Top feed/drip system - Timed cycle vs running 24/7

You can do it on a timer if you want but constant will work better. There will be slightly slower growth rate if you interrupt the constant feeding.

 

This is a quandary I am facing. I am not doing a 24/7 veg, I might have mine shut off an hour or so after and before the lights turn off then on. I might just let it run 24/7 also, I am not yet sure, but yes you will get faster growth, just make sure your water is aerated properly so it doesn't suffocate(over water) the plants.

 

sorry to hijack your thread.

i have recently decided to change a small stealth grow from bubble bucket to a drip system, the reason being the air pump i got is too loud (pump and water bubbling) and im going for stealth.

keeping in mind i dont want to airate the water, i believe i need to run the drip on timer. my clones only just started showing roots so have only just been transplanted into hydroton. i currently have them getting watered 15mins 3x a day, which is what ive read is the done thing im not sure of is how much water they should be receiving 3 times a day. ie there must be a difference if im using a 200L/h or a 400L/h pump.

OR does it not matter as long as they get a couple of hours to breath between feedings..

 

There are quieter pumps out there. I don't know how needed aerated water is for a drip system, mine came without air, and I added to it, basically you need to just keep an eye on your plants, and see how much water they seem to like, since your not aerating, breathing time will be a must, but just remember, too much time will dry the roots and can cause damage, in my opinion it would be better to just get a quieter air pump.