Rockstar said:
What? DWC has, by far, the least moving parts; by sheer proxy of that, maintenance is very simplistic. There's what? An airpump, and airstone and and airline tube. Other than that it's hydroton in pots just like any other $200 system for less than 1/4 the price.
This is the same reaction of all DWC lovers.
There is much more to it than the "moving parts".
Throwing out and replacing solution: DWC, every 7-14 days. E&F, never.
Maintaining pH: DWC, constant problems. E&F almost never.
Oxygenation of roots: DWC, partial, depending on air pump. E&F, total oxygenation each time the cycle ends. 99.99%
Power outage: DWC, roots can drown in hours. E&F, no problem. Entire system can be run manually.
Roots to Plant mass ratio: DWC, much more root mass than needed. E&F, very little root mass needed to maximize growth.
Other than these differences, DWC works remarkably well. Ebb and Flow systems are considered top of the line by all commercial growers of plants other than MJ because of the problems associated with DWC that are not problems with E&F systems.
Sorry man, but if you look up any and all hydroponic labs and the systems used, you'll find that they also use ebb and flow almost exclusively.
DWC is a simple, inexpensive method of hydroponics, but it's just not in the same league with ebb and flow. This isn't my opinion. It's a well known fact among Botanists and Commercial growers as well as most serious hydroponic MJ growers.
It's kind of the difference between a high school lab experiment and one done by seasoned scientists. Both work, but one is more precise and has more desirable results on a consistent basis.
Good luck to you!