Quote Originally Posted by LOC NAR on probation
How does a recirculating DRIP system create a vortex that strong to drain ?

That is about the only system I have not used yet. But how can it be worse than flood and drain in causing a vortex to strangle roots. Have you seen what goes on in aeroponics. The roots are blasted most of the time.

I would have to see the system empty with no rocks and watch the water flow without obstruction. I just don't think that water dripping from above is moving in volume enough to cause a drain vortex strong enough to do damage.
Not too sure you're quite getting it YET... the drip lines are 1/2" poly irrigation tubing which is not your classic drip in fact this will not drip at all it will flow at a relatively quick rate with 350 GPH / 4 = ~88 GPH through ~4 feet of tubing the each single bucket and you got a serious flow...