At its core, the Flow Super setup is a hybrid beehive system that combines components from three distinct beekeeping philosophies. It includes six specialty Flow Frames housed within three standard medium 8-frame Langstroth-style boxes, all resting on an IPM Screened Bottom Board and protected by a Warre-style Top-Quilt and roof.
This hive is designed for a specific purpose: to merge the easy harvesting of Flow technology with the natural insulation and moisture control of a Warre hive, all while using the modular box format of a Langstroth system.
Deconstructing the Hybrid Hive
To understand this setup, it's best to analyze each component's function, starting from the ground up. This is not a standard configuration, and every part has been chosen to serve a specific role in the hive's ecosystem.
The Foundation: IPM Screened Bottom Board
An IPM (Integrated Pest Management) Screened Bottom Board replaces the traditional solid wood bottom. Its primary purpose is to help manage Varroa mites, a major honey bee parasite.
Mites that fall off bees drop through the screen and out of the hive, unable to climb back up. This board also provides excellent ventilation, which is crucial for reducing moisture buildup and maintaining colony health, especially in humid climates.
The Brood Chamber: Three Medium 8-Frame Boxes
The brood chamber is where the queen lays her eggs and the colony raises its young. This setup uses three medium-depth boxes instead of the more common configuration of two deep boxes.
Using medium boxes makes each individual box lighter and easier to lift during inspections. Providing three boxes ensures the queen has ample space for egg-laying, which is essential for building a strong, populous colony capable of producing surplus honey.
The Honey Super: Six Flow Frames
This is the defining feature of the hive. The Flow Frames are placed in the top box, known as the "super." These revolutionary frames allow you to harvest honey directly from the hive without opening it or disturbing the bees.
A key is used to split the honeycomb cells vertically, allowing the honey to flow down and out through a tube into your jar. The six Flow Frames are designed to fit the dimensions of a standard 8-frame Langstroth box.
The Insulation Layer: Warre Top-Quilt
Borrowed directly from the Warre hive philosophy, the Top-Quilt is a shallow box filled with an absorbent, insulating material like wood shavings. It is placed directly above the honey super, under the main roof.
Its function is to absorb excess moisture that rises from the bee cluster, preventing condensation from dripping back onto the bees, especially during winter. It also provides a critical layer of thermal insulation, helping the colony regulate its temperature more efficiently.
The Protection: Warre Hive Style Roof
The Warre-style gabled roof offers robust protection from the elements and often provides a larger overhang than standard Langstroth telescoping covers. It complements the natural, top-insulated design philosophy of the Top-Quilt.
Understanding the Trade-offs
This hybrid approach offers unique benefits but also introduces complexities that differ from standardized hive setups.
The "Best of Worlds" Advantage
The primary appeal is combining strengths from different systems. You get the easy, non-intrusive harvesting of Flow Frames, the superior moisture control and insulation of a Warre quilt box, and the widespread compatibility of Langstroth-sized boxes.
The Learning Curve
Because this is a hybrid, it doesn't operate exactly like a textbook Langstroth or Warre hive. Managing this system effectively requires a deeper understanding of the principles behind each component. Finding a mentor with experience in this specific configuration can be more challenging.
Component Integration
The integration of different systems means you must pay close attention to how the parts fit. For example, the six Flow Frames fit into an 8-frame box, so you must understand how to manage the remaining space within that super to prevent irregular comb construction by the bees.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
The suitability of the Flow Super setup depends entirely on what you want to achieve as a beekeeper.
- If your primary focus is convenient, low-disturbance honey harvesting: This setup is an excellent choice, as the Flow Frames are the centerpiece of the design.
- If your primary focus is natural beekeeping and overwintering success: The inclusion of a Warre-style Top-Quilt and screened bottom board makes this a strong contender, offering superior moisture and ventilation control.
- If your primary focus is simplicity and following standard industry practices: A traditional 8 or 10-frame Langstroth hive may be a more straightforward starting point with more abundant educational resources.
Ultimately, this setup empowers the beekeeper who is willing to embrace a unique system to gain specific performance advantages.
Summary Table:
| Component | Function | Philosophy |
|---|---|---|
| IPM Screened Bottom Board | Manages Varroa mites, provides ventilation | Integrated Pest Management |
| Three Medium 8-Frame Boxes | Brood chamber; lighter, more space for the queen | Langstroth (Modified) |
| Six Flow Frames | Enables non-invasive honey harvesting | Flow Hive |
| Warre Top-Quilt | Insulates, absorbs moisture for winter success | Warre Hive |
| Warre-Style Roof | Protects from the elements with a large overhang | Warre Hive |
Ready to build or optimize your apiary with the right equipment?
At HONESTBEE, we specialize in supplying commercial apiaries and beekeeping equipment distributors with high-quality, wholesale-focused supplies. Whether you're managing a fleet of traditional Langstroth hives or innovative hybrid systems like the Flow Super, we provide the durable components you need for a productive and healthy operation.
Contact our wholesale experts today to discuss your specific needs and discover how our equipment can support your commercial success.
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