A Simple System

[Larry]

This is my 1st system and its been fun getting here. Still a lot to learn.

I'm using a 140 gallon feed tub as a FT and 4- 2 x 3 ft mixing trays as GB's. The media is cinder(lava), there's a lot of that here in Hawaii.

I've ganged the 4 GB together with 2" PVC with drains at the bottom. The drains are 2" shower drains. The system completes with an external siphon dumping back into the FT. The system cycles every 15 minutes and hasn't missed a beat for 2 weeks now(knock on wood).

I'm about done with the fishless cycling, just waiting for the nitrites to drop before adding fish.

Criticism and advice are totally welcome.

I'm trying to post pictures as well. Hope they show up.

[Rob Nash]

i bet you dont have to access it much at all.

[Harold Sukhbir]

Hi Larry,

Your external siphon seems to be causing quite a stir here . I'm interested in your design, so have you experimented with varying the in-flow rates? Can this design accommodate a range of rates?  I've stumbled on a simple design(with fixed housing) of internal bell which handles wide ranges and has been in service without maintenance for 1 year now.(link below). 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzZzjK7aFrA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzZzjK7aFrA&feature=player_detai...

[Averan]

how do you screen the outlets in the grow beds to keep gravel and solids from clogging them?  it seems to me that you still need a vertical gravel guard to ensure adequate drainage in the future when solids and roots have built up enough to slow things down.

??

[Larry]

Hi Harold

I think I would label the siphon 'not ready for prime time' even though it works perfectly for me, is simple to build, and is reliable. I've only just started in aquaponics (3-4 weeks) and haven't had time to perfect it. I'm hoping the experimenters will jump on it and let us all know what they learn. With that said I'll list a few things I've learned.

Adding a 45 or 90 degree ell at the bottom of the inner drain makes it go to siphon quickly. A little back pressure maybe? I have mine set to go to siphon slower.

The space at the top between the cap and the drain has an effect how quickly it siphons.

I've used schedule 80, 40, and class 200 pipe for the inner drain to change flow rates.

I'll get back to this, I'm a bit late for work.

 

Harold Sukhbir said:

Hi Larry,

Your external siphon seems to be causing quite a stir here . I'm interested in your design, so have you experimented with varying the in-flow rates? Can this design accommodate a range of rates?  I've stumbled on a simple design(with fixed housing) of internal bell which handles wide ranges and has been in service without maintenance for 1 year now.(link below). 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzZzjK7aFrA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzZzjK7aFrA&feature=player_detai...

[Harold Sukhbir]

Hi Averan,

I know Larry will reply to this as well. I've used a regular sink drain(large size for wash sink) with mesh covering and then tightening to fit and seal, and covered with pea gravel, and finally with the 3/4" gravel over top.
Averan said:

how do you screen the outlets in the grow beds to keep gravel and solids from clogging them?  it seems to me that you still need a vertical gravel guard to ensure adequate drainage in the future when solids and roots have built up enough to slow things down.

??

[Averan]

and how long has that been running without getting clogged?  so you maintain the strainer by digging up the gravel or have you never had to clean it?

[Harold Sukhbir]

Hi Larry,

Yes, playing with the ID's of pipe, air space at top of bell, length of run's, and restriction(reducers,elbows etc) all play a part and will allow different inflow and outflow rates for sure.

[Harold Sukhbir]

Hi Averan,

In my case, the drain is at bottom and so far roots are not there. I think the roots avoid the bottom 2" of constant water.
Averan said:

and how long has that been running without getting clogged?  so you maintain the strainer by digging up the gravel or have you never had to clean it?

[Larry]

Hi Averan

The drains have a stainless steel strainer with 1/4" openings on them and I also put an area drain cover above that. It's about 1 1/2" tall.

I tried using my wet vac to access the drains. I cleaned the vacuum well before vacuuming the cinder out of the grow bed. Worked great. Poured the cinder right back in place.

Averan said:

how do you screen the outlets in the grow beds to keep gravel and solids from clogging them?  it seems to me that you still need a vertical gravel guard to ensure adequate drainage in the future when solids and roots have built up enough to slow things down.

??

[Jonathan Farrand]

My experience with syhphons has been a rough road! I like this style and the picture makes it really easy to understand. Learning how to be a aquaponic plumber by yourself and what photos you see is tough. Thanks for the help!

Larry said:

The siphon is very simple, Here's a picture and a quick explanation.

I used a Dremel with a little drum sander to remove the stop on the bushing. Took out a bit more so the inner drain pipe would slide through the bushing but still not leak. The side inlet is from the GBs. Set the top of the inner drain pipe at your desired water level. Install the outer pipe and the cap. The cap should be about 3/8" above the top of the inner drain pipe (air space). The cap should be airtight. Turn on the pump.

I've only tested this close to the GB's where the air can easily get from the GB drain to the siphon, thus, breaking the siphon when empty. 

Inner drain pipe should be 1/2 the pipe size as the outer pipe. I've tested it on 2" with 1" and 1 1/2" with 3/4".

I hope this makes sense.

Oh yeah, the shape of the cap may make a bit of difference. I like the flat ones.

Japan Aquaponics said:

...and I made a spelling error... I meant to ask, how did you put the siphon together

 

[Ronald Holley]

Love your system Larry, looks great!

A few questions, if you don't mind, as I might copy your system for my florida room indoor system.

  How deep are the growbeds? They look a little shallow, but that could just be perception.

Where did you get them?  How much $$?

Since you are using lava, I assume it's lighter than gravel, do you think they are strong enough for stone?

I'm looking for a simple, economical DIY system for my florida room, but one that has a nice clean look like yours, not necessarily pretty, but not too greenhouse utilitarian either.

[Larry]

Hi Ronald

The GB's and the FT are made by Tuff Stuff Products. If you are here on Oahu they are available at Waimanalo Feed Supply. The GB's I'm using are 8" deep and cost 15-16 dollars. The 12" deep trays were over $100 each. I thought it best for me to buy the cheaper ones and just see about this aquaponic thing before I set up a large system. The GB's might bulge a little with gravel but they are very strong. The oval FT is 140 gal and cost $120.
Ronald Holley said:

Love your system Larry, looks great!

A few questions, if you don't mind, as I might copy your system for my florida room indoor system.

  How deep are the growbeds? They look a little shallow, but that could just be perception.

Where did you get them?  How much $$?

Since you are using lava, I assume it's lighter than gravel, do you think they are strong enough for stone?

I'm looking for a simple, economical DIY system for my florida room, but one that has a nice clean look like yours, not necessarily pretty, but not too greenhouse utilitarian either.