RDWC Powder Feeding: A Chart Built for Recirculating Systems
Recirculating deep water culture runs differently than other systems. Everything moves through the same reservoir. Roots stay in solution all day. Small changes compound fast.
Because of that, RDWC growers have been asking for a Powder feeding chart that reflects how these systems actually behave, not something adapted from another style of growing.
This RDWC Powder Chart comes from real use in recirculating systems by @wolverinegrown, built through repeat runs and steady refinement. The goal was simple: create a chart that holds together over time and keeps the system predictable.
RDWC Runs on Stability
In RDWC, the reservoir is shared and constantly moving. What you mix is what the plant sees continuously. There is no reset between feed events.
That changes how feeding works.
Instead of pushing strength, RDWC responds better to consistency. When EC, pH, and water conditions stay in range, roots stay active and uptake stays steady. When the system swings, problems show up quickly.
This chart is built around holding the system steady rather than chasing corrections mid-cycle.
Why the Powder Program Fits RDWC
The Drip Hydro POWDER system works well in RDWC because it stays clean and predictable in recirculating water.
Each part is separated so adjustments can be made without throwing off balance. Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients can be controlled independently, which matters in a system that never drains.
High solubility keeps inputs in solution under constant movement, helping the reservoir behave the same day to day instead of changing as the week goes on.
EC Targets in a Recirculating System
EC in RDWC is not about pushing numbers. It reflects availability.
Because nutrients are always present at the root surface, plants do not need aggressive concentrations to feed consistently. Lower, steady EC supports uptake while keeping osmotic stress lower and reducing salt accumulation in the system.
The EC targets in this chart are set to operate calmly over time. The goal is even uptake across the week, not peaks followed by corrections.
Why ORP and Water Temperature Are Included
In RDWC, water chemistry is not separate from feeding. It shapes how the feed performs.
ORP is included as a way to track solution behavior and cleanliness in a recirculating reservoir. It helps growers see when organic load, biofilm, or instability is building before plants show stress.
Water temperature is included because it directly affects dissolved oxygen and root activity. When temperature stays in range, roots stay responsive and uptake remains consistent.
Both are part of keeping the system predictable.
Environment Drives Uptake
Plants pull nutrients based on demand, and demand is driven by environment.
This chart includes environmental targets so feed strength and plant demand stay aligned. Day and night temperatures, humidity, light intensity, and CO₂ all influence how aggressively plants feed from the reservoir.
LED and HPS targets are separated to keep expectations clear. When environment and feed match, RDWC systems run smoother and require fewer adjustments.
How to Run the Chart
This chart is designed to be run as written before making changes.
Track EC, pH, ORP, water temperature, and reservoir behavior together. Look for trends, not single readings. Adjust slowly and give the system time to respond.
RDWC rewards patience. When inputs are held in range, the system usually tells you what it needs before problems appear.
Who This Chart Is For
This RDWC Powder Chart is built for growers running true recirculating systems who want fewer variables, not more.
It is meant for people who care about how the reservoir behaves over time and want a feeding program that supports stability from start to finish.
Built from real RDWC use by @wolverinegrown, it is intended as a practical tool, not a theory piece.
Download the RDWC Powder Chart
The full RDWC Powder feeding chart is available here:
https://www.driphydro.com/feeding-schedules/#rdwc
Run it clean. Hold it steady. Let the system work.