Affnan's Aquaponics - Affnan's Bell Valve Explained

[boerboel313]

You didn't explain how to make it and it wasn't really clear how it works.

[amishjim]

That Australian Aquaponics guy uses a bigger pump and a valve to tweak the water input to get the proper flow for max suction. Also, he will twist the 90 at the bottom of the stand pipe to create back pressure to help.

[iyasarrr]

why we use bell sİphon? Is it necessary?

[affnan]

@iyasarrr not necessary, its just one method of doing Aquaponics, other ways are also available.

[chengaun]

have you used the continous flow system before? do you think its bad for the plants?

[affnan]

@chengaun I have not tried continuous flow system (NFT) hence I cannot comment much on it. All I know is that nutrient may not get distributed evenly and changes to water temperature can occur if the runs is long.

Apart from above I am yet to try it. I have not seen its successfully employ in Aquaponics, Hydroponics yes its done. There may be system that's succeed in doing it, the Australian manufacturer of Aquaponics I believe do not sell these system, maybe they have a reason for that.

[TheSnikbodYarps]

thank you

[affnan]

@TheSnikbodYarps you are most welcome

[chentang]

Hi Affnan,

i watched your videos many times to learn. i decided on the syphon loop with pvc pipes i saw in one of your videos instead of the bell syphon because it seems easier and i had most of the supplies already. took a few adjustments but it is working now. i have it hooked up to my koi pond. it cycles frequently and i dont know how the cycle will effects the plants but i am very excited to finally get it going. thank you for your great videos.

[affnan]

Great,, the loop that I assemble was a proof of concept. I did not experiment with it long enough to make necessary adjustment.

Glad to hear that you manage to get it going.

[WoundedEgo]

I think you had it right the first time - the Venturi effect creates Low Pressure which causes higher suction.

But I don't get why you need suction at all. Isn't gravity in your favor from the planters to the fish tank? I guess this is if it is not?

But at any rate, you are a fountain of wisdom in a subject that is not so well documented otherwise. Thanks!

[affnan]

Initially to create the siphon effect you need lots of water flowing out then gravity will takes over. In this arrangement it will be difficult to stop the siphon if a straight tube is use with gravity only.

The venturi reducer will cause an suction and in turn cause more water to flow causing more suction and so on, once siphon occur it will be just like straight pipe venturi, but it will be more manageable to cut out due to less water was initially use as compare to a straight pipe.

[nimrodson1973]

Affnan,

I now have a working replica of your bell valve design. Thank you very much for posting you "how to" video. This is the pefect set up for a flood and drain system. I will probably be doing a video blog on my progress. I will be sure to give you credit on the bell valve. THANK AGAIN!

[affnan]

Thank you,

I am trying to improve the design, 1 out of 10 may not work. If I can figure out why then it may be better to use.

However all my 4 valve are working without fail.

Cheers

[FLIPWILSON1]

Affnan, can I use a high volume water pump with this bell?

[affnan]

Flip,

Check my latest video on higher capacity pump

[danswaay]

Hi Affnan,

Thanks for sharing your bell siphon valve. I look forward to trying your nice design out on my future aquaponic backyard system soon. I hope to see more of your great videos!

[affnan]

Hi danswaay,

Thank you, hope your aquaponics setup will benefit from the various design found within the community.