocation, root rot, and promoting efficient nutrient absorption for vigorous growth.
Light Requirements: Proper lighting intensity and spectrum fuel photosynthesis while triggering appropriate growth responses at each growth stage, from vegetative expansion to flowering and fruiting.
Setting Up Your DWC System
To successfully set up your DWC system, follow these detailed steps to ensure a smooth installation and optimal conditions for growing healthy plants:
Step 1: Assemble the System
The Mars Hydro DWC Hydroponic System Kit includes all the essential components. Before setting up your system, check that the following items are included in your kit:
- 2x 5-gallon PP plant buckets
- 2x 8-inch grow baskets
- 2x drip irrigation sets
- 1x air pump
- 6m of air tubing
- 2x air stones
- 2x packs of clay pebbles
- 2x visual water level indicators
- 2x valve connections
Assembly is straightforward. Simply follow the steps in the booklet provided with the kit or check this video.
Step 2: Pour the Water
Place the air stones at the bottom of each bucket. Fill the buckets with room-temperature water—filtered or dechlorinated water is best. Make sure the water level is about one inch below the bottom of the net pot. This allows the roots to access moisture and nutrients without being fully submerged.
Step 3: Mix in Nutrients
Use only hydroponic-specific nutrients that contain both macronutrients and micronutrients, and follow the dosage instructions on the label. Use an EC or TDS meter to measure the nutrient concentration. During the seedling phase, keep the nutrient level between 300 and 500 ppm. Then adjust nutrient strength as your plants grow.
Step 4: Check the pH Level
Check the pH level of the water using a specialized pH test kit. The ideal pH range for a DWC system is between 5.5 and 6.5. If necessary, use pH-up or pH-down solutions to bring the water into the proper range.
Step 5: Transplant Seedlings
Rinse the clay pebbles thoroughly and place them into the grow basket. Make sure the pebbles fully cover the drip irrigation ring to allow even distribution of the nutrient solution. Select a healthy seedling with a well-developed root system, then carefully place it into the center of the basket.
Step 6: Install Lightning System
Install your grow lights approximately 12 to 24 inches above the plants. During germination, seeds should be kept in a warm, dark area until they sprout. Once seedlings emerge, begin using grow lights and adjust the light duration based on the growth stage.
Step 7: Power On the System
With everything in place, plug the air pump to oxygenate the nutrient solution. Your Mars Hydro DWC hydroponic system is now fully operational. Monitor water levels, pH, and nutrient concentration—consistent care leads to strong, healthy growth.
Monitoring Your DWC System
Once your system is set up and your plants are growing, it's important to regularly monitor and maintain the environment to ensure healthy growth.
Routine Maintenance
Monitor water level: Check the water level daily to make sure the roots stay submerged in the nutrient solution while still allowing some space for oxygen exposure. To prevent introducing contaminants into the system, always top off with filtered or distilled water.
Change the water: Fully drain and replace the reservoir water once a week. Over time, nutrient levels can become unbalanced, so refreshing the solution weekly helps maintain optimal growing conditions.
Test pH: Test the pH of your nutrient solution every day using a reliable pH meter or test strips. If the pH falls outside the range of 5.5 to 6.5, adjust it using pH up or pH down solutions.
Check EC/PPM: Every 1–2 days, test the EC or PPM to ensure your plants are receiving the right amount of nutrients. Adjust the nutrient strength as needed based on your plants' growth stage.
Ensure oxygenation: Check daily for active bubbling from your air stones or diffusers. If bubbling looks weak or inconsistent, inspect the air pump, tubing, and stones for any clogs or damage.
Clean the system: Regularly clean your reservoirs, air stones, tubing, and other system components to prevent algae, biofilm, and harmful bacteria buildup. Use a hydrogen peroxide solution or a suitable cleaner whenever contamination is suspected.
Seedling Stage
Seedlings require gentle but consistent light to establish strong roots and early growth. Position the grow lights approximately 24 inches above the seedlings. This distance provides enough light intensity without causing heat stress. Maintain a light cycle of 18–24 hours per day to support continuous development.
At this early stage, plants have limited nutrient needs. Start with a mild nutrient solution of 300–500 ppm, ensuring essential minerals are available without risking nutrient burn. Maintain the pH between 5.5 and 6.0 for optimal nutrient absorption.
Vegetative Stage
Lower your grow lights to approximately 18–22 inches (45–55 cm) above the plant canopy to provide more intense light and encourage dense, compact growth. Maintain an 18-hour light cycle daily to keep plants in a continuous vegetative state without triggering flowering.
Nutritional requirements escalate during this phase. Increase nutrient concentration to 800-1200 ppm using a formula with higher nitrogen content to support robust leaf and stem development. Maintain solution pH between 5.5 and 6.5, checking daily as plant uptake can cause fluctuations.
Flowering Stage
Change the light schedule to 12 hours on / 12 hours off to induce flowering. Position lights 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) above the canopy, ensuring even light distribution without causing heat damage. Avoid light leaks during the dark period, as interruptions can cause stress or hermaphroditism.
Switch to a bloom formula that is higher in phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) to promote flower and fruit development while reducing nitrogen slightly. Aim for a nutrient strength between 1000–1400 ppm during early to mid-flowering, adjusting based on plant response. Continue monitoring pH daily, maintaining the 5.5-6.5 range.
FAQs about DWC Hydroponic Systems
Q1: Does the top drip irrigation on the DWC kit need to run all day?
No, the drip irrigation should only run as needed, depending on whether the plants are dehydrated. You can turn it on when the plants need additional water or nutrients.
Q2: How do I measure water pH level?
To measure water values like pH and nutrient concentration, simply open the top lid of the DWC system and use a pH meter and EC/TDS meter for accurate readings.
Q3: Can I use just one DWC for planting?
Yes, you can use a single DWC bucket for planting. Just follow the setup instructions, and ensure you maintain the proper environment for your plants.
Q4: Can I add a cooler to the DWC, and what is the best water temperature?
A cooler can be added if necessary, but the ideal water temperature for plant roots is between 15-25°C. If the system is at room temperature, a cooler may not be required.
