Valveless siphon decanter and methods of use

A sequencing batch reactor for processing wastewater, comprising:

• a tank for retaining and stratifying the wastewater to produce a substantially clear layer of water disposed below a debris layer;
• a siphon tube external to the tank, the siphon tube having an output;
• a boom extending substantially transversely from the siphon tube, the boom providing a path for the communication of water from within the tank into the siphon tube, a vacuum head configured to float on the fluid in such a way that the at least one orifice is disposed above the fluid as the vacuum head floats,
• the vacuum head being in association with the boom, the vacuum head having at least one orifice disposed within the tank for receiving the water;
• means for positioning the at least one orifice of the vacuum head in the clear layer of water below the debris layer;
• a vacuum source for creating a vacuum within the siphon tube and the boom to draw the clear water in through the at least one orifice of the vacuum head into the boom and into the siphon tube thereafter;
• a vacuum break for breaking the vacuum within at least one of the boom and the siphon tube;
• and
• wherein the siphon tube and the boom are configured to operate outside of contents of the tank when in use.