Air & Root Health

How Do You Prevent Root Rot in DWC?

The answer: Keep the root zone cool, oxygenated, and clean.

Use six controls: cool water, continuous aeration, no light leaks, clean equipment, healthy plants, and regular inspections.

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Why

Root rot prevention in DWC and RDWC comes down to protecting the root zone. Use about 67°F as a starting temperature target, provide well-distributed aeration 24 hours a day, and block all light from plant buckets and control reservoirs. Remove detached root debris during the grow, then scrub away biofilm and residue before disinfecting every wet surface between grows. Start with healthy seedlings, avoid unnecessary root damage, and inspect every plant regularly because waterborne pathogens can spread through a shared RDWC loop before every plant shows symptoms. Additives do not replace temperature control, aeration, darkness, and cleaning.

What to remember

  • Use about 67°F as a starting temperature target and aerate every bucket 24 hours a day.
  • Block light, remove detached root debris, and clean before disinfecting.
  • Start with healthy plants and inspect roots often, especially in shared RDWC loops.

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