Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Morning all,
Our IBC System is doing well, plants and fish seem quite happy, it's been running for almost 2 months. We decided to try to add some grow towers and 2 half barrel grow beds to the system as we have limited space and want to keep it all in 1 system.
We added a sump, diverted the drain from the main bed to the sump as well as added some makeshift towers until our real ones arrive.
Originally, the IBC had a 400 gph pump, so we bought a 1400 gph pump to handle the extra supply from the fish tank to the gb's. Then put the 400gph in the sump.
Now one would figure that the 1400 gph pump would put out so much more than the 400 gph pump that the 1400 would have to be regulated back.
However for me, this is not the case. With the 1400 gph wide open, the water level in both tanks are equal.
here is a quick shot of the plumbing:
In all actuality, I don't think the head pressure on 2 pumps are that much different.
Just doesn't make sense, any help appreciated.
Jeff

Nice system you have there. The solution lays with your pipe sizing. Up the pipe sizing from your 1400GPH pump from what looks to be about 25mm up to 40mm. You will be amazed at the difference. If your cnversions arent that great (like mine) - make your pump piping the same size diameter as your drain to sump piping.

Thank you ,
As I was putting this post together, I was noticing what might be the ultimate answer, we were going for cheap so I ran a 1/2" ID hose up to the 3/4" supply, I guess I should have done it a little different, I have the fittings, think I will change them out today

No probs.

Ive actually done this myself. WHen I changed up my pipe sizing I had to cut my standpipes down because the extra floow was too much for my return pipes and raised my water level lol

Keep us posted.

p.s. Its nearly bed time at my house. Ahh, the wonders of the interweb.