I have a custom earthtainer that uses an adjustable pipe to maintain the water level. I keep it below the aeration table to allow for proper root aeration. Unfortunately my wife took over watering duties and I did not properly inform her that you could not raise the pipe adjustment to far or you will saturate the soil and have no aeration. This unfortunate situation equates to a bad case of anaerobic bacteria - sewage smelling soil.

I am wondering if it will be enough to lower the water level and allow aeration of the bed while still allowing the plants to suck out of the reservoir. Are more drastic measures called for? Nothing is doing to well, but it is my first year and I do not know if I should attribute it to this situation or our dramatic heat we have been having here in the Tucson desert.