Want to learn more about Aquaponics? 🐟 🍓🥬🍅 Now you can with Rob's "Backyard Aquaponics for Beginners" Guide for only $9.95. You can see the guide in action on my website, ► www.bitsouttheback.com/aquaponics-guide Or, buy directly here, ► robbobaquaponics.retrieve.com/g/XL0J6T2P#/content/90525
Rob! I know you posted this video about 5 years ago! With what you posted I did exactly and my bell siphon worked perfect the VERY FIRST TIME! I’m on my way now brother! Thank you Thank YOU!!! THANK YOU MATE!!
That's great to read Tracy. 👍 I finally got around to make a trouble shooting video for the bell siphons as well but am glad you don't need to watch it. 😉 Cheers & happy growing mate 🐟🐟🌱🥦
Your usual excellent job. I have taken to watching one or two of your videos at coffee break this week as the internet is working better than it has in the past four months. Again thanks.
Superb video mate. Great details with no fluff. This video should be required viewing for every other YTer who thinks they can make a "how to" video. And I may never even set up a similar system but I really enjoyed watching. Cheers.
I only made it as far as that great animation. Absolutely perfect explanation - everything I needed to build my own. Super fast. Love your videos, from Oregon, USA.
Yippee! Thanks for excellent info! Today I completed my first chop and flip with bell syphon and it worked perfectly first time. I need to add more media, I’m 470km from nearest shop but have 140kg of lava rock in so far. That’s given me 10cm ish to get the bacteria started! Baby Barra in aquarium in my lounge room ready to go in once it’s ready!! Thanks so much for a great, informative channel… I’m in the red centre of oz!
Thank you very much,I go with the motto,when I cannot put it together in my mind its too complicate,so another solution is needed or some knowledge !!!I was not able to figure out how these two pipes put together make the water drain without any pump needed and changing levels from almost full to almost zero alternating.I goolged and your video come up again,a confirmation that I need to subscribe : ) Got the point now !!!Thanks and GOD bless you and your family,and your garden also of course !
@@RobsAquaponics All good so far,waiting for the clay pepples to arrive.I already had a hole of a few centimeters in the top of the barrel,so I closed it with a conical cup and made a hole for a piece of flexible tube.The upper part is a coke bottle,stuck in the conical cup and holes at low level,works nicely.i struggle with leaking on the cover all around it,its a barrel with a coer of about 30cm.I put everything together with hot glue,I hope this is not a problem for the fish and plants.Parts,fishes and seeds are a little bit difficult to get here in Assam/NE India.Specially in the last couple of months.So I use what I have at home anyway which we would have to throw in the trash anyway.
Everything is complete and the water is cycling through the system well. I'm just waiting for the bacteria to get established to start converting the ammonia. Thanks again.
Hello, Thank you for your time posting these tutorials. You mentioned that it takes 10 minutes to fill the grow bed and 3 minutes to drain it with the bell siphon. I calculated your pump at 158.5 gph is doing 2.66 gpm's. My first question is what is your cycle on/off rate so that you exchange the tank water once per hour? My tank is pretty close to the same size and I am still learning and I am having problems getting my flow right. My fish tank(no fish yet) is closer to 190 gallons. My grow bed is 45"x38"x12" . I measured 45"x38"x8" and calulated it will hold 60 gallons +/- of water, stopping at 4" from the top lip. 2 inches above this with river rock and a 2 inch lip above the river rock. I estimated my grow bed to hold 24 gallons of water after the 3/4" river rock owned 60% of the space. River rock 36 gallons, water 24gallons. So does my sump need to be at 24 gallon? I have read that it is a good ides to add 50% additional, making the proper sump tank 36 gallons. Sound right? I initially estimated mine to be 18 gallons and that is what I used and I am having a flow exchange issue. emptying the sump tank faster than the radial flow filter will replenish it. I made a video under my name showing what I have going on and asking for suggestions from someone that knows. But anyhow I think I will reduce the size of my bell sipon from 1 1/2 to 1 in like yours and incrase the size of my sump to 35 ish gallons. My sump now currently gravity fills from the radial filter and it is overflowing until the fish tank and radial filter level off and the radial filter bucket drains low enough to stop flowing into the sump tank. First attempt at this. Sorry to be long winded. Thank you again.
Hi Rob. The size of your sump needs to be at least as large as the grow bed so it can hold enough water to cover the pump as well as leave enough in there so you don't need to be constantly topping it up with fresh water all the time. You can use the 50% of bed volume once you start adding additional beds to the system is the rule I like to follow. I just had a gander at you system clip & think you need to increase the size of your sump to at least the total volume of your grow bed, if not larger for the reasons I stated above as well as to be able to hold the total volume of the grow bed in it. How do you have the stilling well on the radial flow filter connected? If it's airtight it may be initiating a siphon & draining faster than it would via gravity. Hope that helps some mate.
Great video. Metric sounds so easy. The base plate is extremely valuable. I built my first versions without a baseplate and it was pretty painful if I moved the shroud at all. The stainless screws only work in air. I tried using something similar underground outside and the water leaked out because it couldn't air dry a seal around the screw. Thanks for the great explanation!
@@RobsAquaponics Ya, it surprised me too. I think when you do the screw method a little tiny bit of water leaks out and dries and seals. But if the pipes are in a place where it'll wick away the water never air seels. Pretty cool.
I really appreciate your videos, thank you for taking the time to educate. One trick that I've learned over the years when cutting PVC is that you can turn your saw blade around (reverse the teeth) and you will never fracture the PVC/plastic.
Used your ideas and methods to make a bell siphon. I've got a 1/2 - 55 Gallon barrel. Works like a charm. Thanks! This is a test grow bed. If everything works well I plan on going larger and use my 3000 pond and several grow beds. I've got Green Onions, Jalapeno Pepper, Patty Pan Squash, Lettuce, Cherry Tomato, Carrots and Radishes.
Very well explained, Affnan has been after me to get an aquaponices system started, I do like the new system he has with the rain gutters, Very simple and easy to build. Ginger is looking very good.
They are a sweet system he's knocked up & it's the next logical step from the fish farm you've got on the go. That one barrel could run a fair number of beds too ;) Cheers mate.
I'm glad it helped some mate. I have more information on the siphons on our Guide, www.bitsouttheback.com/aquaponics-guide & also in this UA-cam video if it helps, ua-cam.com/video/rKEeXNwSxWU/v-deo.html Cheers & happy growing.
Thanks for your videos, i am learning a lot from it, for now just trying to learn about every little things about different kinds aquaponics system, i will be building my very first aquaponics system hopefully this coming summer, once again thank you.
i am only just starting to research aquaponics and soon i hope to get started with my own..........i found a link to your videos through 'DIY Aquaponics' app on android. I have Subscribed because i love your videos and the app has a lot of good info for a beginner like me.......Thanks a Lot :)
The system siphon very good, and excellent video, well explained, this if it is a video does not matter the language in which the audio is recorded, the images speak for themselves, congratulations tocallo (not by the name, but by the beards) . A hug and thanks for giving for free. I do not speak Inglis, but your video teaches, trains, that treats the teaching - learning process, you are a good teacher. Thank you. Take care man, see you. I'll sign up and I'll give you a little finger up, bye.
