Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

getting my solar system together - 12v 10a battery (may add another), 12v30a charge controller, 12v10a solar panel (may add another as well), 12v timer (only 17 settings so may need to upgrade), and 12v brushless 300mah 250l/h pump (again likely will add another - I have an additional 200l/h tiny fountain pump with its own tiny solar panel for a small bit of circulation). tanks are 24x36x8 fish and 12x24x10 planter.

all that said, plans are to place planter behind FT and against a wall, and raise planter just at or below level of FT, space and aesthetics dictating. not certain yet on whether to plumb the planter as a standard standpipe - would then likely need to have a u-pipe to go up-over-down the FT side... or my original plan, to bulkhead the side of the planter and have the inner pipe angled down to the planter bottom and the outer pipe straight down to the FT bottom (theoretically would be effective and same as draining an aquarium during water changes and such)

looking for opinions on the two methods of draining the planter, based on my space/setup requirements (NOTE - requirements based big part on keeping the planter away from my green-hungry cats. I do have a method to my madness here). pluses and minuses on each method appreciated

Patrick

hi Patrick, not sure if I get exactly what you are doing correct me if I got wrong but it sounds like:-
1. standpipe from underside of GB draining to FT
2. side pipe in GB which siphons into FT.

in either case the base of the GB will need to be above the top of FT, both will work, but option 2. will be problematic in maintaining an effective media guard.

I am considering either (1) or (2). and from my aquarium experience the base of GB doesnt need to be above the top of FT. but the lowest point of the PIPE in GB DOES need to be above the lowest point of the pipe in FT. (this is basis of draining aquarium tanks - once that suction starts it will rise above the water level as long as the exit is below the entrance). just need to be sure any "u-joint" will be just below the expected highest level of GB water levels. with a check valve to be secure no back flow occurs, which shouldnt. and in (2) the media guard will be secured I am guessing by capping the pipe and providing small holes in the cap with perhaps media net over that

obviously I am leaning towards siphon just looking for overbearing reasons against

Patrick