Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I have just finish reading the "pros and cons of grow media" thread.

How about the pros and cons of watering system. have tried looking but find non.

flood and drain, wicking beds; dribble; drip irrigated etc.

everyone can add based on their observation

thanks

Part of that you'll find with the comparison of the three main ways to run a system which you'll find in the BYAP trials thread - http://www.backyardaquaponics.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=8621

Wicking beds aren't covered in that, they are much like having a raised bed but more water efficient. They make a really good complement to standard AP beds because they warm and cool at different rates plus you can essentially drain a portion of the AP system out to the wicking beds as a way to change out water on a regular basis. You can also automate the refill of the wicking beds with a float valve. There are also flow through versions that are part of the AP loop. You can do some things when they aren't connected that you can't when they are (like add fertilizer).

thanks Joel

Just finish reading the thread. Unfortunately there are no conclusive results from the trials. Seems like "comprehend and copy nature" is the best way to go rather than redesigning nature:)

I think you're missing the point - all three methods worked well and even though one isn't clearly superior in the trials, they do have differences that might favor them in certain situations.

Timed Flood and Drain - Probably the least expensive of the three tested systems based on electric usage. Using airlifts would be cheaper and you can find information on this under LEAP (Low Energy Aquaponics). Combining this with solar panels also helps. TFD Requires timer and larger pump.

Flood and Drain with Siphons - Lower solids build up in the grow beds and good aeration. Uses smaller pump because it's always going.

Constant Flood - easiest to expand without having to increase the sump size. Least amount of water fluctuation. Can use a smaller pump for this than for Timed Flood and Drain because you take longer to pump the same volume (pump size would be the same as Flood and Drain with Siphons though).

Dribble and Drip systems - Don't see to many of these. You'd probably have to watch the solids blocking the lines and you'd probably have more temperature change in these systems because of the tubing and container exposed area. That can be good or bad depending on the crop. Would likely get away with using less media than the other systems. Autopot systems are a good example of these and if you search for autopot and aquaponics on Google you'll get some information.

Wicking beds - see my previous post.

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FYI - I'm Scotty. Joel goes by Earthbound here on the forum.

Thanks Scotty

Yes I read about root clogging issues and I am planning to plant less rooted plants on the trough like lettuce and carrots. Other plants go to grow bed