How to Build Radial Flow Settler for Aquaponics System | Components & Tips

G'Day Folks. Here's a look at how you can build your own Radial Flow Settler using our current build as an example. Included are tips on sizing pipes, stilling well length, DIY drain attachments + MORE. In short, this clip will help you build an efficient settler for your own Aquaponics system.
Hope you enjoy this build clip & your gardens are booming.
Cheers all. 🐟 🌱🍅
Rob
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#AquaponicsSystem #RadialFlowSettler #AquaponicsFilter

[@RobsAquaponics]

Don't forget to click the subscribe button if you enjoyed this build video, bit.ly/Subscribe2Rob AND share the clip around with family & friends if you think they'll enjoy it too. 🐟 🌱🍅 Cheers all & have a top one. 😊 Rob

[@gotelemwillyboyshere]

Why not have 2 x 200 litre drums to double the retention time .

[@RobsAquaponics]

@@gotelemwillyboyshere Due to space I couldn't but run through setting up 2 in this video, kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJilpoh8rcSrhac

[@iamlou6]

@@RobsAquaponics thank you that's a good idea its always good to talk with someone that knows there stuff thank you for your input

[@RobsAquaponics]

@@iamlou6 No problem Louis. 😁👍

[@jun1795]

I am a plumber and I approve this video 🤙

[@RobsAquaponics]

Many thanks mate. Cheers. 🍻🍻

[@hydeseekadventures9815]

I love that you say it in metric and standard. Thank you 👏🏼

[@RobsAquaponics]

No problem. 😁👍

[@technomad9071]

metric is standard ;)

[@hydeseekadventures9815]

@@technomad9071 what size ratchet do you use to turn sockets?

[@hoofheartedicemelted296]

Engineering meets nature. Thanks Rob this is fascinating stuff. Keep up the good work. You're the best teacher ever. I've watched people do Masterclass on stuff like this and it's nowhere near as interesting and entertaining as watching you bud. Till next time.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Thanks mate. Hope it helps you out some with a few ideas down the track. Cheers & have a top one HHIM. 👍👍

[@wettexan]

I can't wait to put these methods into practice. Until then I'm proposing a drinking game. Every time Rob says "sussing out"... I know.. 'Mericans. Cheers Rob. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@RobsAquaponics]

🤣🤣 Now you've got me thinking how to rig the game Eric..... 🤔 Cheers mate & have a top one. 🥃🥃

[@wettexan]

@@RobsAquaponics we have a small vineyard in Bertram TX. My personal goal is adding aquaponics. Fish, veggies, fertilized water for the vines. I enjoy learning from your work. Thank you sir!

[@ddeboy002]

Okay this setup makes so much more sense than the other one. Well done. I've taken a horse water tote and put 5 gal bucks on each side lenth wise. Put in a nice 3000 liter pump and a 4 way slot sprayer make with 1" pvc to push the water along the horse tote for current for my 10 trout. So there will be pockets for current and non current just like a river. I put in local river rock as media. Added an aerator below my 4 way jet current sprayer and my fish absolutely love it. They are so calm.

[@BongFoodyAdventures]

Really well thought concept of removing solids and circulating clean water for veggies and fishes.. loved this video

[@RobsAquaponics]

Glad you liked it mate. Cheers & happy growing.

[@orchidman36]

best presenter ever; many thanks.

[@RobsAquaponics]

I'm glad you found it helpful Ian. Cheers mate.

[@ferozhussain2870]

This is the best video I've ever found on RFS. Thanks a lot. Love from INDIA. ❤️

[@RobsAquaponics]

I'm glad it has helped you out some mate. 👍😁 Happy growing. 🌱🐟

[@waltercrumbley1301]

Thank you for that. I just built mine today and it works perfect.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Glad to hear the build went well Walter. 👍

[@celsocoelho4349]

hi Rob, great tip, I built my system with two tanks in parallel to increase the retention time, staying with 9 minutes of RT, the downstream filter greatly increased the autonomy, very grateful

[@RobsAquaponics]

If I had the room I might just try that out as well CC. 👍👍 Hope the systems running well for you.

[@ipohboy]

Thank you, Rob. Always a pleasure learning from your you tube tutorials. Wish you all the best.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Thanks Julian & have a top one. 👍👍

[@mlandrito1]

I'm just starting with aquaponics and this is my first time to see a radial flow settler (well the first one to show up in youtube). Thank you Rob!

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hope it helped you with a few ideas Michael. Happy growing.

[@eyezonmy6]

100 points for graphics

[@RobsAquaponics]

Cheers Harry. 👍

[@viettrinhthem7890]

Thanks Rob, An Pham

[@RobsAquaponics]

Am glad I could help some. Have a great one.

[@robjones2852]

Beautifully explained and demonstrated. Thanks Rob

[@RobsAquaponics]

Cheers Rob & have a top one mate. 👍

[@donaldfrench771]

Hey Rob, Thank you so much for the great content, the way you detail in your videos is awsome. I watched this video a few times, Im getting ready to build my filters soon. i like the suggestion about the sweep of the bends. I opted to go with long sweep 2" DWV 90s as they are quite cheaper than sch 40 pvc fitting. Just though id add that. TY again. Look forward to more content

[@RobsAquaponics]

Nice one Donald. 👍 Hope the system is growing well for you mate.

