Here are photos of the swivel valve (loop siphon modified) that I'm trying, reason for using this valve is that I have a few smaller growth beds, needed to be incorporated into my aquaponics system. Being small its a waste to use individual valve and pump on each bed.
Growth bed in a row.., side view of the same.
Above picture show the setup, where all the growth bed link to the valve with a common manifold via a "Tee" joint. You can use 50mm (2") Tee only without the need to use smaller pipe towards the growth bed.
Picture from above the growth bed, this I use water tank adapter with excess threaded part cut off to ensure lower water drainage. If you can use kitchen sink outlet then its a better option.
This outlet need to be screen from growth medium. On this container its already provided, as shown by the black panel, it suppose to cover lower part of the grow bed. On bigger bed, you can try those plastic bathroom interlocking mats, below the gravel.
This is the siphon part, there is a drip, a tiny two milimetre hole on lower end cap. This is to ensure during pump cut off, water will slowly drain out. If you don't need this features just use an elbow joint instead of Tee at this point and only concentrate on that siphon part.
As in picture, there is a reducer this is 50~25mm reducer (2"~11/4") this will cause a better flow out of water. Length of that 50mm pipe from the elbow to reducer need to be adjusted for better result. Final outlet is a 25 mm pipe drilled... this drilled holes is to make water cut off better.
I am still experimenting with this design... there are few things to iron out. Design for my Bell Valve is already done... that valve works without fail... this one I am fine tuning it and trying out various sizes and length.
cheers.
I am looking to use this siphon design on some small grow beds. Just wondering if you still have this siphon in use? Do you have any problems with roots clogging the siphon?
ReplyDeleteJust wondering as it would be hard to clean them out without disturbing the plants in a grow bed. I was wondering if it might be worth it to install a clean out pipe above the outlets.
hi frederickjh
ReplyDeleteA clean out is a good ides, to make it easier to maintain. I stop using this siphon due I don't have the need for it any more. I wish I could further experiment with it... to make an option for another siphon for multiple growbed installation.
I don't use it long enough for roots to give problem. This siphon was experimented during the early days where I'm still looking for a siphon that can reliably cut the water siphoning action.
This is a proof of concept.. with more work into in and some other mods it should be use able for multiple smaller beds where this is what I made it for.