External Bell Siphon – Aquaponics

I have seen a lot of videos and information about Bell Siphons in the Aquaponics setup. It’s an absolutely fabulous setup. But, there are two thing that kept bothering me. One it takes up space in the grow bed, space that could accommodate one more plant. Second, it seemed like it would be a pain to maintain it and/or clean it if needed. So I searched the internet and found a few examples of using the Bell Siphon outside the grow bed. I absolutely fell in love with the idea and decided to make and test one. Here is one of the drawings for the External Bell Siphon.

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Parts

• 2 – 1 1/2″ to 3/4″ Reducer Bushing
• 1 – 1 1/2″ x 11″ Pipe
• 1- 3/4″ x 12″ Pipe
• 1 – 3/4″ x 20″ Pipe
• 1 – 1/2″ Tee
• 1 – 1/2″ End Cap

Construction

Step 1

With the 1 1/2″ x 3/4″ Reducer Bushing you’ll find a small lip sticking out on the inside, which prevents the 3/4″ Pipe from going all the way through. With one of the 1 1/2″ x 3/4″ Reducer Bushing you’ll have to shave off this lip using either a pocket knife or sanding paper. I chose to go with the sanding paper option. Keep in mind we only need to shave enough to allow the pipe to go all the way through but it should still be snug fit.

Step 2

Slide the 3/4″ x 12″ Pipe through the 1 1/2″ x 3/4″ Reducer Bushing (one with the shaved lip). The pipe will be your stand pipe and you’ll need to adjust it’s height according to how high you want the water level to get in your grow bed before it siphons.

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Step 3

Insert parts assembled in Step 2 into the bottom connector of the 1 1/2″ Tee.

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Step 4

Insert the second 1 1/2″ x 3/4″ Reducer Bushing into the horizontal connector of the 1 1/2″ Tee.

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Step 5

Insert a 3/4″ Pipe (the length would vary) in the second 1 1/2″ x 3/4″. This pipe will connect to your Bulk Head Adapter which will be on the side of your grow bed.

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Step 6

Insert the 1 1/2″ Pipe in the top connector of the 1 1/2″ Tee.

Step 7

Put the 1 1/2″ End Cap at the top of the 1 1/2″ Pipe

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