NFT System setup

[Craig Shevlin]

Can anyone with a NFT system please help me with setting up my NFT system?

I have three tiers of pipes all installed in an indoor arboretum (this will be a year round system).

The pipes are 4" in diameter. And they are 12 feet long.

There will be three 275 gallon IBC tanks in the basement for the fish.

There are skylights above with additional artificial lighting to maintain longer winter light.

1) Do I let the water run continuously in the pipes or do I cycle the on and off times?

    (Ex: 5 minutes on and 55 minutes off)

2) How far do I let the water come up to the sides of the net pots and saturate the clay balls?

3) Can I start the system with adjusting the PH and adding Ammonia/Nitrates to the system and then 

   add fish later?

I appreciate all the help I can get with setting up my system.  It has taken me so long to get this thing

going to health problems and I am anxious to start growing my vegetables.

Thanks in advance,

Craig

[Jeff S]

As with most folks here I'm no expert but I'll give you my opinions.

1. you can run the water continuously but only need a slow rate.

2. 3" pots I'd go 14 to 1/2 inch up the pots.

3. Absolutely. I'd recommend that so you're not trying to balance 2 new things at once. Make sure your nitrification bacteria are up and running before you put it fish and life will be so much more simple.

I went gung ho when I started and wish I hadn't. 

Good luck.

[Craig Shevlin]

Thanks Jeff.  Hope to start running in two weeks.

Jeff S said:

As with most folks here I'm no expert but I'll give you my opinions.

1. you can run the water continuously but only need a slow rate.

2. 3" pots I'd go 14 to 1/2 inch up the pots.

3. Absolutely. I'd recommend that so you're not trying to balance 2 new things at once. Make sure your nitrification bacteria are up and running before you put it fish and life will be so much more simple.

I went gung ho when I started and wish I hadn't. 

Good luck.