Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Did any one work out if using a cylinda on a pivet like a bamboo foutain could be used to activate a f&d cycle. Kinda like one to fill and start the fill. And when the gb fills it overflows and fills another cylinda that kick the first back into the off position.

+1 on the external mechanism. That would make it easier to adjust. Trying to adjust by design length/height did get cumbersome in my prototype that I'm using. External device like a simple slide bar between the 'hinge' and the float that can limit the movement range of the float end would be good. Ensure that it is stable and does not shift out of position.

Let's get some preliminary feedback started about what people would pay (and features requested) for a 1 inch (25mm) version of the Flout. What will be the approximate external dimensions for a 1 inch unit? (to give everyone an idea if it may suit them). From first hand experience, I know the device works really well once it's constructed properly (and at ANY flow rate!). I would consider buying a single output unit at $5 USD for my bigger system in the future (just a starting point here). Beyond that price, I could just as easily build myself a bell siphon or loop siphon. I could bump up my consideration to $10 easily if the device would be external to the tank as you described.

I know few people are limited on indoor space while others would want the ability to alternate the outputs (2 or more).

Thorn

Just the pipework etc would cost more than that in materials. A properly designed head and weight with the flexi pipe would save a lot of stuffing around, the external box is the easy bit.
An alternating flout is a lot more complex and I'm sure there would be interest from those who want alternating GB's flooded or drained. Ell is the only one I know who perfected this and it didn't look easy.

My setup sequences the GB's. It detects when the autosiphon kicks in to empty the bed, then automatically diverts the water to the next bed. The current design allows for up to four serial GB's.

Sorry Novaris Think possibly Steve might have one as well based on low pressure solenoids.
Like the mechanical solution though

I'm not sure if the low pressure solenoids worked well I think they have clogging problems, maybe Steve can let us know. My current design was based partly on ELL's I am currently thinking of a new design for smaller setups, the idea came from hygicell's float valves. You could use a ping pong or squash ball in a pvc pipe as a plug.

Could probably get a one to work on toilet cisterns with solenoids, thought about it for a while. You just require the effort to push the button.

These are photos of the 3 way CueBox Flout sequencer. 36x36 with an 8" Drawdown. Yields about 45 USGs per discharge. Still too large for most of your systems I think, but it is a start. Still working a smaller scale unit.
Additionaly, we have a new design for the 1" flex coupling. I was thinking we could sell one coupling a few bits & pieces, and the license to produce one home built Flout for maybe $10. And I would offer support/advice on building/troubleshooting of the Flout for those that might need it.
If you hold a patent you must defend the patent, otherwise you lose all rights. I think this might be a way to allow all of the crative people here to get a Flout for their system and spend more time growing plants and raising fish.
What do you all think?

I see your creative ingenious goes beyond flouts What a great idea.

Nice work... and fair price Sparkchaser.... thanks for your continued interest and development...

That is wonderful Sparkchaser! This past weekend I just combined one of my growbeds with an overflow to be controlled by the other growbeds' miniature floating outlet I made because it has yet to fail me unlike the multiple bell siphons and loops I've tried on my extremely slow flow system. The price reduction is awesome! Selling the flex coupling and box would allow us to use whatever length of pvc we need to accommodate each of our systems without the added need for a height adjustment on the unit (maybe offer this feature at a higher price?).

Design concept for adjustment: Have a horizontal pipe/board (fish safe of course) that secures to the front of the flex coupling and extends underneath or beside the box. Attach a nylon eyehole thumbscrew to the end of the board/etc and run nylon/poly string to the box. Maximum float height can then be adjusted by turning the eyehole screw.

1" 2" 3" 6" Sizes

$10 for the 1" coupling and box would probably get some good interest.

Sparkchaser, has this progressed any?