please bear with me as this is my first ever instructible. in this instructible i will show you how to make a 20 min aquaponics setup using only recycled materials. the first step is to gather your materials keeping in mind that even though the fish do not live in this part of the system that they are exposed to it constantly, so it is always a good idea to use "food-grade" plastics, "i know drywall mud is not food but its all i had!!"
Step 1: Step one: mark and drill your holes
in this step you simply mark where your siphon needs to be in the bucket and drill out the hole. i used a 7/8" drill bit but that depends on the size of your bottle. also note that i said mark then drill as shown from the patch on the bottom of the bucket this step is important lol.
the location of the hole doesnt really matter for function but as this is an addon for my current system i need the hole in a certain spot.
Step 2: The gravel guard!
you will need to install a gravel guard to stop the gravel from plugging your siphon, and to allow you to take the cap off for cleaning and maintenance later on!!
Step 3: Modify your garbage!! or recycle like a pro bell siphon
the next step is to cut the funnel section of your bell siphon to height. i am using just under 5 inches for this bed, however most sites recommend a depth of 1 foot. then simply insert bottle in hole and secure the cap, i know it seems hokey but with a properly drilled hole i have never had a setup like this leak!
Step 5: The bell siphon
i cant tell you exactly how long to cut the cap bottle but you do need some room above the inlet for the water to start the siphon.
Step 6: The finished product!!! congrats
remember to test the unit in a bathtub or outside check to make sure siphon starts and stops the emphasis on stop!! if you are having trouble getting the siphon to start check to make sure your funnel is sitting "level-ish" and that your pump is pushing enough water to overwhelm the funnel. problems with the stopping of the siphon can usually be fixed by either slowing your pump or adding an air relief hose to the top of the siphon cap! as shown in last picture.
Step 7: Now the finishing touches
to finish this project and put it to use all you need to add is some growing medium "hydroton clay, expanded slate, or gravel" and set up a pump to add water from your fishtank. i am going to be using hydroton and growing two tomato plants in here in addition to my other plants in the system.... happy growing
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