This is the continuation of the Aquaponics system build mega post. Last time we left off at the point of completing the downpipe to remove the solids via gravity syphon effect.
Coming from the downpipe on the inside we pull off the main fish tank with 2 elbows on the 2" pvc into the first step which is the vortex filter. The 2" verticle pvc section was about 1&1/2'
Next I created a hole for the uniseal on the bottom of the vortexfilter with a 3" hole saw.
The uniseal was inserted into the bottom of the vortex filter and a 2" pvc was inserted about 1' long.
A 90deg elbow is needed to come off the vortex filter drainpipe.
This is the assembly of the final vortexfilter cleanout. I use a 1&1/2' length of pvc with a 2" to 3/4" adapter with a 3/4"gardenhose valve.
The next step was to create a cone to allow gravity to swirl the solids to the bottom of the vortex filter. A measurement was taken of the barrel's inside diameter to determine the outer radius of the cone.
Using a cone calculator tool I found here http://theurbanfarmingguys.com/Calculator.htm. I used my inner and outer diameter measurements to enter into the tool and output the small and large radius to trace and cutout using my metal blade on my jigsaw.
Using a string the length of the radius I pinned it at the center of the metal plate with duct tape and traced my arcs for my cuts.
I used some liquid nails to seal the main crack in the cone. I later used some flex seal and more liquid nails to fully seal the vortex cone that was created.
The bottom of the cone is filled with aircrete to help keep the cone in place.
