Please evaluate my system plan

[Jeff S]

This is my plan for my system upgrade. Been reading and viewing all kinds of info around the net and came up with this idea. It's a double system each with it's own pump. I hope it's self explanatory. Please look it over an offer opinions on why it will or won't work and recommend changes.

 

[Scott Fonte]

I always relate media beds to treatment wetlands...because thats what they are in essence.  When properly designing wetlands for waste treatment, like septic tanks etc. larger stones are used at the inflow and are gradually reduced to allow for some accumulation and breakdown of wastes and bacteria without clogging.   

[Jeff S]

Good analogy. So in my next bed I should put something like p gravel in the bottom? I put hydroton on top to make planting a little easier but based on how often I'll plant that may be an expensive alternative I'll delete the next time.

[Scott Fonte]

No, I would not use Pea gravel in a media bed, it is too small and varied in size and will clog.  3/4" stone is best which will generally range from 1/2in-1in.   Don't have to overthink it.  If it was a small container planter (e.g. 5 gal bucket) that could be dumped out and rinsed when plant is done that would be one thing.