[@curiousitychannel]

I am new in Aquaponics and learning a lot from you. Cheers mate!

[@RobsAquaponics]

Glad to help OF. Happy growing.

[@caymanfredenhagen2715]

Rob it's been a long journey with you and it's been amazing! Thank you for the awesome content. Im in the process of setting up a couple beds myself.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Nice one mate. Hope the build goes smoothly. 👍

[@EvHervey]

Slick trick with the lid, dude!

[@RobsAquaponics]

Thanks Ev. These are a lot easier to find than flat topped drums with lids & square walls here. 😉 Hope all's well with you.

[@MAD42]

well done video - thx rob!

[@RobsAquaponics]

No Problem MAD42. Hope it gave you a few useful ideas.👍

[@vladimirpobuta4530]

Fantastic videos Bob! Really inspired me to start planning building a home-made aquaponics system myself

[@RobsAquaponics]

Nice one Vladimir. Hope the build goes smoothly mate. 😁👍

[@grasssnake3826]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. You’re helping me tremendously with my first build.

[@RobsAquaponics]

I hope the build went smoothly & the system is ticking over well GS. 👍👍 Happy growing.

[@sumpop420]

Whoop! Thoroughly worth the wait! Great advance on your previous vid of a couple of years ago! Fantastic as always, entertaining and informative! 👍

[@RobsAquaponics]

Thanks mate. Have a top one. 👍

[@Randomiz500]

stormwater pipe, is a funny definition. In my country we just have right and wrong size, defined by law in relation to the job :-P

[@COOPERSCICHILDS]

Excellent

[@RobsAquaponics]

Thanks CC & have a top one mate. 👍👍

[@COOPERSCICHILDS]

Cool video trying to learn

[@RobsAquaponics]

Nice one. 👍 This playlist might have some videos in it that ight help as well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGSufn-QnryMpNU

[@BrokenLifeCycle]

I used a 275 gallon IBC tote for my settler. The square shape isn't ideal, but I hope the extra volume (using around 250 gallons of it) compensates for that potential performance loss through sheer retention time when combined with the moderate slow flow rate of the pump. I'm thinking of sinking a submersible UVC bulb into it to make sure nothing grows inside the tote and basically allow the settler to act a bit like a UV clarifier as well. The square shape and flat surfaces really helps making it easier to install anything to it using nothing but a tight fitting hole in the wall and a bead of silicone. When I first filled the settler, the pond level dropped 10 inches in depth. Considering that I originally kept that pond moderately clear using a crappy 55 gallon drum settler, I'm hoping that a settler over four times in volume would work better.

[@RobsAquaponics]

UV sterilisers will kill off the beneficial bacteria in the water & can reduce the availability of some elements to be taken up by the fish. I have run them in systems to kill off algae blooms before & placed them directly before the fish tank to minimise any effect it had. Have seen a few folks use whole totes as solids setters & they do a great job, just a bit tricky to remove the solids when the time comes as you pointed out. Cheers & happy growing.

[@rolandiansillano3068]

thanks rob

[@RobsAquaponics]

Cheers Rolandian. 👍😊

[@ricardojuvanelli2172]

Very Very good, like Rob

[@RobsAquaponics]

Thanks mate & have a top one. 👍

[@justgivemethetruth]

This is so cool. I wonder how much time do you have to spend on maintaining this every day, and how often do you have problems that take a day or more to fix? In other words do you think this technology is ready for prime time use by non-experts like me for example. Oh, and do you actually eat the fish you raise?

[@RobsAquaponics]

On a daily basis I feed the fish (should take less than 1 minute but I like to watch😉), test the pH then add buffer if needed & harvest if we're needing something in the kitchen. I also give the plants a once over for pests when harvesting. All up that's a bout 5 min if I drag my feet or about 2 if I'm in a rush. I top the water up when I need to clean the filter. That process is once a week at the moment & takes me about 20min. All up, not much time is spent on the day to day just a bit extra on the weekend to clean the pump. Most folks I know like to spend more time at their system looking at the fish & just relaxing to the sounds. 👍 No down time at all once the system is up & running except for pump issues & that was more a quality issue with the pump than the system. Have eten all the fish we've grown so far except for a few we've shared with family & friends.

[@monasobkowich4608]

Excellent explanation thank you.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Thanks Mona. 👍 Have a top one.

