Flow Hives are designed to be compatible with standard Langstroth frames. This is the most widely used frame standard globally. When setting up a Flow Hive, the brood box and the frames you place within it must adhere to these specific Langstroth dimensions to function correctly.
Core Takeaway: While Flow Hives introduce proprietary technology for harvesting, their structural foundation is the Langstroth standard. You must ensure that any nucleus colony (nuc) you purchase is established on Langstroth frames, as regional variations like British National frames will not fit.
Understanding the Langstroth Standard
The Global Design Choice
Flow Hives are engineered around the Langstroth specification. This design is ubiquitous in the United States, Australia, and many other parts of the world, making it easier to find compatible accessories and advice.
Specific Dimensions
The frames must match the depth of the specific hive component you are using. For a standard deep hive body (9 5/8 inches), you require a 9 1/8 inch deep frame.
Smaller Super Options
If you are using different sized boxes for expansion, the frame sizes adjust accordingly. A medium super (6 5/8 inches) uses a 6 1/4 inch frame, while a shallow super uses a 5 3/8 inch frame.
The Compatibility Challenge
Sourcing Your Bees
The most critical moment for compatibility is purchasing your bees. When buying a nucleus colony, you are essentially buying bees already living on frames.
Verifying Frame Type
You must explicitly confirm with your bee breeder that the nucleus colony is on Langstroth frames. If the bees arrive on a different standard, they will not fit into your Flow Hive brood box.
Regional Variations
This is particularly important for beekeepers in the UK and Europe. In these regions, "National" frames are very common but are not compatible with the Flow Hive's Langstroth design.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
The Transfer Trap
If you accidentally purchase bees on non-Langstroth frames (such as British National), you cannot simply drop them into a Flow Hive. You would be forced to perform a "cut-out" or complex transfer, which is highly stressful for the bees and difficult for new beekeepers.
Mixing Equipment
Avoid mixing components from different hive standards. A Langstroth box will not stack correctly with a National or Dadant box, compromising the insulation and security of the hive.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
To ensure a seamless start to your beekeeping journey, align your equipment and livestock before purchase.
- If your primary focus is purchasing a Nucleus Colony: Explicitly ask the supplier if their nucs come on standard Langstroth frames; do not assume, especially in the UK.
- If your primary focus is building or expanding the hive: Ensure any additional brood boxes or supers you build match standard Langstroth dimensions (Deep, Medium, or Shallow).
By matching your bees to the correct frame standard from day one, you ensure a compatible and stress-free start for your colony.
Summary Table:
| Box Type | Box Depth | Required Frame Depth | Compatibility Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deep Hive Body | 9 5/8" | 9 1/8" (Standard) | Compatible |
| Medium Super | 6 5/8" | 6 1/4" | Compatible |
| Shallow Super | 5 3/4" | 5 3/8" | Compatible |
| British National | Various | N/A | NOT Compatible |
Scale Your Apiary with HONESTBEE Precision Equipment
Starting with the right frame size is just the beginning. At HONESTBEE, we specialize in supporting commercial apiaries and distributors with high-quality, standardized beekeeping solutions. Whether you are scaling up with our honey-filling machines, manufacturing your own supplies with hive-making machinery, or sourcing high-volume Langstroth-compatible hardware, we have the expertise to streamline your operations.
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