Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I'm trying to install bell siphons in 5 gallon buckets to be used as small grow beds that I want to add to my aquaponics system. I am using 1/2" stand pipe & if I regulate the water coming in down slow enough to allow 12-15 minute cycles, there is not enough pressure it seems to start the flush part of the cycle. Without gravel displacing the area it works fine. What is the shortest cycle that will work in this instance please?
Also, would a "net lid" work and just do away with the gravel medium?

Thanks for any input...I am very new to aquaponics

Mine cycles way more than every 15 minutes. I think my drain time is 2 minutes and my fill time is under 5 minutes. I don't think there is any type of set time. Just enough flow to work the siphons.

Skip the siphons. You don't need them and you won't miss them. Run the buckets Constant Flood without siphons and this will be much easier.

So even though your system is cycling in under 5 minutes you still have good plant growth and no problems with "too much water" in the root system?

I've used siphons on two identical growbeds fed by the same tank but cycling at different rates. One was fast like helomechs and the other was slower. I couldn't tell any difference in plant growth (there might be a reason for timing related to peoples observations on growbed filtration but I can't remember). You'd probably have to pump more water to get the faster rate so it might limit the number of beds you could setup.

Siphons are fun but this doesn't seem like a good application for them - Lots of little buckets each with a siphon makes for more adjusting. The affnan siphons are pretty reliable once they get going but the more you have the more likely you are to have a failure with one (either water drains continuously or siphon never kicks in). If you decide to try out Constant Flood just remove the siphon and leave the guard and standpipe (you're still shooting for the same water level).