[@whatsimonsaysabout...6447]

Thanks for the video! I'm using your plans to build a new solids filter for my revamped AP at home. I had something similar previously (with the filter nested inside a mineralisation system inside a sump) but while it did a reasonable job it was a bit too small, was hard to service/maintain and took up real estate in the sump. I think this will be much better. I'm having a go at making a weir that goes all round the top (using the top off a pickle barrel that I'm hoping to seal to the inside of the barrel), will see how it goes. Will also add a radial flow filter to one of the aquaponics at work soon.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Nice one Simon. Hope the build goes smoothly for you mate. 👍

[@sleepdepot9790]

A tip.. If you put the shower drain in the center and then just swirl the content of the tank(let it settle) you will get solids to collect right under or close to the drain. This should reduce the volume of water mixed with sludge drained from the tank. In other words you get a higher concentration of solids with less water in it. With that you can reduce the size of the Mineralization tank.. Cheers "Mattress Man"

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hey "Mattress Man". Do I detect a Swedish accent? 🤔 There's a ridge that stopped the fitting sitting flat so moved it to one side. 👍 I was contemplating heating it up & flattening out the base but as most folks would be able to I went with the offset. Have used a similar heating method to create a straighter sidewall in my parent's settler drum for the drain valve assembly. Cheers mate & thanks for all your help.

[@ZuluAltang]

Well worth the wait! Awesome as always. Thanks!

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hope it gives you a few useful ideas Zaakir. 👍 👍

[@ZuluAltang]

@@RobsAquaponics You answered everything I needed to know. So stoked! , Can complete my radial flow now 👍👍 Will post pics when I'm done. Thanks again!

[@oneswiftguy]

Another great video. Thanks for your info and guidance

[@RobsAquaponics]

Cheers Mr Palma.

[@Javinkay]

Great video thanks for sharing I really enjoyed it, except for the ads KZbin has been putting in your videos they’re all anti aquaponics ads

[@scifiswordsman]

Alright so I wasn't the only one that got that ad. Thought it was more than a little antagonist.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Thanks for letting me know. What was the ad you saw?

[@RobsAquaponics]

What ad did you see mate?

[@Javinkay]

It was for tiny green grow machine but I don’t think it even exists anymore

[@jamesridley184]

Ever looked into bead filters auto cleaning

[@RobsAquaponics]

I priced some but the cost was prohibitive for a small backyard system. Import tax, exchange rate & markup once it landed almost doubled the price of the AST which is the brand I'd be using. I'm still playing with the idea of making a DIY static upflow filter but will leave that until the weather warms up a bit I think. Cheers.

[@torozco7]

You mention in the tank you have a drain fitting that collects the junk at bottom. How? Is there a pump connected to that? I did not see one.

[@RobsAquaponics]

The water coming into the fish tank causes water & solids at the base of the tank up the Solids Lifting Outlet (SLO) pipe & out the side wall of the tank. 👍 This link will take you straight to a section in another video that will give you a visual explanation. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoK0cmh4pbx-m8U Hope that helps some.

[@alongbarbasumatary2645]

How is solid waste suction working ? Are you using water pump to suck the solid waste to the mechanical filter ?

[@RobsAquaponics]

I use a pump but you don't need to. This clip shows how I clean the filter, kzbin.info/www/bejne/fl7Nl4qDpb-Lfqs & this clip may give you a few other design ideas, kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXOmdGyqgtifm7s Hope that helps some.

[@brandonprysock9819]

Been watching your videos for a few years now. Great stuff. I always come back for tid bits to fix my issues. What is the pump you use to drain the filter? I can't seem to find one similar. Thanks for all the info on this channel!

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hi Brandon & thanks mate. 👍 At the moment I'm using a little SunSun wet/dry pump I purchased about 10 years ago. I got it from this mob from Guppys aquarium if I recall correctly & was part of this range guppysaquariumproducts.com.au/pump-6800l-phr-submersable-multi-purpose.html That series can be run inline like I have it or as a submersible. Hope that helps some mate.

[@andreeverson7122]

Hi.I have a pond and a pump in the pond.how would run the pipe work,with a radial flow filter added to the system.I don't have a separate fish tank.Thank u

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hi Andre. Have been asked this a lot. I would pump up to the radial flow settler from the fish tank. The pump will smash the solids into finer particles taking longer to settle out. To help with their capture you can increase the size of the settler drum allowing the water to have more retention time. The longer the water stays in the drum, the more of the finer partials will precipitate out. 👍 Hope that helps some.

[@Purnomoaquaponik]

great

[@RobsAquaponics]

Cheers.

[@manusunny3395]

Nice video

[@RobsAquaponics]

Cheers Manu 👍 👍

[@MrTriplebass]

Hi Rob. Could you please tell me what pump you are using to draw out the solids from the settler when you clean it out? Thanks. David

[@RobsAquaponics]

It's an old & now discontinued Jebao water pump David. I think it's a 6500lph one. I've found that brand to be very reliable BTW. 👍👍 Cheers mate.

[@fernandogabrielherrera7338]

Have you considered growing Australian (blue) Lobster or fresh water shrimp in your fish tank or growing beds, for a better solid waste decomposition/management?

[@RobsAquaponics]

They still produce solids that the plants can't take up (like compost worms) so I wouldn't add them for that purpose. They would have to live in the sump tank as the fish we grow eat them in the wild as part of their diet. They are tasty to eat though so I don't blame them. 😉

[@aBuAraDaH]

Hello my friend i have big pool on my farm open roof what do you recommend me should i use big barrel or tanks and also water pump i need to suck my pool th size is around 5×7 m

[@RobsAquaponics]

Are you wanting to use the pool as a fish tank?