Excellent video! Especially thank you for translating both inches and metric! Please be super careful when cutting those notches into the shroud with the miter saw. I know a pro who lost his hand to a miter saw...good idea would be to start with a longer 4” pipe, cut your slots (keeping your hands away from blade), then trim to length after slots are done.....also, I too was having some problems with the siphon initiation. Another easy way to assure the initiation is to have the drain begin with a 90 degree angle, pipes 1st 1-2 ft stay horizontal, then down to storage. Again, awesome tape. Thanks!!!
Glad you enjoyed it Dan.👍 I grew up working in my father's engineering factory so have experience working with dangerous tools. But in saying that, you make a very good point about starting with a longer section & cutting it down once the slots are cut. 👍 Cheers mate & happy growing.
Good one Rob I built basically the same siphon (Yep Affnan as well... a sharp dude) and after initial tinkering with drain pipe extension / fittings, it works flawless. I had some 4" slotted ag pipe and seems to work good for a shroud. Thanks for more great info. The mega ginger looks awesome. hope all's well Jeff
Hi Jeff. There's a reason the Affnana's siphon has become the standard 👍 Hope to be pulling the ginger out this weekend If I get the time. Cheers mate & hope seasons treating you well. 😊 Rob.
I love your channel! I have been watching for a while now 🙏 I've made 1 back in high school 2012 for my senior year project to graduate and i plan to do this again with this system setup. Thank you for the motivation brother and keep up the good work 🤙🏽
Glad you enjoyed it Mel. I just released a trouble shooting video on the bell siphons if it helps any, ua-cam.com/video/rKEeXNwSxWU/v-deo.html Cheers & have a top one.
Thanks for that bit of walkthrough, I've been looking into setting up a small scale aquaponics setup, and like the bell siphon method best so far from what I have seen
Hi, thanks for the response. No, I have not started yet, it's been pretty wet here in California so far, so I have not been able to get anything started. I did draw out an idea of what I would like, (drafting classes 15-20 years ago come in handy sometimes) though it is probably bigger then I should go with no experience with any systems other then conventional, in the ground gardening, and limited funds (I like my plan drawing, and really think it could do wonders, 150gal tank and 88 ft² of beds, but would be more then I can spend most likely). Hopefully I can decide what size system I want to put in soon. I'm going to have at least one area 6 feet wide and 20 feet long, possibly 2, depending on how in depth I want to get. Typically we would have 2x-3x that space, but outside circumstances have cut that space down for this season. I have also thought that the chop and flip setup you have shown, especially with the 55gal drums, that could be a good way for me to start out and learn the ropes of aquaponics before going full size. I also would really like to use edible fish, which I will have to research some, and find the best fish for here, summer get to the low to high 90s ºF (mid 30's ºC). I do plan, once I start, to post videos about it on my channel, and show my progress.
Is great to hear that you are putting a fair amount of thought into the system before lifting any tools. Planning could save you a lot of pain down the track. Cheers & have fun with the build.
Very timely that I stumbled on your video. I'm setting up some grow beds using IBCs & need to make some bell siphons. I've subscribed & looking forward to checking out your other videos. Greetings from Vic 😊👍
Hey Rob great clip, i had my G/B,s on timers off at night and if it stops at the wrong cycle you have a G/B full of water, so I drilled small hole just above bulk head and like your cap is doing slowly drain the lowest point and in the morning all beds where fully drained and a new cycle again and on and off in intervals during the day without affecting the bell syphon. Makes me want to get back into it..
Just brought my first 6 growbeds online yesterday here in Melbourne. But I used 2 external syphones to drain 3 beds each they work well and are less noisy I find.Maybe a nice one to explane Rob
Nice one. Do you have a clip or some shots up online ? Am looking at adding an external to run a few barrels in the system here for the spice plants. Cheers.
Thank you for the reply (first one ever from a youtuber) :) If you want you can add me on Skype I'm under the same username there and I can send you some pics or vid there
Hi there. I don't skype sorry but you can get me on our FaceBook or G+ pages if that helps. facebook.com/Bitsouttheback plus.google.com/u/0/+RobBob/posts Cheers 👍
You were my motivation to build a chop and flip aquaponics system I went out and got the IBC Tote got the cage cut but couldn't get all the screws out of the bottom frame cuz they were stripped I tried a few different techniques to get them out but I haven't had much luck yet once I get those out I'll be able to continue on with the project I'll be posting on my page if you'd like to check it out and maybe give me a few pointers
Absolutely love your work mate! Thanks to your awesome videos I've been able to make my very first aquaponic fish tank to play around with to get started and learn more about aquaponics! Next project I will be attempting to make an IBC aquaponic tank.
Part breakdown: There are 3 parts to a bell siphon: a shroud, a standpipe, and a bell. The shroud has a 4 inch diameter pipe with 2 end caps The standpipe has a 25mm to 20 mm reducer, a 20 mm pipe, a 20 to 25 mm adapter bush, a 25 mm valve socket, and a 25 mm bulkhead fitting The bell is a 45 mm pipe with an end cap You're welcome!
Thanks Rob, helpful as always. Just setting up a system in the UK and your vid's have been really useful. Have you thought of putting the ads on your vids. Your helping folk out ,may as well get payed for it. ha ha . Thanks again.
Hi 0188rich & thanks. I have them "monetised" with UA-cam so do get a bit of coin from them. Also started up a Patreon account where I post short updates every day or so as well. That helps to pay for some of the time I spend answering questions everyday 👍😉 Cheers & all the best. Rob.
THANKS FOR THE USEFUL INFORMATION..IM designing a vertical aquaponic system with pvc..it will consist of about four vertical pvc. should i put a bell syphon in each pvc ?
If the pipes are vertical you can just let the water run out the base into a trough & depending on how you have it plumbed back up, back into the sump or fish tank. Bell & other siphons are generally used in media based grow beds. Cheers.
I've just recently got into hydroponics and thought this would be an awesome stepping stone for my next experiment. I'm just wondering if a system like this would ever develop algae problems in the reservoir where the fish live? I've watched a few of your videos now and have learned a lot. keep up the good work!
You will get a small amount of bio slime & algae form. The bio slime is beneficial so I leave that be. Algae can be controlled by limiting the amount of sunlight that hist the wet surfaces. Hope that helps you out some Hans. 👍
@@RobsAquaponics that would be great. You may recall a question I made previously about 2 of my beds producing differently. The bad bed has a slower cycle but I can't speed it up cuz then the bell fails to stop.
