Flow Advice Please
Posted: Sun Jul 12, 2009 8:23 am
As my tank matures, my circulation pumps are becoming less capable of keeping detritus stirred. I'd like to figure out a variable flow device that won't break the bank. I currently have a mag 5 return, two Koralia 4's and a MJ1200 on a timer doing 15 min intervals. So far here are my ideas:
1. Surge device - toilet stopper style.
- Pros: dirt cheap to make, a pump, a stopper, and an old bucket should do the trick.
- Cons: Ugly, ghetto, not really capable of producing outlet velocity strong enough to stir up the tank (I think). Also could be a serious problem if the flapper valve fails.
2. 1100-1500gph 12v Bilge pump
- Pros: $50 or so for a decent pump, could use in a "wavebox" style device, fairly easy to DIY a microprocessor controller
- Cons: Loud?, not sure if I can get one with an oil-less shaft/motor, motor not intended for long-term use. Energy consumption?
3. Cheap "wavemaker" controller and a pack of (unmodded*)MJ1200's
- Pros: around 100$, wouldn't have to rig up any hillbilly engineering. Energy usage would likely be the same as two constant MJ1200's, about 40 watts.
- Cons: 4 MJ1200's in my tank would be an eyesore. Fairly weak, possibly need to fabricate venturis to expand jet width.
That's all I've got so far. I'd really like a Tunze 6205, an EcoTech MP40, or a Wavebox, but I've really got more important things to spend $500 on than a pump. Any clever ideas or opinions would be appreciated.
*I recently tried the EcoMod MJ1200, within two weeks it sounded like an electric can-opener, I was not impressed.
1. Surge device - toilet stopper style.
- Pros: dirt cheap to make, a pump, a stopper, and an old bucket should do the trick.
- Cons: Ugly, ghetto, not really capable of producing outlet velocity strong enough to stir up the tank (I think). Also could be a serious problem if the flapper valve fails.
2. 1100-1500gph 12v Bilge pump
- Pros: $50 or so for a decent pump, could use in a "wavebox" style device, fairly easy to DIY a microprocessor controller
- Cons: Loud?, not sure if I can get one with an oil-less shaft/motor, motor not intended for long-term use. Energy consumption?
3. Cheap "wavemaker" controller and a pack of (unmodded*)MJ1200's
- Pros: around 100$, wouldn't have to rig up any hillbilly engineering. Energy usage would likely be the same as two constant MJ1200's, about 40 watts.
- Cons: 4 MJ1200's in my tank would be an eyesore. Fairly weak, possibly need to fabricate venturis to expand jet width.
That's all I've got so far. I'd really like a Tunze 6205, an EcoTech MP40, or a Wavebox, but I've really got more important things to spend $500 on than a pump. Any clever ideas or opinions would be appreciated.
*I recently tried the EcoMod MJ1200, within two weeks it sounded like an electric can-opener, I was not impressed.