[@dadikkedude]

I got a project in mind for a mini aquaponics for in my studio appartment window. I wanted to ask if it's a good idea to have gravel or even a waterplant in the tank as I want to make it pleasant for the fish or is this a absolute bad idea? I welcome all tips. :) You realy inspired me!

[@RobsAquaponics]

I've seen folks that add gravel into their small tanks Sam & don't think it's too much of an issue. It's not something I'd do in a larger system like ours though. Cheers & have a top one.

[@moutasimhabra3147]

Hey Rob! I'm one of your biggest fans, i hope you can help me design an AP farm over an area of 2000 sqm, with the leafy greens occupying only 50% of the produce, and the rest are strawberries, tomatoes, pepper, eggplant, etc... I also want a big part of it to be vertical. Thanks!

[@RobsAquaponics]

Sorry mate but I only do backyard build. I might do commercial build down the road after I get some more experience. Cheers. 👍

[@joshuabelcher3311]

Thank you for great video! I've been doing some research on using a 55 gallon drum to filter my small duck pond. I'd love to get into aquaponics eventually, but do you think this type of filtration would work well for duck waste? There's a million different designs and such out there but yours seems so simple and easy. Cheers from the US!

[@davidmurley1863]

Can I have a grow bed 3’ wide X 10’ long X 1’ deep? Fill on one end, bell syphon on the opposite end gravity feed back into the opposite end of the pond. I plan one on each side of a 8’ X 4’ X 3.5’ deep pond. I plan to use the dirt from the hole to build a berm and put the grow beds on top of the berm. I’m in central Florida

[@merithedragonfly]

This might be a bit of a dumb question, but I have in mind trying to design a system where, if the fish manage to breed within the system, the baby fish would be able to be pulled into this radial flow settler to A) be protected fro the adults and B) could then be netted and transferred into a secondary tank to grow out and replace the first fish when they are harvested. How could the part of the pipe within the fish tank be designed to accomplish that? (Or would the whole system need to be designed differently?)

[@RobsAquaponics]

I have seen folks find tilapia fry in their settlers/filters all the time after being pulled up the SLO in the fish tank. Most will have the base of the SLO sitting ¼-½" off the floor which is more than enough for the fry to get through. Hope that helps some.

[@merithedragonfly]

@@RobsAquaponics Thank you!

[@Verfolnir]

Question Please: Good Morning Rob! -- Have you tried any methods to close the nutrient cycle - By recycling plant (and /or fish parts(protein) and/or compost worms) into making your own fish food? The nutrient cycle can never be closed completely, of course; Have you or do you know anyone who has tried? Thank You! -- Physicist.

[@RobsAquaponics]

I have seen folks feed tilapia everything from animal waste to duckweed but am not sure if they supplemented with pellets. I'm yet to see anyone here in Australia feed their native fish with home grown &/or made feeds. I know some species will take the BSFL (our jades wont) & am interested in trying meal worms & crickets as home grown supplemental feeds. Sorry I'm not much help mate.

[@josebarzuna4558]

Hello from Costa Rica I have been following yor channel for a while, thanks for all your info, I am a retired structural engineer, never had a fish in my life and I succesfully built one system with your instructions, I always love your animations and I have been dying to ask what software do you use to do them

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hi Jose. I'm not very up with drafting software so use a free online graphics program Paint.net ( www.getpaint.net/ ). I use that for the images and then animate using DaVinci Resolve video editing software I use to produce the videos. Hope that helps mate.

[@matthewg4956]

Good day sir. I have a situation that poked its ugly head just recently. In my radial flow settler the fish poop is floating, making floating islands. Normally I would be blaming the food, but I have not changed brand/type of food since the beginning. Any ideas you may have would help. Thank you

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hi Matthew & sorry it took so long to get to this comment. You will find that the waste will start to float as it decomposes in the collector. Gasses start to form in the waste & that's what causes it to rise up the water column. Best way to stop it is to clean the solids out more regularly. Hope that helps some mate.

[@matthewg4956]

@@RobsAquaponics yes, it helps very much. I always like to hear that I need to work more. Good day mate 👍🏻

[@stewartscoble3418]

Just wondering were you got the rubber cuff for the 25mm drain you used, thanks😊

[@iamlou6]

Hello I have a question for you your knowledge is fantastic what would you recommend I have a koi pond and I'm trying to figure out a filtering system would you recommend a swirl filter or radial filter that's the best solution to remove the solids

[@RobsAquaponics]

Radial flow is supposed to work better than a swirl from what those in the commercial industry have said. There's loads of swirl fanboys out there that will say different though. 😉 For me personally, I'll be sticking with the RFS. Are you wanting to remove the finer solids as well?

[@iamlou6]

@@RobsAquaponics yes im thinking a 3 drum a solids separator and moving media drum and a biological drum in series im hopping this along with 3 large waterfalls air stone and a UV light will give me good p filtration

[@iamlou6]

Yes I have a 3 drum system I'm working on 1 for a solid separator 2mm moving media k1 and biological filter along with three waterfalls an AirStone also a UV light I'm hoping this whole system together will give me good filtration for the koi fish and also Crystal clean the water

[@glenschmeisser6633]

How do you prevent the water level from over flowing? Looks like the drum is well below the fish tank water level. Left unmanaged the water will flow via gravity over the drum lid.