Great tutorial! thank you! I was looking at kits to purchase and felt like 40-50 bucks plus shipping for a few pieces of PVC was pretty ridiculous! lol... will be whipping one of these up in short order!
@@RobsAquaponics I completed it yesterday, very easy build and works great though needs a bit of fine tuning! (including the time it took to shop for all the pipes and fittings it only took a few hours to build start to finish) I opted to order the uni-seal online which I'm really happy with, makes it really easy to adjust stand pipe height even as it's running) the one issue I'm finding is that the pump I am using is filling too fast for the siphon to drain adequately (it's 5200GPH, I already had it as a spare and thought I'd try it first before buying a different one) The grow bed I'm using is a heavy duty black oval feeder trough, approximately 24x36x14 " so around 40-50 gallons I think? Similar to the one linked here: www.agrisupply.com/oval-tank/p/54747/ I was unable to find 2.5" pipe for the bell cap, so used 2" instead and it seems to be working fine despite that change. What is the min/max GPH you'd recommend for this setup? OH, also, what is the clearance/gap that should exist between the top and the stand pipe and the bell cap top? Just so I can make sure I have that set up right. I think the gap I have it a little too much right now. Other than that I'm just waiting on the growing media to show up tomorrow so I can finish it up and pop some plants in! Really excited to see it in action. Have been wanting to set up a system to filter my koi pond and grow some happy veggies for a while now
@@ethaera Hi Jen. The flow rate will depend on the size & type of media. I've seen folks try to pin down a correct flow rate but it's a bit hard once roots, different sized media & pipes are taken into consideration. With ours I think I worked out that one of ours ran just over 400lph/105gph into 300L/80gal beds but can't find where I wrote that figure down to verify it sorry. With the gap, I've had them work fin with anywhere between 1-2" of clearance between the standpipe & bell top. In saying that, I've seen folks have a lot more clearance than 2" with no issues either. Hope it's all up & running smoothly now Jen. Cheers.
@@RobsAquaponics Thanks! I ended up buying a cheap valve so I could control flow rate. After spending a few days fiddling with it I think it's finally (for now!) working great, but will be easy to adjust later if needed! Just started out with some simple lettuce as I continue learning more, but it seems very happy and healthy with my koi pond water!
Any tricks to get the siphon going at a slower fill rate like 90 gallons per hour? I'm building a small scale system with a 3 gal grow bed and a 20 gal fish tank, no sump and solid filter. Can't seem to get the siphon going with the 90gal pump, I just get a slow flow but the bed stays at the height of the stand pipe. It works when I tested it outside with the garden hose. I'm guessing the bell is getting aerated by the drain and not enough water flowing out to initiate the siphon. Any thoughts on how to make this small system work?
@@RobsAquaponics Thank you it has been extremely helpful! I also found your Amazon affiliate link which has pre-built bell siphons for sale at a reasonable price, I haven't made up my mind on which to purchase because local hardware stores are useless for a lot of these parts and if I combine all the unique parts online it's more expensive than the finished thing, so, I'll probably go with the prebuilt one at first, reluctantly. Doing a prawn (giant freshwater Malaysian) and tilapia (blue, pure species from Lakeway Tilapia) dual-run this winter and I am trying to maximize my energy usage. Any input on how to fit an IBC down basement stairs? Haha... Heating is the major one for energy use, followed by lighting. I appreciate the help!
Hi Richard. The air is removed down through the drain pipe that runs to the sump or fish tank depending on how you have the system set up. If that drain exit o the drain pipe was under water the bell might float if enough air was trapped. Cheers.
Rob Bob's Backyard Farm & Aquaponics thanks! Done alot more research now. I now have a 300 litre sump/fish tank so more water volume. I'm now going to run the the water to a high point where it will run through a series of pipes with plant pots cut in. The water will then drain into a wicking bed style bed. Then back into the sump tank. Thanks for your help
Hi Rob Great video - does it matter what height the bell is above the stand pipe? You say you measured 30mm above stand pipe (250mm + 30mm) is 280mm, but on the video (11:20) you mention the bell is 270mm. I am guessing it is not an issue but don’t want to botch the build. Thanks again, very informative and helpful. Regards David (South Africa)
Hi Rob I´m Ralph from México and i am building an aquapoci system, all was going well but i have problems with the bell siphon i cant get it to stop after the siphon is turn on, i am following your intructions by the letter so will appreciate if you could give me a clue of what´s going on? thanks!
Hey Ralph. 9 times out of 10 it's due to a high flow rate into the grow bed. Try turning the flow down a bit & see how it goes. It can also happen when folks test the siphon with no media in the bed as well. Cheers.
It's very impressive that you have replied almost for every comment . Today I subscribed to your channel hopefully that you help me to create my own aquaponic system.🌺🌼🌹🏵️
Hi Rob great video and now most of us understand how the bell siphon works . Question is do you use timer for pump to start same as you would have to over head irtigat. So adjustable to when watering intervals works for wots growing and if you get alot of rain I'm guessing the siphon will work most of the time when raining ?
We have the pump running 24/7 Anthony. 👍 That way the water from the fish tank is constantly flowing through the beds so the waste can be processed. Cheers.
Thank you so much for this introduction of a Bell siphon! I am a newbie and start learning about aquaponics and I am very interested. What I like to know is, why do you use a Bell siphon for aquaponics? Wouldn't an overflow tube just do it as well? Why do you have to flood and drain all water from time to time? Is there any issue to the process of cleaning the water with bacteria? Or do you want to hinder mosquitoes nesting in the standing water? Or what is the reason? Have a nice day! Dana
the reason is that the roots need oxygen just like the rest of the plant. also the worms might die if the bed stayes flooded. just using an overflow pipe will work mind you but a bell syfon works beter
Hi Dana & sorry for taking so long to respond. Flooding & draining helps to allow O2 into the root zone for the plants & bacteria colonies to use. The bacteria generally do all the water cleaning that is needed other than solids removal. That can be achieved by either letting it settle in the bed or can be removed by a simple mechanical filter, like a radial flow settler/filter, that you can build yourself. Hope that helps you out some & my apologies again for missing you post. Cheers. Rob.
So I have two absolutely identical bellsiphons.....one is working perfectly....the other one gives me the patience run.... If the flow is perfect to initiate the siphon...it empties the bed and then it won't stop....if I reduce the flow....it won't initiate...HELP.... any ideas why this is the way it is....I am at that point where I have one bell siphon and have a U siphon in the other bed. Appreciate your input. Thanks mate.
@@RobsAquaponics oh man....I am still struggling.....I attached a breathing pipe to it, but it still struggles to either initiate or stopping....I am looking now into a U-siphon...downside is I have to completely empty the growing bed to change the siphon because I need to change the outlet. All that while the other one is working perfectly!
@@beevondewitz2794 You'll find that the U siphon can be just as fiddly. Is there anyway you could post a few pictures or video of the build on the top & the drain underneath for me? That will help a lot in working out what could be wrong with it. Some times it can just come down to the fittings &used & angle of the drain under the bed that causes you the issues.
