Newbie Question: Cycle Time

[Xine]

I've a burning question regarding the cycle of my ebb and flow system in my mini scale aquaponics set up.

I understand that ideally I want at least 4 cycles within an hour, however, my cycle from flood to drain is 1min 40 sec, which takes me over 30 cycles an hour.

Is this too much? What consequences are there for too much cycling?

I've tried to bring the number down by decreasing the input of my water, but by doing so my bell siphon doesn't kick start at all.

I would appreciate anyone with any input on the matter.

Thanks in advance.

****************UPDATE: August 28******************

Since our last conversation, I've kept my system at 1min 40sec cycles just to see how it goes and yesterday I discovered some mold growth at the base of my plants and on the clay pebbles surrounding them. I figured it was all that constant moisture I was giving it so I decided to wipe off the mold and repipe my water output with a smaller tube. Now my cycle time is 6min 20sec which gives me about 9 cycles/hour. Yay!

On an unfortunate note, I was extremely careless while cleaning my tank and making all the system changes that there were 2 guppy fry casualties. No bodies found yet, just missing. I'm crossing my fingers that they are still alive somewhere