A Community and Forum For Aquaponic Gardeners

PUMP TIMER Question

We purchased a marine air conditioning pump (non-submersible but appropriate head). In the Aquaponic Gardening book by Bernstein she refers to running the pump 15 mins on 45 mins off. The instructions we have for building the Barrel-Ponics does not discuss turning the pump on and off but it would make sense that the pump would not run all the time. Does anybody have a suggestion for a timer for the pump?

Thank you for everybody's assistance.

0 members like this

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Paul Trudeau on January 31, 2014 at 11:16am

Hi Kathy,

If you build a flood-and-drain system without an autosiphon, you will need a timer.

If your system has an autosiphon, you do not need a timer.

Hardware stores sell timers. You plug one end into the outlet and your pump into the timer. Some are rated for outdoor use, some only for indoor use.

One thing about using a timer: I've heard that the repeated stopping and starting puts more wear on the pump over time.