Great video but I wanted to toss in a bit of info on how glue and primer works. The primer doesn't just clean the pipe. It has a reaction with the pipe that softens (almost melts it) it so that when you add the glue it actually "welds" (for lack of better word) the two pieces together. If you only use glue then the glue is the only thing sealing the pipe that that will leak eventually. I know it's not that important but thought you might find it interesting.
The one I built in this clip would work fine in a bed up to about 500L I think.👍 You would just need to follow the steps to make sure that the shroud & standpipe are the right height for the bed you make/use.
@robsaquaponics thank you so much for your amazing videos. Just finished my system and am very happy with it. Any tips to stop the bell burping/gurgling towards the end of the cycle? Would thicker cuts help? Cheers mate! 16:39
good day from Canada, love your videos my wife and i watch them a lot and have learned so much. thank you for taking the time to share! would you be able write a list of the parts for this siphon?
Hi there. I will be adding a bell siphon page to the website that will have a parts list of sorts. The issue I've seen is that names of parts differ in different parts of the world so didn't include it here. The post on the page will include pictures which will help folks more I think. Just need to find the time to pop it up. Cheers.
I have my 6 IBC containers all connected to the same drain and have an external riser pipe with a siphon setting my water level and it drains to my sump tank. Has worked flawlessly for 5 years now. No moving parts or ways to stop working.
Want to learn more about Aquaponics? 🐟 🍓🥬🍅
Now you can with Rob's "Backyard Aquaponics for Beginners" Guide for only $9.95.
You can see the guide in action on my website,
► www.bitsouttheback.com/aquaponics-guide
Or, buy directly here,
► robbobaquaponics.retrieve.com/g/XL0J6T2P#/content/90525
Great explanation of how the Bell siphon works. I finally understand the process now! Thank you
Rob! I know you posted this video about 5 years ago! With what you posted I did exactly and my bell siphon worked perfect the VERY FIRST TIME! I’m on my way now brother! Thank you Thank YOU!!! THANK YOU MATE!!
That's great to read Tracy. 👍
I finally got around to make a trouble shooting video for the bell siphons as well but am glad you don't need to watch it. 😉
Cheers & happy growing mate 🐟🐟🌱🥦
Your ability to explain in simplistic detail is fantastic
Thanks Q Az. Hope it helps you out in any projects you have a crack at.
Cheers.
This is the first video that has made me understand their function. I've seen how to build many of them but your explanation was the best over all.
Thanks Evelyn. Hope to start filming a complete 3 bed system build in a few weeks time.
Cheers & Have a top one
@@RobsAquaponics That will be interesting to see thank you for letting me know.
Your usual excellent job. I have taken to watching one or two of your videos at coffee break this week as the internet is working better than it has in the past four months. Again thanks.
Thanks Calvin & I'm glad you'r getting something from the clips mate. 👍😊
Cheers & all the best.
Only an Aussie would not only know, but use in conversation- the word “swarf” Good on you mate! Made my day
😀 No problem Eric.
Cheers mate & have a top one.
Superb video mate. Great details with no fluff. This video should be required viewing for every other YTer who thinks they can make a "how to" video. And I may never even set up a similar system but I really enjoyed watching. Cheers.
Thanks DW.
Have a great one mate.
Thanks, Rob Bob, you are a great engineer and teacher. You are impacting life positively.Kudos!
Am glad the clips have helped you some mate.
Hope your build goes smoothly for you. 👍👍
you sir are a master at explaining tried many other videos could not understand a thing
This explanation is excellent especially with the graphic. well done sir.
I only made it as far as that great animation. Absolutely perfect explanation - everything I needed to build my own. Super fast. Love your videos, from Oregon, USA.
Hope the build goes well for you Ryan.
Cheers mate.
Ryan Stafford Videos like this are great. Right to the point.
I've been watching bell siphon videos for a while now and not understanding HOW it works...I could've just come here off the bat. Thanks.
Glad it was helpful Marcus.
Cheers mate & have a top one.
Hello have a blessed day folks. i learned a lot from your video now i can correct and fullfill my aquaponic. thanks alot folks.
Am glad it's helped some Alvin. 👍👍
Cheers & all the best.
VERY comprehensive. Professionally delivered Information.
I just released an updated version that contains troubleshooting info, if that helps any.
ua-cam.com/video/hpVzsM_7uZo/v-deo.html
Cheers.
4:46 cutting PVC on table saw is guaranteed way to suck hand into blade vie jamb and power spin of PVC. Excellent advice on debris and eye protection.
Great video! Thanks for making the bell siphon so clear with the animation. The build guide is super helpful, too.
Glad it helped Nathan.
Cheers mate & have a top one.
Yippee! Thanks for excellent info! Today I completed my first chop and flip with bell syphon and it worked perfectly first time. I need to add more media, I’m 470km from nearest shop but have 140kg of lava rock in so far. That’s given me 10cm ish to get the bacteria started! Baby Barra in aquarium in my lounge room ready to go in once it’s ready!! Thanks so much for a great, informative channel… I’m in the red centre of oz!
Nice work JB. I take it the barra will love your summer temps out there. 👍
Cheers mate & happy growing.
Thank you very much,I go with the motto,when I cannot put it together in my mind its too complicate,so another solution is needed or some knowledge !!!I was not able to figure out how these two pipes put together make the water drain without any pump needed and changing levels from almost full to almost zero alternating.I goolged and your video come up again,a confirmation that I need to subscribe : )
Got the point now !!!Thanks and GOD bless you and your family,and your garden also of course !
Glad it helped you out Martin.
Hope the build goes smoothly for you.
Cheers.
@@RobsAquaponics All good so far,waiting for the clay pepples to arrive.I already had a hole of a few centimeters in the top of the barrel,so I closed it with a conical cup and made a hole for a piece of flexible tube.The upper part is a coke bottle,stuck in the conical cup and holes at low level,works nicely.i struggle with leaking on the cover all around it,its a barrel with a coer of about 30cm.I put everything together with hot glue,I hope this is not a problem for the fish and plants.Parts,fishes and seeds are a little bit difficult to get here in Assam/NE India.Specially in the last couple of months.So I use what I have at home anyway which we would have to throw in the trash anyway.
I really appreciate your laid-back demeanor, thank you for sharing your knowledge and experiences with all of us :)
No problem at all Keinan & hope the clips have helped you out mate.
Cheers & have a top one.
I've made several bell siphons, good info on widening the top edge of the downpipe! Thanks
Cheers BillBuck. 👍
Thanks for all the great videos. I am preparing to build a chop and flip IBC and i wouldn't have been able to get started without your uploads.
Is all good mate 👍 How did the build go for you?
Everything is complete and the water is cycling through the system well. I'm just waiting for the bacteria to get established to start converting the ammonia. Thanks again.
