Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hello Everyone,

I'm testing my bell siphon in my very first system before I put my expanded clay in my new set up and I can't get it to drain completely. It flows for about 10 to 15 seconds and then stops. Any suggestions? I have a 1 inch stan pipe and 2 inch cover drianing to an 90 degree elbow, about 1 foot pipe to another 90 degree elbow into the sump.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

ejmorgan60

If you have enough water flow into the GB for the siphon to initiate, but it then cuts off well before the water level gets down to the slots/holes near the base of your bell, then I suspect your outer gravel guard is restricting the water flow into the bell, or you have an air leak into the bell.

Hi drilled a small 1/16 hole in the lowest part of the stand pipe. Small enough to allow the bell siphon to work but if the suction stops..... that little hole allows for remaining water to drain.

.. ...Are you running an auto siphon with your pump on a timer?

Mr. Damage,

I'm nowhere near that point yet. I began with filling box only with water to make sure the bell siphon was working appropriately, but unfortunately it's not. It only drains for about 10 to 15 seconds and quits. I have to pull the stand pipe out for it to drain completely.

I appreciate the reply.

~ejmorgan60

A bell siphon will run untill it fills with air. If the air is coming backwards through the drain then you either need more flow in through your gravel guard or bell siphon inlet area or a smaller drain pipe so it stays full of water

Yes my pump is on a timer.

No problems filling GBs, and the bell siphon does it's magic until it loses that suction. Then the small hole kicks in to continue draining.

Seems to have done the trick for me.

Did the OP get an answer here?