[@RobsAquaponics]

The solids lifting outlet in the fish tank will only release as much water out of the tank as is flowing in at one time. The same goes for the settler itself. 👍 Am thinking about doing another clip on the solid lifting outlets as a few folks are a bit confused as to how they work. Cheers Glen.

[@GT-ie7uu]

At 4:57 he talks about thr fish tank and how it sucks up the solids. I don’t see a pump how the heck do the solids get picked up.how does the fitting suck up the solids?

[@RobsAquaponics]

The water coming into the fish tank causes water & solids at the base of the tank up the Solids Lifting Outlet (SLO) pipe & out the side wall of the tank. 👍 This link will take you straight to a section in another video that will give you a visual explanation. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoK0cmh4pbx-m8U Hope that helps some.

[@GT-ie7uu]

@@RobsAquaponics thanks

[@liftin_with_clifton4710]

Rob, I saw in your old videos you used a 5 gallon bucket for the radial flow settler. I’m running a chop and flip IBC tote with 175 gallons in the fish tank and a 64 gallon sump. Would a 5 gallon radial flow settler be effective for my setup? I don’t quite have enough room for the 55 gallon setup. Thanks in advance I’ve built my entire system using your awesome vids. Cheers from Texas 😁

[@RobsAquaponics]

That would depend on your flow rate Clifton. I run through working out the retention time in a recent clip if that helps at all, kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXOmdGyqgtifm7s Cheers mate.

[@danieljohn8952]

Hi Rob. Where did you get your uniseals from...? Am from Fiji and no one supplies them here.

[@RobsAquaponics]

I sell them online Daniel so always have a few at hand for personal use. 😉 This is my site if it helps any. www.robsaquaponics.com/uniseals There's an email at the base of that page if you need any more info. Cheers mate.

[@tomnickels7358]

Hi Rob, thanks for the great video. I built the whole thing but having a problem with the "brigde syphon". When I open it, it runs until reached the level where the pipe goes in and stops. I checked on "air leaks" but everything seems to be ok. Any idea why I might have done wrong? Cheers from Germany....

[@RobsAquaponics]

I don't have a lot of experience with them sorry Tom but it sounds like air is somehow getting in there. Not enough to stop the the siphon but enough to impede its operation. This video from Rob over at Bigelow Brook Farm may help you out some. kzbin.info/www/bejne/anq5lGqlppdsi9k

[@marcusk7855]

I have iron in my bore water. I know you can aerate and settle the iron out. I wonder if this would be effective and what rate I would need? If anyone knows please let me know.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Not something I've had to deal with sorry mate. Hope you can get some help 👍

[@mohamadfajarnurjaman9488]

Hello sir, im from Indonesia and very excited after watching your video. I want to ask, do I use a floating raft system for my aquaponic, can I use a biofilter without using a mechanical filter? I pump water from the fish tank directly to the hydroton filter, then the water from the biological filter goes directly to the floating raft system.

[@RobsAquaponics]

I think the clay media will filter out a lot of the solids. Have you got it set up as a grow bed or just clay in a drum Mohamad?

[@ohialehuacrozier8638]

sorry but I'm very new. is this all running off of one pump? gravity feed, the solid collector?

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hi there. This all runs off one pump. 👍 This video walks through how the system was originally configured if it helps at all. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooe8n6akrsxrndk I will look at doing another soon just so there is an up to date version on the channel for folks to check out as I have added some extra filters & more beds. Cheers & have a top one.

[@ohialehuacrozier8638]

@@RobsAquaponics thank you.

[@timschuchner]

Where do you order/buy your bulkhead connectors from?

[@RobsAquaponics]

Big Box hardware stores will normally stock them in smaller sizes. You might need to try rural or irrigation supply stores for the larger ones.

[@B-bonkers42]

If you bend the PVC with salt tape and heat it won't stunt the flow. Just run water through it after the bend to prevent salt in the system.

[@B-bonkers42]

Also will prevent a rough texture that fine sand would leave. (No build up of hard particles)

[@mahbubulchaudhury7139]

Good Day Rob, Thanks for your Radial flow filter video. I just wondering if I use my fish tank submersible outlet to inlet of radial flow filter, will it work? Thanks again.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Do you mean the outlet from your pump as the inlet to the settler? If so then yes, it will work but you may find that the solids a smashed up a bit by the pump & not all will settle out. One way around that problem is to increase the size of the settler tank which will give the water longer retention time. The longer it stays in the settler, the more time for the smaller solids to fall out of suspension. Hope that helps some & sorry it took a while to get back to you. .

[@kevernsawh]

Hello, how do you calculate the flow leaving the fish tank? Thank you very much for your great videos. Always comforting and easy to take in!

