Siphon problem

[glanning]

I have installed a CHOP 2 system with plumbing kit purchased from the aquaponicsstore. Two of the 3 GB siphons work great but the third one only drains about 4 inches and then the siphon breaks. I have tried a shorter pipe inside the bell and that solves the problem except that now the GB only fills about half full. I have also tried putting a slight downward angle on the drain pipe but that has no effect. Any suggestions?

[Todd61]

Have you tried venting the siphon. It's the plumbing principle of air behind water.
Any support from the aquaponics store?

[Fishdood]

It's got to be breathing air from somewhere...if the siphon starts ok??....you could try upping the water flow rate a little.

Let us know how you go.

Paul

[glanning]

I'll look into the venting issue and yes the aquaponics store has been great and are working on the problem but at this point are stumped.

[glanning]

The siphon starts with no problem. I'll try increasing the flow rate and see what happens.

[glanning]

OK, I found the problem. There is a small crack in the lid on the bell. I switched bells and everything works fine. Thanks for the help.