ZEM,
IF I understand your question, you MUST get O2 to the roots! A waterfall really isn't the most efficient way to do it. IF your pumps have the ability to draw air into the circulating solution, then adjust that to get a lot of air into the out going solution that enters your tray. Another option is to spray the solution into the air in the tray either through misters or sprinklers, but the air stones are still much easier to use.
I would run air stones in it the tray. I would run air stones in the central rez too. Most of the numbers I have seen thrown around here on the forum are to take the volume of the total solution system, multiply that by 2 and get an air pump rated for an aquarium of twice that size. For example, say with 5 buckets holding 4 gallons each, double that total of 20 gallons giving 40 gallons which would be the size aquarium you would by for. Of course a larger pump that you could reduce the output on would be even better.
ON the temps, the air temp isn't necessarily going to be reflected in the solution temps. If you have a basement or other concrete floored grow area, the rez temp will consistently stay lower than the air temp IF THE REZ SITS DIRECTLY ON THE CONCRETE. From what I've been told by botanists solution temps as high as 85F aren't harmful and temps as low as 72F are okay, but I try to stay between 78 and 82F for SOLUTION temps year around.
If this confuses you, please try to clarify your design and maybe we can get a better answer for you.
Great smoking.
IF I understand your question, you MUST get O2 to the roots! A waterfall really isn't the most efficient way to do it. IF your pumps have the ability to draw air into the circulating solution, then adjust that to get a lot of air into the out going solution that enters your tray. Another option is to spray the solution into the air in the tray either through misters or sprinklers, but the air stones are still much easier to use.
I would run air stones in it the tray. I would run air stones in the central rez too. Most of the numbers I have seen thrown around here on the forum are to take the volume of the total solution system, multiply that by 2 and get an air pump rated for an aquarium of twice that size. For example, say with 5 buckets holding 4 gallons each, double that total of 20 gallons giving 40 gallons which would be the size aquarium you would by for. Of course a larger pump that you could reduce the output on would be even better.
ON the temps, the air temp isn't necessarily going to be reflected in the solution temps. If you have a basement or other concrete floored grow area, the rez temp will consistently stay lower than the air temp IF THE REZ SITS DIRECTLY ON THE CONCRETE. From what I've been told by botanists solution temps as high as 85F aren't harmful and temps as low as 72F are okay, but I try to stay between 78 and 82F for SOLUTION temps year around.
If this confuses you, please try to clarify your design and maybe we can get a better answer for you.
Great smoking.