[@RobsAquaponics]

I time how long it takes for the filter drum to fill & then work out how many times it would fill per hour. Say it takes 4 minutes to fill a 200L/50gal radial flow settler that works out to be 3000LPH/750GPH. 60min / 8min = 7.2 7.5 x 200L = 1500LPH 7.5 x 50 = 375GPH Hope that helps some.

[@lordenzosland]

You can use a free fall gravity calculator and plug in the drop and then find the velocity then take that and plug it into a flow rate calculator with pipe diameter.

[@WILDLIFEFAMILYTV]

Hey bro, do you think this design would work for prawns?

[@RWSBrowning]

Rob have you ever considered bending the pvc pipe rather than using elbow fittings?

[@RobsAquaponics]

I have seen other folks bend the PVC but they also lose some of the diameter as well. Am happy to use the fittings for myself but if you can get the pipe to bend you might as well go for it. 👍👍 Cheers RWS.

[@RWSBrowning]

@@RobsAquaponics I'm trying the sand filled method so there should be no restrictions, really tight bends may need an elbow. Let's see what happens.

[@winfish72]

Rob, please share your e-mail, so I can send my Aquaponics idea for your suggestions & comments.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Not answering emails at the moment sorry. Have dozens to go through & not enough time. Feel free to comment under clips & I'll get to them when I can.

[@MaR-vm5nl]

Hello Rob what is the flow rate going into your Radial Flow Settler . I will be using water from my koi pond and will be pumping into this flow settler?

[@RobsAquaponics]

This clip might help with flow rates & settler design Ma R, kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXOmdGyqgtifm7s

[@anirudhtigrania9822]

Hi Rob, great videos. Absolutely love your work. Quick question, doesn't the fish tank overflow when you close the valve into the RSS to clean the RSS out?

[@RobsAquaponics]

It will overflow if you don't turn the pump off or isolate the inflow to it with a valve. 👍👍

[@sallyweiner4180]

What makes the water go to the stilling well? Just gravity?

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hi Sally. The water flowing into the fish tank causes the water to overflow through the solids lifting outlet & into the solids settler. 👍 Some folks will use a pump in the fish tank but I prefer this set up as the fish tank will always stay full in the event of a mishap elsewhere in the system. Hope you folks are doing well & not going to bonkers while in "lock down".

[@spencerforce7489]

Hey rob, I’m planning on building a system soon, it’s going to use 2 beds made of a 55 gallon blue barrel cut in half vertically and a 60 gallon aquarium for the fish tank. What size vessel do you think is the smaller I could use to make a settler? I was planning on using a 5 gallon bucket but I’m afraid that will be too small. Thanks!

[@RobsAquaponics]

I would probably go with something like a canister filter for a smaller system like that Spencer. This is the version I made for my parents system & it did a great job with a fairly high flow rate, kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqWwi4WDaMZofNU Hope that helps some.

[@michaelcurtis640]

Hello rob from New Mexico. I'm having problems with my bell siphon. It will start and drain but I cant get it to break the siphon. Any ideas on what I'm doing wrong? Thanks I love your back yard farm.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Sounds like the water flow may be a bit fast. Have you sorted it out yet Michael?

[@michaelcurtis640]

@@RobsAquaponics not yet I havent had time to mess with so it's been running as a constant flow. I think when I turn the flow down I cant get the siphon to start.

[@NotoriousPyro]

Instead of stainless steel bolts you could try nylon or polypropylene.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Haven't seen any for sale locally but they would do the trick. Thanks for the suggestion NP. 👍👍

[@jamesjohnsonjunior]

I’m having trouble finding the floor drain flange (@9:20). Can you direct me to a seller or listing? I can’t tell you how much your videos have inspired and guided me. Hopefully I can share photos soon of my home project (or “jobbie”, in your lingo). Thank you!

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hi James. If you're here in Australia you can get them from the big "B" store. www.bunnings.com.au/holman-40mm-pvc-dwv-floor-flange_p4750172 I Have looked in the US & haven't found any on the big box store sites. You could make something similar using a larger endcap & gluing a connector onto to it. I'm adding this to the list of things to loo into as it's something I'll need to sort out for the download section of my guide. Thanks for asking the question James.

[@obamacheck3567]

Would a very short radial flow work as well? Like 20 cm high and 150 cm wide?

[@RobsAquaponics]

I'm not sure it would. It would work as a settling tank if you had the inlet at one end, a few baffles in the middle & outlet at the other if it was a trough. Water flow rate would also play a large part in how well the solids will settle out.

[@vivekvinayan6014]

Great content Rob. Working on one myself. I have a request. Can you make a video on TDS. How it works and how often you measure it. If you have made one already, can you provide the link please. Thanks.. Vivek

[@RobsAquaponics]

As far as I know TDS meters aren't very accurate in reading the available nutrients due to the organic forms many are in in aquaponics. I'm yet to speak to someone that uses them regularly. Sorry I'm not much help there mate.