Nice one Shayne & happy growing.👍
Thank you for speaking in imperial and metric measurements. It helps us guys on other parts of the planet :-)
Is no problem at all Adrian. 👍
Hope the build goes well for you.
Cheers.
Thank you for clarifying how a bell syphon works.👍👍👍
No Problem. I have a recent troubleshooting one that might help you out if you have issues.
ua-cam.com/video/rKEeXNwSxWU/v-deo.html
Cheers.
Hello,
Thank you for your time posting these tutorials. You mentioned that it takes 10 minutes to fill the grow bed and 3 minutes to drain it with the bell siphon. I calculated your pump at 158.5 gph is doing 2.66 gpm's. My first question is what is your cycle on/off rate so that you exchange the tank water once per hour? My tank is pretty close to the same size and I am still learning and I am having problems getting my flow right. My fish tank(no fish yet) is closer to 190 gallons. My grow bed is 45"x38"x12" . I measured 45"x38"x8" and calulated it will hold 60 gallons +/- of water, stopping at 4" from the top lip. 2 inches above this with river rock and a 2 inch lip above the river rock. I estimated my grow bed to hold 24 gallons of water after the 3/4" river rock owned 60% of the space. River rock 36 gallons, water 24gallons. So does my sump need to be at 24 gallon? I have read that it is a good ides to add 50% additional, making the proper sump tank 36 gallons. Sound right? I initially estimated mine to be 18 gallons and that is what I used and I am having a flow exchange issue. emptying the sump tank faster than the radial flow filter will replenish it. I made a video under my name showing what I have going on and asking for suggestions from someone that knows. But anyhow I think I will reduce the size of my bell sipon from 1 1/2 to 1 in like yours and incrase the size of my sump to 35 ish gallons. My sump now currently gravity fills from the radial filter and it is overflowing until the fish tank and radial filter level off and the radial filter bucket drains low enough to stop flowing into the sump tank. First attempt at this. Sorry to be long winded. Thank you again.
Hi Rob.
The size of your sump needs to be at least as large as the grow bed so it can hold enough water to cover the pump as well as leave enough in there so you don't need to be constantly topping it up with fresh water all the time.
You can use the 50% of bed volume once you start adding additional beds to the system is the rule I like to follow.
I just had a gander at you system clip & think you need to increase the size of your sump to at least the total volume of your grow bed, if not larger for the reasons I stated above as well as to be able to hold the total volume of the grow bed in it.
How do you have the stilling well on the radial flow filter connected? If it's airtight it may be initiating a siphon & draining faster than it would via gravity.
Hope that helps some mate.
Thanks for taking the effort of making the animation - now I get it!
Glad I could help some Sandy. 👍
Cheers.
Hi Bob, I love this video., thanks so much for sharing tutos like this. It enables anyone out here to setup his own system. thanks again.
Glad it was helpful!👍👍
it was... actually so easy. this is really great. Im pretty slow so this easy explanation already gave me an idea to make my own.
Great video. Metric sounds so easy. The base plate is extremely valuable. I built my first versions without a baseplate and it was pretty painful if I moved the shroud at all.
The stainless screws only work in air. I tried using something similar underground outside and the water leaked out because it couldn't air dry a seal around the screw.
Thanks for the great explanation!
Thanks for that Joe. Have never tried to bury them but will keep it in mind.
Cheers & have a top one.
@@RobsAquaponics Ya, it surprised me too. I think when you do the screw method a little tiny bit of water leaks out and dries and seals. But if the pipes are in a place where it'll wick away the water never air seels. Pretty cool.
Simplist explaination is best - very helpful video !
Glad you enjoyed it Graeme.
Cheers mate & have a top one.
Great video, thank you! I'll be using you DIY depth gauge and the tape & screw fittings forevermore.
Cheers Kevin. 👍
I use this exact kind of bell, it has been foolproof for 3 yrs now. Your videos were paramount in my backyard success. Thanks Rob Bob
Glad to hear they'e going well for you Joe & the clips migt of helped you out some.
Cheers mate & all the best.
Rob.
I really appreciate your videos, thank you for taking the time to educate. One trick that I've learned over the years when cutting PVC is that you can turn your saw blade around (reverse the teeth) and you will never fracture the PVC/plastic.
Cheers for that mat. Will try that on the batch of bell siphons I'll be making soon.
Cheers mate. 👍
Used your ideas and methods to make a bell siphon. I've got a 1/2 - 55 Gallon barrel. Works like a charm. Thanks!
This is a test grow bed. If everything works well I plan on going larger and use my 3000 pond and several grow beds.
I've got Green Onions, Jalapeno Pepper, Patty Pan Squash, Lettuce, Cherry Tomato, Carrots and Radishes.
Very well explained, Affnan has been after me to get an aquaponices system started, I do like the new system he has with the rain gutters, Very simple and easy to build.
Ginger is looking very good.
They are a sweet system he's knocked up & it's the next logical step from the fish farm you've got on the go. That one barrel could run a fair number of beds too ;)
Cheers mate.
now i fully understand the bell siphon cycle.much thanks for the video it helps a lot.keep it up
I'm glad it helped some mate. I have more information on the siphons on our Guide,
www.bitsouttheback.com/aquaponics-guide
& also in this UA-cam video if it helps,
ua-cam.com/video/rKEeXNwSxWU/v-deo.html
Cheers & happy growing.
Another great one, thanks! Even better and even clearer than the last time I watched you explain it, and I thought that one was good... Happy growing.
Thanks for the feedback Andrew.
Cheers mate & all the best.
Your channel teached me a lot about aquaponics keep up with the good content
Glad I can help some M9G
Have a top one.
".. and you're laughing". I just love Australia!!
😀😜
Cheers Mohammed & have a top one mate. 👍
Me too
T
you single handed re peaked my interest in this subject due to the simple way you delivered it nice one falla keep it up- of course i subbed
Hope you're enjoying the rest of the aquaponics content mate.
Cheers.
Thanks for your videos, i am learning a lot from it, for now just trying to learn about every little things about different kinds aquaponics system, i will be building my very first aquaponics system hopefully this coming summer, once again thank you.
Hope the build goes smoothly for you L Y. 👍
Cheers & happy growing .🌱🐟
Hi. Love your videos. Thank you for all of your help and insight. I am planning a system for the basement of my house and your vids are a great help.
Is great to hear they've given you a few ideas. 👍
Hope the build goes well.
Thank you for all of your hard work and knowledge. You helped me so much.
Glad to help & hope your build goes smoothly.
i am only just starting to research aquaponics and soon i hope to get started with my own..........i found a link to your videos through 'DIY Aquaponics' app on android. I have Subscribed because i love your videos and the app has a lot of good info for a beginner like me.......Thanks a Lot :)
Thanks so much for converting the metric measurements. Very thoughtful
No Problem Sheryl.
Cheers.
