Affnan's Aquaponics - Affnan's Bell Valve Explained

http://affnan-aquaponics.blogspot.com

I try to explain how the valve work.

Normal bell valve design straight stand pipe (without 25-50mm conical adapter) will have two possible problem;

1. To start the auto siphon if pump volume low
2. To cut off siphon if pump volume is high.

With the 25~50mm adapter I have manage to eliminate this 2 problem, and make the valve "compact" without air tube running on the side for the water cutoff function.

The 25~50mm adapter will create a Bernoulli's effect at that point and cause water/air to be suck in, hence the ability to use smaller pump.

Top of the adapter, the 50mm part will cause water ratio inside and outside the standpipe to be off-set, hence causing the standing water outside standpipe not be able to be supported by the siphon once the water level drop below the bell inlet. So the water able to be cut off with higher capacity pump.

I recommend to use 12 ~ 20 watt pump, and locate the valve in the center of the growth bed for best effect. Valve in the center of growth bed will use a lower capacity pump as compared with valve located on the side. This is due to volume of water surrounding the valve is "off centered" and causing an unbalance situation of the in flow if the valve located on the side.

Ok, anyone have tried duplicating this valve appreciate a video response or feedback.

Note : I have tested this valve with a 40 watt pump and it works.
cheers

Affnan

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• how-to
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[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

[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.

[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.

[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.