Micro roots clogging bell siphon

[TexasDan]

Last week my bell siphon clogged with micro roots.
The upper grow bed overflowed and I pumped out most of my fish tank water
Happened overnight.

I have a typical system.
3" PVC outer pipe with small slots cut to keep grow media out.
2" clear plastic for outer bell siphon...I like to watch the whirlpool
1" PVC stand pipe...siphon tube.

It works great.

Micro roots from my plants clogged the 3" outer slotted pipe...water couldn't get into the siphon...so the tank just over flowed. It only took about 6-10 hours to drain the tank...

The fish survived in 3-4 inches of water

So did I plant too close to the bell siphon?
Is there more screening I should install to keep the roots from clogging my 3" slotted pipe?

Suggestions?
Thanks.