Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hello, I've just built my first CHIFT PIST aquaponics system. I've read about, researched, and explored must about aquaponics, so I am no stranger to the theory behind this. However, this is my first attempt at application. My system uses a 275 gal IBC tote for the fish tank and another 275 gal tote for the grow bed and sump tank. I have a great hydrofarm pump that can do up to 1110 gal/hour--I forget at which head height. I intend to run the pump 24/7. I have the entire system, except for bell siphon components, plumbed with 3/4" pipe. With the water pump at full blast the fish tank will not drain fast enough and eventually will overflow. With the water pump set at its slowest setting the fish tank will still not drain fast enough. I was thinking of adding some diversion plumbing back into the sump tank, but I'm not sure where in the plumbing I should insert this or what size pipe the diverting piping should be. I'm thinking that if I put the diversion shortly after the pump and use 1/2" plumbing it might be good enough. What do you all think? Is there another solution to this problem? What further information do you need to offer the best advice?

AquaMissionary

Welcome mate. Sounds like you're right into it. Great stuff. Give us some pics.
Cheers.

Welcome.

You need to be sure to turn over your fish tank volume at least 1X per hour. If your drain pipes out of your FT won't handle this then you need to upsize. Are you running an SLO?

Be sure to plumb a seperate overflow in your FT going to the ST.

Since you're using 3/4 pipe, just Tee into it coming out of the ST and put a ball valve on it to adjust the diverted flow.

Using 3/4 pipe for the standpipe for the Bell Siphon, you're gonna need a 1-1/2" pipe for the actual Bell siphon itself.