[@vivekvinayan6014]

​@@RobsAquaponics Yes.. I feel the same. Have been using a TDS meter on a daily basis for over 2 months now. I think it basically tells you all the solids available in the water and not specifically nutrients. Have always noticed a spike in TDS reading when the water is dirty. Also, I am getting an impression from my experience that TDS doesn't really matter in aquaponics as long as we have a hold of the pH and provide Potassium and Iron supplements regularly. BTW.. enjoy your break from youtube. :)

[@RobsAquaponics]

@@vivekvinayan6014 Cheers mate. 👍👍

[@Madodel]

We use a TDS sensor to determine filter cleaning schedule. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn-blamCfJaojLc

[@technomad9071]

fry safe option?

[@COOPERSCICHILDS]

👍🏿

[@RobsAquaponics]

👍 😁

[@matthewg4956]

How do you determine the height of the water in the fish tank in relation to the height of the water in the radial flow settler in relation to the height of the water in your sump tank? If the water pump looses power, is your sump tank large enough to handle the water that’s coming from gravity?

[@thomasbecker9676]

I believe the system is designed so that the fish tank can't fully siphon empty, and the sump tank to have enough spare volume to accommodate any water that does siphon into it.

[@MichelVaillancourt]

@@thomasbecker9676 : correct. if you see the top of the SLO pipe, where it comes out of the water is a T fitting open to the air ... that means it can't siphon. Once water level drops below the line of the bottom of the horizontal pipe, it stops flowing by gravity.

[@MichelVaillancourt]

the water out of the RFF has to be ~20mm lower than the top of the stand-pipe, and the water level in the fish tank should be ~20mm higher than the top of the stand-pipe. that'll give you best performance and avoid sections from trying to act as a water-bridge.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Thomas & Michel nailed it below. This link will take you to a section of a clip that may help explain SLOs a bit better & how they prevent the sump from over flowing, kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHe3nZuXZchll6Mm53s Cheers.

[@nourhabra]

Hey Rob! I heard someone say that an aquaponics system is great for leafy greens only (Lettuce, Mint, Parsley, etc...). and that it lacks iron and potassium which are crucial for vegetables and fruits (Tomatoes, Eggplants, Strawberries, etc...). Is that true? and does that imply that I have to constantly add potassium and iron to the system? thanks

[@RobsAquaponics]

Some folks get away with not adding either as they tend to have a low plant to feed ratio (meaning more feed for the fish & fewer plants) than others. Most folks will add in some form of potassium to help if they are growing a lot of fruiting plants & many will also dose with iron as well. Cheers.

[@nourhabra]

@@RobsAquaponics thanks Rob, does the excess potassium and iron harm the fish once they come back to the fish tanks?

[@RobsAquaponics]

@@nourhabra Sorry I missed your 2nd post. There should be no harm to the fish if you use the right additives. Potassium in the form of bicarbonates, hydroxides, silicate & potassium-rich kelp/seaweed additives are suitable for use in aquaponics. Iron wise, DTPA iron chelate is a fish safe additive that is probably the best iron additive to use as it is plant available over a wide pH range. Hope that helps some.

[@rubenmacias5598]

Great contento Rob! Im planning on putting one of this and the solids filter made with rocks, gravel and sand. Which one would you put first in the system? Cheers from México!

[@RobsAquaponics]

I would set up the solids settler first to capture the bulk of the large solids then the sand one Ruben. 👍

[@rubenmacias5598]

Thank you Rob! You're a legend

[@RobsAquaponics]

@@rubenmacias5598 Is all good mate. Have a top one.

[@deanhenderson9459]

Rob, Have you had any experience with rotating drum filters? I'm thinking of building one (buying looks to be very expensive and too big for a backyard aquaponics set up). Have you heard of anyone using a chiller? We're in NQ and I'm keen to try DWC but am concerned about our water temp over summer.

[@RobsAquaponics]

I would love a drum filter but cost & size is an issue. Have seen a few DIY screen filters here on YT. I'm looking at pricing some 100 micron up for my current build as I want to put a cone of it in my current static bio filter. I know there was a chap on the BY aquaponic forum that was running trout in a modified commercial freezer for a few seasons so it can be done. It also helped that he was a fridgy. 😉 Not sure if that would help you out through. Cheers mate.

[@justgivemethetruth]

With all those cool diagrams and pictures, I smell a book on aquaponics coming out some time in the future? Yes? No? How about selling a turnkey system with instructions?

[@RobsAquaponics]

No book but have made a few false starts on a basics guide. Just can't find the time to finish it in one sitting. There's not much to be made on selling systems due to cost of freight & the storage space required to hose the stock. I will be making up some fittings to sell though once I sort out the workshop downstairs. Cheers mate & hope all's well with you.

[@JamesNilsenMisra]

I was expecting the gravity fed swirl filtration tank to have a similar water level to the pond tank, but yours is much lower. Why does it not overflow?

[@RobsAquaponics]

The outlet of the settler sets the maximum water height in it. 👍

[@JamesNilsenMisra]

​@@RobsAquaponics Thanks Rob. And does the overflow on your bottom drain prevent the water from the pond syphoning to the swirl filter?

[@gideon256]

By the way Bobo where does one get the tank that you are growing your fish in? and is it available here in Victoria?

