water pump problem

[brushybill]

i have set up an ebb and flow system, which i am running for a few days before i start growing , to make sure everything is up to par.
on two occasions i have had to disconnect the pump in order to get water flowing, i have a 1/2" supply with a 3/4" drain , does this sound like a bad pump or an air lock?:confused2:

 

[trillions of atoms]

how big is the pump? could the water be syphening?

 

[brushybill]

i think it is 400gph, it will flood a 2x3.5x7" tray in 3 min so it seems to have plenty of flow

 

[trillions of atoms]

did you have to unplug it or disconnect the tubing?

maybe you need a bigger supply line (3/4") and return? is it having a hard time pumping through the 1/2 inch line? how big is the rezz?

 

[brushybill]

15 gal res, it sems to flow very well when it runs. i have been disconnecting the hose and adjusting the flow valve open and closed which seems to get things moving

 

[NorCalHal]

With a 15 gal res, is it emptying the whole res into the table and then ******* air?

 

[trillions of atoms]

a 15 gal rezz for that size pump is small....

how many plants? might need a bigger rezz.

 

[brushybill]

no, i am pumping 2/3 of my res into the tray and recirculating it for 15 min before draining do you think i should put a hose clamp on the hose?
i dont have any plants yet , but am planing on 2 or 3 if i get this fixed

 

[trillions of atoms]

2-3 plants for that small of a rezz will be fine. try and tweak the pumps and hoses and see if that will work.

norcal may be right about the pump ******* air.

you need to watch the rezz an entire cycle and see whats going on....

 

[brushybill]

maybe ill have a few tokes and sit and watch my set up do its thing, i can think of worse ways to spend my time

 

[trillions of atoms]

lol let us know

 

[fishcabo]

Make sure you are feeding through the bottom of the reservoir and there is no way to syphon or your pump will cavitate.