Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

so what is the difference if I fill the tub very slowly or have a huge flow rate?

How long your pump runs for

Seriously though.... a slow fill, followed by a slow drain might mean less oxygenation of the plant roots......

How slow is too slow :hunchs-shoulders:

the amount of time the pump is running

and their will be a bit of difference in the nutrient transfer slower = slightly less.

it seems to be the general consensus with flood and drain that fast fill and fast drain is the best

now 3 mins at 7,9,11,13,15,17

lol damn rupe the stir fry got in the way

3 mins of run time or fill time ?

nice to know there's only a noodles difference between us Outback

it seems to be the general consensus with flood and drain that fast fill and fast drain is the best

but I could pump all day if the inlet is the same as the outlet?

3min fill

what is the difference fill/run

but then your plants will drown, and you will waste power.

If your plants stay damp enough between floods, you dont need to run your pump as often or as long, they will only absorb as much nutrient as they can - i only run mine as much as it is because it dries out.

so if I pump for 3mins at 7/9/11/13/15/17 a day is that ok?

Given your pump flow/fill rate.... 3 mins.... and the number of available timer pre-sets, then you can only really operate as you currently are...

ie. "on" to fill every 2 hours (off at night).... so the fact that you are taking two hours to drain is really somewhat of a mute point....

As I said in the heat of summer it might not be a bad thing to keep you media moist over the two hour period.... watch your plants, they'll tell you....

You can always drill more holes in the standpipe to increase the drain rate if you have to or want to.... will mean a longer "dry" period for the plants between pump cycles.... observe and adjust accordingly, ever system has and will find it's own balance depending on all your individual factors

I would go for 15 mins per two hours, and watch your nutrient levels

Thanks ok then just beening a tech thought there might be a optimal rate.
Will just watch the plants