hydroponic/aeroponic pump size?

drawing up specs for a dwc hydro or aero grow, and trying to decide on a pump size. i was wondering if anyone knows what gallons/hour i would need for a drip system vs. a totally aeroponic system. i have an 18 gallon rubbermaid container i will be using for 5 plants. i had heard that you want 250-30gph for the aeroponic system, but i wasn't sure what size res. that is for as it seems a little big for 18 gallons! any and all input is appreciated!

The aero pump is really more dependent on the pressure that it needs to maintain in order to make the water turn to a mist. It also depends on how many and which misters you use. The res size really doesn't have anything to do with it. More details?

Res size does matter in the sense that a pump will heat the water in a small res more than it will a larger res.

it's an 18 gallon res, and i don't know about the sprayers. they're just the generic red 360 degree aeroponic sprayers that you see online in hydro stores. i figured at least 200 gph for the pump. the res is about 20 inches tall

I use a 233gph pump in my 18 aero tub used for vegging or cloning.. I run about 15 spray heads off it..

I've got a 15 gallon 6 plant top drip feed that I run with a 175 gpm pump, works great........

really? b/c i was just looking at drip systems. could you hook up some specs on doing the plumbing?

Sure Bro.......all you need is a roll of 1/4 inch dia.hose plastic tee's for each pot, and a pkg. of adjustable push in type drippers. All this can be found at home depot on the isle where the yard sprinklers are.....one more thing your pump will either have a 3/8 or 1/2 inch output so you will have to adapt down to your 1/4 inch line...just ask the guy working in that dept. and he will help you with the adapter........hope this helps Bro....be happy to answer any other question I can........

thanks man. the only part that's gonna be a problem is splitting the main line into 5 drip posts. what's the best way to break up the line without losing too much pressure?

Thats where you put your plastic tee's. you have to cut your main line at each pot site , put in a tee pointed at your pot , then cut a short peice of tubing attach to the tee then your dripper pushes into the end . you wan't it to reach to the center of your pot.........hope I explained this good enough........If not ask me again.......

word. thanks again mang. goin to my boys right now so we can design our systems

Let me know how it turns out....glad I could help......