Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Affnan, my hero

I run a CHIFT PIST system with a small sump which contains a float activated pump returning water to the FT so in effect it is continuously flowing water into the GB but due to the small sump it is not suitable to use a timer and standpipes.

Because of this I knew I would need auto-siphons. I tried simple loop syphons but the would not drain fast enough because I could not find big enough pipe for my GB size that could form a smooth arc to maintain the hydrostatic effect of the water to trigger the siphons.

Next I though I would build some bell siphons as they seemed easy and other people could get them to work. No matter what I tried I could not get them to work, they would start OK but when they would very frequently have a large dribble after the first siphon that was equivalent to the inflow to the GBs and therefore would not trigger a second drain and the beds were constantly flooded. I tried changing the size, shape and height of the water trap, bell, standpipe and breather tube in every possible combination but nothing worked finally I stumbled upon your variation on the bell siphon and in a final act of desperation I gave it a try.

Guess what... you’re probably not surprised, but I was... it worked

First time and every time since with out fail. 7 days mucking around with a bell siphon with no joy and only half hour to build what I have named on this forum "The Affnan Siphon" (in your honour). I now have three Affnan siphons two big and one small and they all work perfectly.

You are a legend and you probably saved my system, my sanity and my marriage.

Good on ya mate, keep up the inventions

you make me with this bell......nice sound............

Thank you Simo,, great to hear you have success. I was in same position few years back, endless experimenting until the neighbour think I'm nut. Lucky for me I have a supportive wife, either this or my crazy superbikers friend, I think she figure out herself which is better...

I have decided to remain silent on my bell valve issue and stop promoting or talking about it here or anywhere except on my blog, I give it the "Time Trial", let it prove itself overtime and if its good, it will survive the critics.

If is just another flash in the pants, it will die a natural death... only user will be able to see the difference.

Incidently today, one of the valve fail to cut-off water. The rectification done was to clean it, nothing else. This valve was not touch or even clean from start, that about 6 months ago.

Cheers

Affnan

"Flash in the pants" hehehe I love some sayings!

Hey Affnan, Check out my system (link below) if you want to see my siphons, they are slightly different from yours but the principle is the same.

I already check it out your setup simo, the smaller diameter bell that makes the clearance between the stand pipe to the bell is very much less than mine, I would try out this one out to reduce my valve size, but maintain same size inner parts dimensions.

The stand pipes could be of difference size combo, next one I making for kids in school is using 30mm and 15mm adapters maintaining the 2:1 ratio. This will use lower capacity pump like 4 watt, only for classroom projects and not for serious hobbyist.

As usual work load take lots of our time to tinker more with aquaponics system, and the one I have is just left me experimenting with various plants. This takes longer time and its a slow process. I envy most of you guys Down Under, the climate is just right for beautiful veggies.

I am currently, trying to make a flow divider for using 1 pump and 2 grow beds (binary divider) its in the mental stage now, meaning I am only having sketches and testing it out in the mind. Its a mechanical design with no electrical controls, this base on various valves that I am used in early aviation industry mechanical automation.

I guess in Australia even in the USA the exact size that I use for my valve is quite difficult to get hence the difficulties to replicate. However having receive feedbacks from across the globe I am confident those that have tried get the idea and principle of the design.

I have to thank KP for being supportive of the idea in various post, I think you could see the reasoning but its something difficult to put to papers. Normally Engineers think alike, I am no more an Engineer too old for those things, I only teach them now...

cheers.

I put together my first desktop aquaponics system last year using Affnan's bell siphon design with venturi adaptor and it's worked great. I like the design a lot.

Hey Affnan,
Have watched all your Utube stuff.
Great to see you on the forum.

Will soon be your neighbour (well almost) will be living in Thailand 2 weeks from today

Good luck mate, love what you've done with your AP endeavours.

Dui