[@RobsAquaponics]

The company that makes them has gone under or been bought out I think Michael as their website is gone. They aren't the best tanks for keeping fish so your better off searching for a local tank manufacturer that has tanks specifically built for aquaculture. Sorry I'm not much help there mate.

[@pauladams3255]

Hey @Rob Bob's Aquaponics & Backyard Farm . Watched this video so many times and have built my radial flow from this design. I am adding another IBC fish tank this week, do you think i could plumb 2 tanks into one radial flow ? Or will I have to buy a second drum and go again ?

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hey Paul. I would add in a new filter otherwise you'll be drastically reducing the retention time of the setter with double the flow rate. Sorry ti took a while to respond mate.

[@pauladams3255]

@@RobsAquaponics , thanks mate . Saves me drilling a hole and ruining a good working filter 😁. Love the content mate. Keep doing your thing 🤘

[@RobsAquaponics]

@@pauladams3255 Cheers Paul. 🍻🍻

[@Kearnesy]

Great video. How did ur fish go with the cold snap the past few days

[@RobsAquaponics]

So far so good n k. 👍 Water bottomed out today at 14°C & was up to 20°C when I fed them as the sun was setting. How are yours travelling?

[@Kearnesy]

Feared for the worst this mornin when it was 3 degrees however they survived fine lucky i put a heater in when i did

[@dickergaming6938]

Hey Rob, you are my go-to source for info as I build my 1st AP system here in New York. Thanks for all the great videos. Just wondering about the height of the standpipe in your RFS in relation to the outlet from the fish tank and the outlet to the sump. The outlet from the fish tank looks to be several inches above the standpipe. And I'm guessing you have the standpipe at about even with the outlet to the sump. Thanks so much!

[@dickergaming6938]

My fish tank doesn't seem to be emptying quick enough. When the grow beds (2) are emptying one at a time, things are flowing ok, but if they both drain at the same time, it's too much, the fish tank is overflowing. I lowered the outlet from the RFS to the sump tank by 2 inches...that didn't help. I cut the top of the standpipe by an inch, that didn't help. Any ideas? 2 inch pipe all around. I just uploaded a video to my youtube channel...Dicker Gaming....if you want to see.

[@RobsAquaponics]

@@dickergaming6938 Hey mate. Thanks for leaving a video on how you set it up. It really helps. 👍 As the water coming from the grow beds is already filtered, I'd run the one over the sump directly down into it. That will stop the main FT from overflowing. Sorry it took so long to get back to you. Hope the system is doing well.

[@thefarmlife4720]

Has anyone ever seen those 'straight wall' barrels in the States? I've only seen one style of plastic barrel.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Found a few on Craigslist mate. Probably nowhere near you but they are available. 👍 austin.craigslist.org/search/sss?zoomToPosting&query=55+gallon+blue+barrels&srchType=A&minAsk&maxAsk

[@thefarmlife4720]

@@RobsAquaponics Thanks. Not near to me, but very helpful none the less. At least I know to keep an eye out for them. Sweet trick with the improvised lid.

[@johnmalaihollo]

So... What is a pressures pipe?

[@RobsAquaponics]

Pressure pipe is any pipe that is constructed to be able to withstand water being moved under the high pressure from a pump of some kind. It generally has thicker walls than that of stormwater or drain pipe as they move water using gravity. Hope that helps some.

[@johnmalaihollo]

@@RobsAquaponics aaw thanks Rob! Have an amazing week

[@jasonverrastro1709]

Instead of a large diameter pipe through the top could you just attach a small bucket to the lid and add a few holes to let the air out.

[@RobsAquaponics]

That was how we set up our first settler & it worked well Jason. 👍

[@jamesridley184]

Rob nice work question what's your FCRs on those Jade perch and what's your stocking rate per cubic metre per kg ?

[@RobsAquaponics]

I'll never know the FCR with this lot as I got them as 50g+ fish James. I don't recommend folks stock more than 40 fish they want to grow out to 500g each in a 1000l tank & that's only possible if they have the correct amount of bio filtration to handle the ammonia produced by the fish. Cheers.

[@Lil_dripper905]

Just wondering if you have thought of using a www.waterco.com.au/aquaculture/multicyclone for this purpose, I have seen a few the other week going cheap on gumtree. We have one on our pool and it is interesting to see how much fine material it removes from the water.

[@RobsAquaponics]

i haven't seen anyone use one on their system James. It looks like it needs a bit of a high flow rate so probably wouldn't work too well wit the gravity flow from the fish tanks. Looks like the smaller one requires 40lpm minimum which not many folks with a 1000L tank would have. Might be worth it on a larger system though. 👍 Cheers mate.

[@christiankapler1618]

Can you feed say 5 fish tanks through the same Radial Flow Settler? Or do you need 1 per fish tank?

[@RobsAquaponics]

It all comes down to retention time as that's what will help the solids fall out of suspension & if the flow is too great the filter won't preform properly. This clip might help you with the basics of how the filter works & give you some ideas to play with. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXOmdGyqgtifm7s Cheers. Hope that helps some.

[@drrahilakurdi5943]

⚘⚘

[@RobsAquaponics]

😁👍👍