The system siphon very good, and excellent video, well explained, this if it is a video does not matter the language in which the audio is recorded, the images speak for themselves, congratulations tocallo (not by the name, but by the beards) . A hug and thanks for giving for free. I do not speak Inglis, but your video teaches, trains, that treats the teaching - learning process, you are a good teacher. Thank you. Take care man, see you. I'll sign up and I'll give you a little finger up, bye.
Excellent video! Especially thank you for translating both inches and metric!
Please be super careful when cutting those notches into the shroud with the miter saw. I know a pro who lost his hand to a miter saw...good idea would be to start with a longer 4” pipe, cut your slots (keeping your hands away from blade), then trim to length after slots are done.....also, I too was having some problems with the siphon initiation. Another easy way to assure the initiation is to have the drain begin with a 90 degree angle, pipes 1st 1-2 ft stay horizontal, then down to storage.
Again, awesome tape. Thanks!!!
Glad you enjoyed it Dan.👍
I grew up working in my father's engineering factory so have experience working with dangerous tools. But in saying that, you make a very good point about starting with a longer section & cutting it down once the slots are cut. 👍
Cheers mate & happy growing.
Good one Rob
I built basically the same siphon (Yep Affnan as well... a sharp dude) and after initial tinkering with drain pipe extension / fittings, it works flawless. I had some 4" slotted ag pipe and seems to work good for a shroud.
Thanks for more great info. The mega ginger looks awesome.
hope all's well
Jeff
Hi Jeff.
There's a reason the Affnana's siphon has become the standard 👍
Hope to be pulling the ginger out this weekend If I get the time.
Cheers mate & hope seasons treating you well. 😊
Rob.
I love your channel! I have been watching for a while now 🙏 I've made 1 back in high school 2012 for my senior year project to graduate and i plan to do this again with this system setup. Thank you for the motivation brother and keep up the good work 🤙🏽
That's great to hear Rypes 808 👍
Hope the build went well mate & happy growing. 🌱🌱
A great video to see (informative and explained in a practical way)........... thanks
Glad I could help Asif. 👍
Thanks for the great explanations im making a tiny indoor aquaponics system
Have fun with the build Nate. 👍
thanks for all the vids lots of info an very easy to follow have a blessed day Rob.
Cheers J. C.
Have a top one. 👍
What a wonderfully, informative video. Thanks for sharing!
Glad you enjoyed it Mel. I just released a trouble shooting video on the bell siphons if it helps any,
ua-cam.com/video/rKEeXNwSxWU/v-deo.html
Cheers & have a top one.
Thanks for that bit of walkthrough, I've been looking into setting up a small scale aquaponics setup, and like the bell siphon method best so far from what I have seen
Glad I could help some. Have you started the build yet?
Hi, thanks for the response.
No, I have not started yet, it's been pretty wet here in California so far, so I have not been able to get anything started. I did draw out an idea of what I would like, (drafting classes 15-20 years ago come in handy sometimes) though it is probably bigger then I should go with no experience with any systems other then conventional, in the ground gardening, and limited funds (I like my plan drawing, and really think it could do wonders, 150gal tank and 88 ft² of beds, but would be more then I can spend most likely).
Hopefully I can decide what size system I want to put in soon. I'm going to have at least one area 6 feet wide and 20 feet long, possibly 2, depending on how in depth I want to get. Typically we would have 2x-3x that space, but outside circumstances have cut that space down for this season.
I have also thought that the chop and flip setup you have shown, especially with the 55gal drums, that could be a good way for me to start out and learn the ropes of aquaponics before going full size. I also would really like to use edible fish, which I will have to research some, and find the best fish for here, summer get to the low to high 90s ºF (mid 30's ºC).
I do plan, once I start, to post videos about it on my channel, and show my progress.
Is great to hear that you are putting a fair amount of thought into the system before lifting any tools. Planning could save you a lot of pain down the track.
Cheers & have fun with the build.
Very timely that I stumbled on your video. I'm setting up some grow beds using IBCs & need to make some bell siphons. I've subscribed & looking forward to checking out your other videos. Greetings from Vic 😊👍
Hope the build goes smoothly Wazowski. 👍
Right on Rob:) Good stuff my friend! I know the editing is not easy so very good job with this video!
Does take a while to sort it all out ;)
Cheers mate.
Hey Rob great clip, i had my G/B,s on timers off at night and if it stops at the wrong cycle you have a G/B full of water, so I drilled small hole just above bulk head and like your cap is doing slowly drain the lowest point and in the morning all beds where fully drained and a new cycle again and on and off in intervals during the day without affecting the bell syphon. Makes me want to get back into it..
Hi Michael.
😃 Good time to pop some trout in if you do decide to resurrect it mate 😉
Hope all's well Michael.
Rob
Just brought my first 6 growbeds online yesterday here in Melbourne. But I used 2 external syphones to drain 3 beds each they work well and are less noisy I find.Maybe a nice one to explane Rob
Nice one. Do you have a clip or some shots up online ?
Am looking at adding an external to run a few barrels in the system here for the spice plants.
Cheers.
Thank you for the reply (first one ever from a youtuber) :)
If you want you can add me on Skype I'm under the same username there and I can send you some pics or vid there
Hi there. I don't skype sorry but you can get me on our FaceBook or G+ pages if that helps.
facebook.com/Bitsouttheback
plus.google.com/u/0/+RobBob/posts
Cheers 👍
Thanks - it's handy to have this so I can show others how to make them.
Glad I can help Andy.
Cheers mate. 👍
Thank you Mr Gandalf. I learnt a lot from you! You’re De Champ!
🤣
Glad it helped Some SD 👍
You were my motivation to build a chop and flip aquaponics system I went out and got the IBC Tote got the cage cut but couldn't get all the screws out of the bottom frame cuz they were stripped I tried a few different techniques to get them out but I haven't had much luck yet once I get those out I'll be able to continue on with the project I'll be posting on my page if you'd like to check it out and maybe give me a few pointers
I got my IBC Tote shop flip and painted about to start on the Bell siphon. Thanks Rob
you my friend.. .genius... you are a teacher and master at this thank you
Glad I could help some Carel. 👍
Have fun with the build.
We use a bell siphon and this just explains it so well! Sharing with a gardening facebook group I'm on!
Glad it was helpful Ann.
Have a great one.
youtube put this video in my way a few days ago, now i have an aquaponic rig at home...i am a slave of the algorithm.
😄 Have heard a similar tale from other folks Dave.
Cheers mate & happy growing. 🐟👍
Thank you mate.. I wonder of you could share the measurements of how big the pipes used..
You can find the measurements on my site Cho,
www.bitsouttheback.com/chop-and-flip-aquaponic-system
Hope that helps.
Absolutely love your work mate! Thanks to your awesome videos I've been able to make my very first aquaponic fish tank to play around with to get started and learn more about aquaponics! Next project I will be attempting to make an IBC aquaponic tank.
