Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

ok, I have been lurking for a VERY long time, but its time to start contributing.

I have been building a system and its almost ready. The plan is a FT, expanded shale media bed, sump and deep water trough.

I have a liner in the trough and am about to put in the drain. I see 3 or 4 options and wanted to get some feed back.

1) Drain hole on the bottom, with standpipe
Pros: allows me flexability to adjust the water level, with the stand pipe
Cons: The trough design I have build forces the hole about 2 or 3 inches away from the wall, so its kinda in the way of the rafts/plants

2) Drain hole on the side near the bottom, with standpipe
Pros: again adjustable water level, with the stand pipe
Cons: the standpipe is again in the way of the rafts/plants (I know I can work with it)

3) Drain hole on the side near the top, no standpipe
Pros: No standpipe to get in the way
Cons: No adjusting the water level after the hole is cut
And I am not even sure where to cut, since I do not have 'full' rafts (meaning several plants at full size/weight)

4) a no hole drain
not really an option for me. I am worried about any failures. Water leaking all over would make the wife VERY mad

Any input is greatly appreciate
and thanks to everyone for contributing to the forum, I hope to add to the wealth of knowledge VERY soon

Bottom drain with an external standpipe.

Yes, always bottom drain, you may get away with it in the side at the bottom, but never at the top.
1. at the top means you would need a series of small holes to keep the high water level you want.
2. DWC beds can be easily converted into media beds / fish tanks, etc. You would no longer be able to do this as easily.

Really? The best suggestion is an external standpipe?
I like the idea, it sounds like it solves most of my issues.
Is that what most people are doing?

Everyone please tell me how your DWT drains

Thanks

If you don't want a pipe in the way of any plants then I don't see how else you would do it.

Prob a bit late but why not use the DWC bed as the sump and place the pump at the end of the bed? No need for a sump then