Syphons?

[kneedeepinwater]

Please forgive me if this a dumb question but what is the purpose of using a syphon in your aquaponic set up? Won't the water just drain just like in any hydroponic ebb n flow setup? Of course as long as the drain is big enough.

[stucco]

Really it’s just personal preference… some use timers 15 min on and 45 min off and argue that the plant growth is better but, timers malfunction and the on and off of the pump supposedly wears the pump out faster… You also need additional aeration in the fish tank. I use auto siphons for the simplicity. The pump runs constantly and is continuously dumping water for aeration.


“The only stupid question is the one left unasked”- fortune cookie

[kneedeepinwater]

Thanks, so it's all about personal preference and it would be fine for me to setup my grow beds like a regular ebbnflow?

[stucco]

I’m not sure how the hydro ebb and flow works but, the most successful aquaponics systems set up that way flood for 15 minutes and drain for 45 minutes using a stand pipe with a small hole drilled in the bottom of it.

[kneedeepinwater]

In hydroponics there are two holes, one where water comes in and the other drains. The hole that the water comes in is short and close to the tray. The drain is about 3-4" tall and has a cap piece with several slots where the water drains. You can run it constantly or you can put it on a timer and water drains out the drain and the feed hole when it cuts off.

How much water do you guys have in your 12" + deep grow beds? Is it about 6" of water?

Thanks

[keith_r]

my beds flood to about an inch under the surface, right now using the barrelponics method (fill/flush tank above gb's) - constant pump

[stucco]

i fill 1 inch below the top of the rocks

[cedarswamp]

I too transitioned into aquaponics from hydroponics, and as such I sorta kept some of the same depths that worked for me in hydro. Currently I'm running continuous flow at a depth of 4" below the gravel, sorta DWC with rocks no siphon, but I do draw the water off the bottom.

Although I do raise the water level to 1" below surface while direct sowing seeds, and then lower it a few days after germination. Bit unorthodox but it's working rather well for me.

[urbanfarmer]

I go for about 2-3 inches below the top. I'm using 3/4" gravel though.

[kneedeepinwater]

Thanks! It seems as usual there is more than one way to skin a cat