Siphon Frustrations

[chrisfoerst]

rfeiller, Did you follow his suggestion of using a 1/2" stand pipe that fits into a 3/4 bushing and then adapter to a 1"bulkhead fitting? I ask because I have a 1" standpipe coming straight out of a 1" bulkhead fitting. It would seem that he creates an inverted Affnan-like bell at the bottom with this move from 1/2" to 1". (Or is this completely unnecessary?)

I never did glue the 2" cap to the 2" pipe. Is seems very well sealed and the other one works great. Could this be my problem?

[rfeiller]

It was a problem on the first one I built even tight to the touch. Or better said the problem stopped. It still wasn't working consistently so added air tube.
The three latest 3 I used a 1" bulkhead fitting, a 1" tube and a 3" bell with four 1-1/4" holes at the base as shown in the video. I adjusted the individual drain tubes about an inch or so and all three work flawlessly.

[rfeiller]

I think one issue that is not pointed out is the design of the caps. PVC caps have several different designs. The two most common are flat and rounded. I can't help but think that has a bearing on design and sizing. I use the standard rounded. I went to a 3 to 1 ratio on my tubes. I will be posting some pictures on a new thread. And a step by step series of photos in the journal.
These are 100 gal gb that now drain very quickly.
I am certainly not an authority on AP I just share my expertences good or bad. Maybe it can help a few avoid my screwups and enjoy my successes.

[urbanfarmer]

I think one issue that is not pointed out is the design of the caps. PVC caps have several different designs. The two most common are flat and rounded. I can't help but think that has a bearing on design and sizing. I use the standard rounded. I went to a 3 to 1 ratio on my tubes. I will be posting some pictures on a new thread. And a step by step series of photos in the journal.
These are 100 gal gb that now drain very quickly.
I am certainly not an authority on AP I just share my expertences good or bad. Maybe it can help a few avoid my screwups and enjoy my successes.

Actually, yes it could have an affect on the flow rate required to start the siphon and get it to full power because of Bernoulli's principle. Someone would have to sit down and draw it out and get some equations with variables and then crunch some Calculus. I can do it, but I really really don't want to, really don't. And, I doubt anyone even cares to have that information!

[rfeiller]

how have your siphons turned out?

[chrisfoerst]

Thanks for asking. I hope to get to it today. Juggling kids and work sometimes doesn't leave enough time. :)

[rfeiller]

Supermom! i have two daughters with 4 kids each and they each have full time plus professions, i don't know how they do it either. i just get exhausted watching you ladies

[urbanfarmer]

Supermom! i have two daughters with 4 kids each and they each have full time plus professions, i don't know how they do it either. i just get exhausted watching you ladies

Clearly, genetic superiority in some respect

[chrisfoerst]

YAY! I redid my siphon and it works. Thanks for all of the help. I modified the one from the Aquaponics 05 video. So far, so good. Now if I could just get those darn nitrites to drop!

[rfeiller]

wonderful! with the bell siphon working it will quicken the nitrification cycle. check out my out door garden build.