Nice one Dion.
Hope it's growing well for you. 👍👍🌱
Part breakdown:
There are 3 parts to a bell siphon: a shroud, a standpipe, and a bell.
The shroud has a 4 inch diameter pipe with 2 end caps
The standpipe has a 25mm to 20 mm reducer, a 20 mm pipe, a 20 to 25 mm adapter bush, a 25 mm valve socket, and a 25 mm bulkhead fitting
The bell is a 45 mm pipe with an end cap
You're welcome!
Wonderful presenter and a great Master. Thanks!!!
I'm glad it helped you out some Karel.
Happy growing.
Hi Rob, Great explanation I never got really how it works before.
Hi Raf. Glad I could help some.
Have a great one mate.
Thanks Rob, helpful as always. Just setting up a system in the UK and your vid's have been really useful. Have you thought of putting the ads on your vids. Your helping folk out ,may as well get payed for it. ha ha . Thanks again.
Hi 0188rich & thanks.
I have them "monetised" with UA-cam so do get a bit of coin from them. Also started up a Patreon account where I post short updates every day or so as well. That helps to pay for some of the time I spend answering questions everyday 👍😉
Cheers & all the best.
Rob.
THANKS FOR THE USEFUL INFORMATION..IM designing a vertical aquaponic system with pvc..it will consist of about four vertical pvc. should i put a bell syphon in each pvc ?
If the pipes are vertical you can just let the water run out the base into a trough & depending on how you have it plumbed back up, back into the sump or fish tank.
Bell & other siphons are generally used in media based grow beds.
Cheers.
Thanks for another great "how to" video! I'm gonna have my first crack at bell siphons this weekend.
Hope it went well Paul.
Cheers.
+Rob Bob's Backyard Farming I managed to get all the bits but unfortunately ran out of time, hopefully next weekend. I'll let you know how it goes.
The weekend flew by for me as well.
Cheers mate.
Thank you so much Rob Bob's! your video answers all my question about Bell Siphon.
No problem Oscar.
Cheers & have a top one.
you deserve more views than that, respect sir!!!
Thanks 🙂
Feel free to share the clips if you think they're helpful as that helps the channel as well. 👍
Cheers & happy growing. 🌱🌱🌱
I've just recently got into hydroponics and thought this would be an awesome stepping stone for my next experiment. I'm just wondering if a system like this would ever develop algae problems in the reservoir where the fish live? I've watched a few of your videos now and have learned a lot. keep up the good work!
You will get a small amount of bio slime & algae form. The bio slime is beneficial so I leave that be. Algae can be controlled by limiting the amount of sunlight that hist the wet surfaces.
Hope that helps you out some Hans. 👍
Appreciate your content. Could you do a video on fine tuning the bells
Hey David. Have been planning to do one for a while now but never get around to it. Will bump it up on the list of videos to to.
Cheers mate.
@@RobsAquaponics that would be great. You may recall a question I made previously about 2 of my beds producing differently. The bad bed has a slower cycle but I can't speed it up cuz then the bell fails to stop.
awesome video thanks.....it explains the bell siphon perfectly
So the pump stays on even when draining the bed? it just siphons the water much quicker than what is being pumped in?
That's it Kostya. 👍
Once it's dialled in it should work flawlessly.
Great tutorial! thank you! I was looking at kits to purchase and felt like 40-50 bucks plus shipping for a few pieces of PVC was pretty ridiculous! lol... will be whipping one of these up in short order!
Would love to know how you get on Jen. 👍
Have fun with the build.
@@RobsAquaponics I completed it yesterday, very easy build and works great though needs a bit of fine tuning! (including the time it took to shop for all the pipes and fittings it only took a few hours to build start to finish)
I opted to order the uni-seal online which I'm really happy with, makes it really easy to adjust stand pipe height even as it's running) the one issue I'm finding is that the pump I am using is filling too fast for the siphon to drain adequately (it's 5200GPH, I already had it as a spare and thought I'd try it first before buying a different one)
The grow bed I'm using is a heavy duty black oval feeder trough, approximately 24x36x14 " so around 40-50 gallons I think? Similar to the one linked here: www.agrisupply.com/oval-tank/p/54747/
I was unable to find 2.5" pipe for the bell cap, so used 2" instead and it seems to be working fine despite that change.
What is the min/max GPH you'd recommend for this setup?
OH, also, what is the clearance/gap that should exist between the top and the stand pipe and the bell cap top? Just so I can make sure I have that set up right. I think the gap I have it a little too much right now.
Other than that I'm just waiting on the growing media to show up tomorrow so I can finish it up and pop some plants in!
Really excited to see it in action. Have been wanting to set up a system to filter my koi pond and grow some happy veggies for a while now
@@ethaera Hi Jen.
The flow rate will depend on the size & type of media. I've seen folks try to pin down a correct flow rate but it's a bit hard once roots, different sized media & pipes are taken into consideration. With ours I think I worked out that one of ours ran just over 400lph/105gph into 300L/80gal beds but can't find where I wrote that figure down to verify it sorry.
With the gap, I've had them work fin with anywhere between 1-2" of clearance between the standpipe & bell top. In saying that, I've seen folks have a lot more clearance than 2" with no issues either.
Hope it's all up & running smoothly now Jen.
Cheers.
@@RobsAquaponics Thanks! I ended up buying a cheap valve so I could control flow rate. After spending a few days fiddling with it I think it's finally (for now!) working great, but will be easy to adjust later if needed! Just started out with some simple lettuce as I continue learning more, but it seems very happy and healthy with my koi pond water!
Any tricks to get the siphon going at a slower fill rate like 90 gallons per hour? I'm building a small scale system with a 3 gal grow bed and a 20 gal fish tank, no sump and solid filter. Can't seem to get the siphon going with the 90gal pump, I just get a slow flow but the bed stays at the height of the stand pipe. It works when I tested it outside with the garden hose. I'm guessing the bell is getting aerated by the drain and not enough water flowing out to initiate the siphon. Any thoughts on how to make this small system work?
Nvm, just found out about a s trap.
No problem mate.
How's the system running now James?
Cheers.
ok your little diagram was awesome. i now know how it works. thank you so much
Might be holding open days & workshops in the future so you may get a chance xxblatxx.
Cheers.
A complete parts list for this build would be deeply appreciated!
Hey Thomas.
You can find it here,
www.bitsouttheback.com/chop-and-flip-aquaponic-system
Cheers mate.
@@RobsAquaponics Thank you it has been extremely helpful!
I also found your Amazon affiliate link which has pre-built bell siphons for sale at a reasonable price, I haven't made up my mind on which to purchase because local hardware stores are useless for a lot of these parts and if I combine all the unique parts online it's more expensive than the finished thing, so, I'll probably go with the prebuilt one at first, reluctantly.
