Pump or siphon

Shopvac. Thats what i use to clear out my DWC reservoirs. I have those bases and I quickly realized that that is a design over sight on their part. They should have the fill screen on a hinge of some sort so you can flip it up and stick a hose down in there to suck it out. Because sometimes the wicking action won't link between the rope and the fabric and through to the soil. Then you have a gallon of solution sitting there doing nothing. Tip: If you go the shopvac route, make sure it's not a cheap metal chamber one. Grab a Rigid one from Home Depot. They are plastic and won't rust on you.

Yes, the Italian brand pumps Sicce got small pumps with a inlet filter and they suck from the bottom so you really empty every tray all the way. Use a simple timer clock to let them pump for the time that you want. I use them with my ebb and flow system for years now.