Post 2 - Pondering Design Concepts

[Mary Hundley]

As I await the last load of sand, am trying to plan ahead...  This first greenhouse is an experiment of sorts, but must be economically viable so I can expand and continue to pay my two employees.  I am torn between a drip system and flood-n-drain.  I plan on at least experimenting with one raft NFT at the end of whichever system I choose.  My fish tank ( with between 350 to 500 Tilapia) will support four (4) 60 foot growbeds, 12" deep, with a few vertical systems added in to see if I can grow basil in a more efficient fashion.  Pros and cons would be appreciated.

[TCLynx]

I don't think you really want to mess with drip since clearing clogs would become a full time job.  Even if the water is well filtered before going to the drip system, bio-slime is a wonderful sealing agent and if often allowed to seal drips in systems by those of us with enough water to be a little lax.

 

Flood and drain or constant flow/flood (not to be confused with constant flow where the beds are basically drained) will work far better on a filtration stand point as well as maintenance stand point compared to a drip or trickle through system.