I run 2 of them independently and ran them 24/7 until I had roots in the bottom res.Once I had roots I ran the extra air stones in the lower res and set those on a 24/7 pump.For the drip rings I set set for 30 min on every 2 hours during sun time and 15 minutes on every 4 hours at night.This gives the roots in the upper bucket more air and lessons mold/humidity problems if you have them.I like the hydroton to be able to dry a little between waterings.