Research & learn
Learn how it works. Then make it work for you.
Guides for first-time growers, resources for teachers, and the data behind our design.
Start here
Everything you need to get growing.
Starter guide · Free PDF
Simple Backyard Aquaponics System
A low-water way to raise fish and vegetables together, designed by the BJU Global Challenges class as part of Project Siphona. New to aquaponics? Start with this.
01
Aquaponics 101
Fish feed plants, plants clean water. How the loop works and what you need to start.
02
Sizing your siphon
Match the siphon to your bed depth and pump flow in two minutes.
03
For classrooms
Lesson ideas, a supply list, and how to run a system through the school year.
04
Research and data
How we test, what we measured, and the full results.
For schools
A living lab that runs itself.
A classroom aquaponics system covers biology, chemistry, and engineering in one tank. The siphon keeps it running over weekends and breaks, so teachers don’t have to.
- Classroom resources in development
- Setup help from the Siphona team
Patent and testing
Designed on paper. Proven in water.
We tested the double bell side by side with common siphon designs. Full results coming soon.
PATENT
Patented Double Bell Design
[U.S. Application No. 12,553,453, filed Feb. 2026.
Provisional Patent on funnel design
| Test | Siphona double bell | Standard bell siphon |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum flow to trigger | Coming soon | Coming soon |
| Drain time | Coming soon | Coming soon |
| Failed starts per 100 cycles | Coming soon | Coming soon |
| Residual water after drain | Coming soon | Coming soon |
From the journal.
