Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I suppose I'm just being lazy now by not checking myself but is it 90mm storm water or 100mm sewerage pipe

I think it's 100mm.

But best take a bottle with you when you by it. I find the 1.25l water bottles the best as they have enough height to work with a 300mm GB.
The soft drink bottles tend to be shorter and wider.

I am using a water bottle in my new GB and the PVC that came with that is 110mm (outside diameter).

Hey Decal, that is exactly what I had in mind, cheers mate Great video of it too, this is the one I'll be showing the buddies who can't get an auto siphon around their heads, will try to build one to impress the nephews and nieces too ;]

I've flared the end of my stand pipes with the kitchen stove and I've got the bullet head from an old ww2 canon I heat the end up then push it on that to flare it. Works just as good. Tried doing it without the flare the other day and you need to crank the pump up too much to get it to start. I like the idea of recyling though. Will try it in the next one. Ha there will always be a next one.

AHAH! I knew I could find this again. Thank you sir for this wonderful explanation and demonstration. I will be using it on the next GB expansion.

Great vid and explination decal

hi, i made one these today, had some issues with it...

is that 90 degree bend important at the bottom of the siphon drain? im guessing it is...

also I cut my bottle so the flat end is at the top rather than the pointed/cap end? i dont think it effects too much it still ended up draining eventually....

also i found that when i ran a hose it took a good while to even drain... i'll double check to see if its running flat across the top i suppose.

ALSO does it matter how much flow your getting? does it have to be a certain amount?

Hi Moe,
Sorry to hear you having problems!

I wouldn't think having the flat side should make much difference as long as you have enough space between the funnel and the top of the bell.

I have my test system up and running at the moment so will go and see if it makes any difference?

As for flow you need enough for it to be able to cover the bottom of the funnel to start the siphon going.

What size bottles have you used for the funnel and the bell?

As for the 90˚ elbow, I thought it was needed till the other day when I ran my big system as straight through with no issues.

Would be good to see photo's of what you've done.

Failing all that I 'm in Preston so could come past Ormond one day to help you out?

Ey mate,

Im using a 40-25 reducer not a bottle. Just one for now in a test bucket.

Good news though, I added a 90 degree bend with a piece of flexi pipe, it ended up flowing better with even a low flow from the hose.

The size bottle i used for the bell was a 1.25 i think apple juice bottle. those octagonal ones from daily juice.

Ey mate if you want to help out with my system your welcome still a a lot to do, sump and plumbing to go.

That's goods you got it working.

I find the best bells are Mt Franklin water bottles the tall thin ones as they fit easily into a 100mm PVC pipe to hold back the media.

If you need more help or a video just ask, also still happy to come past to help with the siphons on-site too.