What is this??

[badflash]

Just to be clear about answering your question, the device is used to set a fixed level in the tank and to remove solids that collect near the bottom of the pipe. This is sometimes referred to as a standpipe.

[Davi]

Ok, cool, thanks! but is the SLO/stand pipe necessary for the removal of the solids waste? cuz i was just going to let the outlet of the fish tank be at the bottom center of the tank and have the tank bottom be kinda conical (like how the bottom of some clarifiers are or like a hopper) so that the waste would find its way to the bottom and be sucked in. Would that work?

Thanks!

[keith_r]

i think that would work, especially if you angle your return lines to give the water a "swirl" affect, that will draw the solids to the middle, and you'll be able to drain it off as neeced

[badflash]

Yes, it will work, but it isn't a safe way to go. If the drain pipe comes lose or gets a hole in it, the entire tank drains. A standpipe keeps a constant level.

[Davi]

Thanks guys, i'll research the SLO some more.

[Davi]

Was checkin out the SLO/standpipe design here:
http://www.rbmaqua.com.au/documents/RBM ... y-_000.pdf

Now i've got a couple of questions,
1. if this SLO design is right, doesn't it drain through the bottom of the tank as well, so it it got a leak in it, wouldn't all the water run out?
2. does the SLO pick up solid fish waste well enough?

Thanks
Davi!

[keith_r]

no, that's not a "slo" drain, but a standpipe.. totally different..

for SLO diagrams (and others), check this thread; (from another forum)

http://www.backyardaquaponics.com/fo...hp?f=11&t=5311

[Davi]

Ok, thanks! Is the SLO powered by air like an Airlift?

[keith_r]

no,, the slo is powered by gravity.. physics

[davidstcldfl]

Water is coming into the fish tank....it leaves the tank by going through the SLO.(drain)

It 'looks' like the water is flowing uphill. The water 'does' flow up the long vertical section, carrying solids with it.

The water is actually seeking it's own level....it has to go up the vertical section to exit the tank.
The water comming 'into' the tank, displaces the leaving water.