Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi JPM!
I was wondering what fittings you used for your autosiphons. The setup is so slick, I would love to know how you did it. It looks like you're using a fridge/dishwasher pressure hose with normal PVC fittings, but I can't tell what the piece is that connects the hose to the PVC, or the piece where the PVC connects to the barrel GB. What are they?

Hi Willis_t. The fittings are all standard off the shelf MPT to hose connectors. The hose is just standard 1/2" ID rubber hose. My last group is red because the clear ones were growing algae like it was a cash crop. I'm going to convert my first 4 over to the red also.

I'm just screwing the hose connector right into a threaded 1/2" pipe fitting.

Here's a link that shows some different types. You can get them at Home Depot or Lowes. This site has MUCH better prices though if you need several and shipping doesn't eat up the savings.

http://www.clearpvcpipe.com/index.asp?P ... ProdID=406

Let me know if you still need more info and I'll get it for you.

Hmm, yeah that's what I was looking for. I went to HD the other day and was disappointed. I was not able to find the parts like you suggested. And come to find out, the fittings they sell for the poly pcv pipe are incompatible(too tight) with normal PVC fittings. They'll screw on a few turns then stop.
So I need to go back again. Are you using a female adapter with a threaded end plug on the inside to attach the assembly to the GB? How are you waterproofing?

I'll be at HD either tomorrow or monday. If you like, I'll get the sku numbers for you. As to the GB hookup. I drill a hole just barely big enough for a 1/2" male adapter. I put the adapter through the hole and use a 1/2" conduit nut on the inside. I use silicone around the outside and don't touch it until the next day. Then I glue a short piece of pvc into the adapter and on the other end of the pvc pipe I glue on a coupling(soc one end, threaded on the other). Now my pipe to hose connector will now just screw right into the pvc coupling.
Hope this helps. Let me know if you want me to get the sku numbers for you.

Thanks, I think I've got it. I don't think I'll need them. Went and scoped it out again and looks promising.
Although the "help" from the orange-aproned "helpers" was pathetic. They tried to convince me that a tapered thread PCV fitting would work on a straight-thread flex-PVC fitting, among other things. I found what I was looking for in another section. Do they actually have to have trade experience or just a warm body to work there?
I was confused about how to do a good bulkhead seal, but I think now I have an idea. I have read about using aquarium silicone. Thanks Mark!

Glad you've got it going. Sometimes the orange helpers are ok but I think they are told that they have to give you an answer even if they don't know. I've been given so much bad advise there I don't even ask anymore.


You'll find the fittings you need in the section with all the brass fittings. If you have a Lowes, they'll have a better selection and more stock too.

I've had somewhat better luck with the plumbing sections of the other big box store than at Home Depot but it does vary from store to store also.

Mark--Yep that's where I found the stuff I need. We do have a both stores here, as well as normal small hardware stores, and a large farm supply store.
TCLynx-- Are you meaning Lowes or other stores? I have thought about looking at a farm/tractor supply store. Might be easier to find the bulkhead fittings there. If not, can easily make my own. (Thank you search function and Google!)

Hopefully I can get my fittings bought today and have the system running by Weds. <cross fingers> Then I can have my own thread! Yay!

Thanks all!

I find the plumbing department of the Lowes around here to be a bit better than home depot.

There is another thread about DIY bulkhead fittings which might be of interest to you.
http://backyardaquaponics.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=3667

Congrats WT. Remember we like pics.. Lots of them. It's almost a requirement to post them when you have your system together. Otherwise expect some severe verbal abuse!

TC, That's the one I was referring to. Glad to know there's some knowledge and help available here!

Mark, Sure thing. Pics are no problem. Soon as I get the system setup and not looking like a junkyard.

My smarter half has made it mandatory that the whole setup become "neater and less, ahem, junky." Pshaaawww I say, it's fine! Uh, I mean, "Yes dear."
I still have to pick out and buy the pump, and I can't really decide. It seems I am choosing between a "pond pump" at about $49 or a real sump pump (1/3 HP, ~3000 gpm) with integral float switch for close to $90. The pond pump should work fine, though I don't know if it's designed for 100% duty cycle. But the sump pump would work for future upgrades if I decide to go bigger, or run a CHIFT PIST, which I would like to. I haven't fully sold the better half on the whole AP thing, though I think she's tipping my way. Any advice, marital or AP-wise?

Most pond pumps are designed for continuous Where a lot of sump pumps are not[be wise to ask a lot of questians]

Yeah that's what I gathered. I think I'm going to go with a good mag-drive pond pump.
Ebay seemed to have some good prices. My FT is a sheeting-lined galv water trough, about 200-ish gallons I think.
That should do for now, but if I expand hopefully it will get me by until I can get another(bigger) pump. Which won't be for a while...until school's done at least.
But then, for graduation and more salary!
OK now I really need my own thread and to stop hijacking Mark's!

When getting a pump to run all the time, it is not only important to get something that is designed to run continuously but also to look for something energy efficient for the needed flow rate. It is definitely worth spending a little extra money to get an energy efficient pump as it will save more money in the long run. I learned this first hand since pumps with the same flow rate can have drastically different power requirements.

+1 for pump power v's flow