Doing a prawn (giant freshwater Malaysian) and tilapia (blue, pure species from Lakeway Tilapia) dual-run this winter and I am trying to maximize my energy usage. Any input on how to fit an IBC down basement stairs? Haha...
Heating is the major one for energy use, followed by lighting. I appreciate the help!
Fantastic video. I'm going to try this indoors and breed tropical live bearers in the sump. Does the syphon part not lift up when it fills with air?
Hi Richard. The air is removed down through the drain pipe that runs to the sump or fish tank depending on how you have the system set up. If that drain exit o the drain pipe was under water the bell might float if enough air was trapped.
Cheers.
Rob Bob's Backyard Farm & Aquaponics thanks! Done alot more research now. I now have a 300 litre sump/fish tank so more water volume. I'm now going to run the the water to a high point where it will run through a series of pipes with plant pots cut in. The water will then drain into a wicking bed style bed. Then back into the sump tank. Thanks for your help
You have the best videos by far!
Thanks George.
Have a top one mate.
Hi Rob
Great video - does it matter what height the bell is above the stand pipe?
You say you measured 30mm above stand pipe (250mm + 30mm) is 280mm, but on the video (11:20) you mention the bell is 270mm.
I am guessing it is not an issue but don’t want to botch the build.
Thanks again, very informative and helpful.
Regards David (South Africa)
I'd make it 280mm and test it out, you can always cut it down 10mm if it's not initiating properly.
From memory the 30 is from the base of the bed while the 280mm is from the top of the bulkhead fitting base.👍👍
Hope the build went well for you mate.
Brilliant video Rob. I'm just learning everything I need to set up my first starter system and this has been so helpful.
Nice one Nicole. Hope the build goes well for you.
Cheers,
Rob.
Hi Rob I´m Ralph from México and i am building an aquapoci system, all was going well but i have problems with the bell siphon i cant get it to stop after the siphon is turn on, i am following your intructions by the letter so will appreciate if you could give me a clue of what´s going on? thanks!
Hey Ralph. 9 times out of 10 it's due to a high flow rate into the grow bed. Try turning the flow down a bit & see how it goes.
It can also happen when folks test the siphon with no media in the bed as well.
Cheers.
It's very impressive that you have replied almost for every comment .
Today I subscribed to your channel hopefully that you help me to create my own aquaponic system.🌺🌼🌹🏵️
I hope the build goes smoothly when the time comes Firas. 👍👍
Well done rob,
a very informative video,
your doing an awesome donation the the public. About gardening and aquaponics.
Hi & thanks.
Hope it comes in handy for you.
Cheers.
Hi Rob great video and now most of us understand how the bell siphon works . Question is do you use timer for pump to start same as you would have to over head irtigat. So adjustable to when watering intervals works for wots growing and if you get alot of rain I'm guessing the siphon will work most of the time when raining ?
We have the pump running 24/7 Anthony. 👍 That way the water from the fish tank is constantly flowing through the beds so the waste can be processed.
Cheers.
Thank you so much for this introduction of a Bell siphon!
I am a newbie and start learning about aquaponics and I am very interested.
What I like to know is, why do you use a Bell siphon for aquaponics? Wouldn't an overflow tube just do it as well? Why do you have to flood and drain all water from time to time?
Is there any issue to the process of cleaning the water with bacteria?
Or do you want to hinder mosquitoes nesting in the standing water?
Or what is the reason?
Have a nice day!
Dana
the reason is that the roots need oxygen just like the rest of the plant. also the worms might die if the bed stayes flooded. just using an overflow pipe will work mind you but a bell syfon works beter
Hi Dana & sorry for taking so long to respond.
Flooding & draining helps to allow O2 into the root zone for the plants & bacteria colonies to use.
The bacteria generally do all the water cleaning that is needed other than solids removal. That can be achieved by either letting it settle in the bed or can be removed by a simple mechanical filter, like a radial flow settler/filter, that you can build yourself.
Hope that helps you out some & my apologies again for missing you post.
Cheers.
Rob.
hi there great video but i have one question does this setup need a pump or no to run please let me know thank you.
Hi Nathan. They do need a pump to get the water to the grow bed somehow. How it's run, solar or of the grid, it up to you.
Cheers mate.
So I have two absolutely identical bellsiphons.....one is working perfectly....the other one gives me the patience run.... If the flow is perfect to initiate the siphon...it empties the bed and then it won't stop....if I reduce the flow....it won't initiate...HELP....
any ideas why this is the way it is....I am at that point where I have one bell siphon and have a U siphon in the other bed. Appreciate your input. Thanks mate.
Sorry it took so long to get back to you. Did you end up sorting out the issue?
@@RobsAquaponics oh man....I am still struggling.....I attached a breathing pipe to it, but it still struggles to either initiate or stopping....I am looking now into a U-siphon...downside is I have to completely empty the growing bed to change the siphon because I need to change the outlet. All that while the other one is working perfectly!
@@beevondewitz2794 You'll find that the U siphon can be just as fiddly.
Is there anyway you could post a few pictures or video of the build on the top & the drain underneath for me? That will help a lot in working out what could be wrong with it. Some times it can just come down to the fittings &used & angle of the drain under the bed that causes you the issues.
Great video but I wanted to toss in a bit of info on how glue and primer works. The primer doesn't just clean the pipe. It has a reaction with the pipe that softens (almost melts it) it so that when you add the glue it actually "welds" (for lack of better word) the two pieces together. If you only use glue then the glue is the only thing sealing the pipe that that will leak eventually. I know it's not that important but thought you might find it interesting.
Cheers mate.
hi hello Im new for aquaphonic can I ask what is ideal size of bell siphon,please,thanks and god bless you sir
The one I built in this clip would work fine in a bed up to about 500L I think.👍 You would just need to follow the steps to make sure that the shroud & standpipe are the right height for the bed you make/use.
@robsaquaponics thank you so much for your amazing videos. Just finished my system and am very happy with it. Any tips to stop the bell burping/gurgling towards the end of the cycle? Would thicker cuts help? Cheers mate! 16:39
good day from Canada, love your videos my wife and i watch them a lot and have learned so much.
thank you for taking the time to share!
would you be able write a list of the parts for this siphon?
Hi there. I will be adding a bell siphon page to the website that will have a parts list of sorts. The issue I've seen is that names of parts differ in different parts of the world so didn't include it here. The post on the page will include pictures which will help folks more I think. Just need to find the time to pop it up.
Cheers.
You are so dedicated to sharing - thank you.
Is all good mate 👍 Like to help fol;ks out where I can.
Cheers & have a great one Geoffrey.
Well explained Bob
Cheers Rob. 👍
Rob, good one. Thank you for sharing!!
How to make the calculations on the bed size, flow in and flow out?
I have my 6 IBC containers all connected to the same drain and have an external riser pipe with a siphon setting my water level and it drains to my sump tank. Has worked flawlessly for 5 years now. No moving parts or ways to stop working.
Nice one Steve.