Plumbing to multiple growbeds with or without index valve?

[Jason Finn]

I am finally starting to purchase all the parts I need for my system. I was wondering what the best way to plumb the growbeds from the fish tank in a CHIFT PIST system. Is an index valve always necessary?

I am planning on using a SLO to flow water out of two fish tanks and planning on having six growbeds. Everything will be made from IBC tanks.

My original idea was simply a long pvc pipe with a "T" for the first bed, a "T" for the second and then an elbow at the end but this seems like there would be varying water flow. Is this true?

Please give any suggestions. Thanks.

[Harold Sukhbir]

Hi Jason,

You can use ball valves to regulate the flowrate for each bed.

[George]

No, an indexing valve is not necessary.  You can either pump to one bed at a time using an indexing valve or pump/drain to all beds at once and use siphons.  Chances are, you'll need a sump, if you go with siphons - either that or you'll live with a good bit of fluctuation in the level of your fish tank.  

Silly me, chist pist, by definition, means you intend to have a sump tank. Therefore, you don't need an indexing valve.  Possibly you've been hanging out on an aussie site.

I've been using an indexing valve and I like it but most people use siphons.  The indexing valve seemed simpler to me and I didn't want to fool with siphons and sump - still don't.

[Alex Veidel]

Wait, can you use an indexing valve with a chift pist? My impression of indexing valves is that they require the flow of water to be interrupted to switch valves and since the pump in a chift pist is always going...

[Jason Finn]

Thanks Harold and George. The ball valves sound like the best way to go if I am not using an index valve. I think I'll add an overflow pipe from the fish tank back into the sump tanks just in case (I have 3 IBCs I'll use for the sump so if I want to expand then I can). 

I do not plan on using an index but good question Alex. I do not know...

[Mark Hall]

What brand timer do you use to turn on and off your water flow to your indexing valve? Any advise on type?

George said:

No, an indexing valve is not necessary.  You can either pump to one bed at a time using an indexing valve or pump/drain to all beds at once and use siphons.  Chances are, you'll need a sump, if you go with siphons - either that or you'll live with a good bit of fluctuation in the level of your fish tank.  

Silly me, chist pist, by definition, means you intend to have a sump tank. Therefore, you don't need an indexing valve.  Possibly you've been hanging out on an aussie site.

I've been using an indexing valve and I like it but most people use siphons.  The indexing valve seemed simpler to me and I didn't want to fool with siphons and sump - still don't.

[George]

Sorry Mark, just now saw your question.  See the link below to the timer I've been using for 2 1/2 years.  

http://www.aquaponiclynx.com/products/aquaponic-systems-and-compone...

[Scott Roberts]

I believe TCLynx uses indexing valves in pairs - and uses a 3way pool valve with electric actuator - she doesn't stop the pump, just changes from one valve to another. That way she doesn't need to turn the pump actually off.

Alex Veidel said:

Wait, can you use an indexing valve with a chift pist? My impression of indexing valves is that they require the flow of water to be interrupted to switch valves and since the pump in a chift pist is always going...