Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hello All,

I'm glad to have found this forum and signed up. I'm still brainstorming for my very first system. I'm already familiar with freshwater fishkeeping. I have a few questions to start with:
1. From what I gather, cycling time is 6-8 weeks(same as an aquarium). Would that be for a continuous flow system or flood & drain(2-3x per day)? Or is it the same for both?

2. Autosiphon (bell siphon) - only for continuous flow systems?

3. Aquarium heater in fish tank. Detrimental, useful, or doesn't matter? I live in So. California (coldest winters are around 39f degrees).

4. Whether using a grow tray or pvc pipe, is it always necessary to tilt slightly towards exit pipe for complete drainage, or is it okay for a little water to remain underneath the soaked media?

FYI: I'm seriously considering a large PVC or ABS pipe for growing. However, instead of drilling separate holes for drinking cups, I plan on making one long hole creating a trough. I'm planning on buy a 3-4" diameter 8-foot pipe and cutting it half to make two troughs.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Wartooth

hello Wartooth, welcome to BYAP

Welcome Wartooth...

welcome to AP! (neighbor!) I'm just starting out as well.