Aquaponics For Beginners
This is a place where Beginners can post questions and find answers.
Advanced Users are welcome to help the Beginners out.
Please KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) .
building a small bell siphon
Has anyone built a system with a small diameter bell siphon? I'm thinking of one with 1/2" or 3/4" stand pipe.
What's your experience with smaller siphons, what issues or adjustments did you make to be successful?
Jeff S
Good job Jim. I set up an "under the bed" type tote, about 36"x18"x6" in my basement using a similar setup. I did have a tuff time getting the right amount of flow so it would start and stop properly but eventually got it. BTW the sides of the tote have to be supported.
Feb 17, 2015
Jim Fisk
Hey Jeff, yes these little guys are a bit more of a challenge due to surface tension showing it's ugly head. I built this one for a customer and have sold a few now on eBay so I wanted it to be as easy as possible to tune in over as broad a spectrum of water flow as possible. It did take a bit of experimentation and I found the 3" tail that can be swung up and down to be a real asset.
Good advice on supporting the GB tray. Seemed alright during testing but I bet it will fatigue over time but a wood frame nicely stained and sealed should do the trick. I plan to get my set of wire shelves off the storage truck one of these days and plant a kitchen herb garden with some goldfish in the FT. We have the perfect double window in the kitchen. I just worry that the constant sound of running water will keep my wife running as well
Feb 19, 2015
Jeff S
The nice wood frame sounds good for the kitchen but I just propped one side against my basement wall and the other side I just put a 6" piece of Styrofoam against the middle of the bed and it works just fine. Nobody ever sees it anyway lol. I have a setup like you're talking about in my dining room with large goldfish and a wood bed on top. I should get some pics.
Jim Fisk said:
Feb 19, 2015