DIY Sea Swirl
 

Just completed a DIY Sea Swirl project using plans on this site - [url]http://pages.infinit.net/lambertv/pages/index.htm[/url] Works like a charm for a total cost of $40.00, some tools, and some time. Here are some pics of the project...[url]http://home.nc.rr.com/wlagarde/Mechanism.JPG[/url] and [url]http://home.nc.rr.com/wlagarde/In[/url] Action.JPG

Awesome find, I'm gonna make myself a couple of those :D

I made a 1 inch version. Would have cost about $180 to purchase. What savings. The beauty is it looks and performs exactly like the real thing and it was really easy to make.

I would love to build one of these. Are there any more details instructions around?

Rico

i want to build one too. got a parts list or detailed plans or any pics. thanks.

-jon

which motor did you put on it. The motor I was shopping for retails for about $50.00.

RicoJ

Try this place you'll be amazed at the price they have on this thing. [url]http://www.herbach.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=HAR&Product_Code=TM00MTR4402&Category_Code=MTR[/url]

HTH

bulldogfish!!! Fabulous!! Only $10.00!! Now I have to find another $5 worth of stuff since their minimum order is $15. :) Or I can order 2 for when one of them burns out. :)

The site I listed in the initial post has the parts list and instructions...mine is still working flawlessly after 5 weeks of use.

Wow -- what a great project! I am definitely going to build one of these for my sump return. Thanks for the pointer!!!

-- Chris

wlagarde where did you get that neat bellcrank?

I made it with some brass sheet and a brass collar (purchased at local hobby shop), a torch and some solder....

Bulldogfish - did you compare the torque ratings on the pump you posted with that of the original Hurst motor? Seems like it might be of importance, especially if you build a 1" version - I'd bet it takes quite a bit of torque to not only rotate, but to hold the fittings steady.

Also, the mentioned motor is 3RPM vs 1RPM for the original Hurst.

Wl - I'm interested in what motor you used as well... BTW - I'm a fellow NC reefer...

Here's another link to another DIY Sea Swirl... this page specifically mentions problems with torque and motors failing..

[url]http://jean.yen.tripod.com/id55.htm[/url]

I like the clear acrylic enclosure...

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by bdkDave [/i]
[B]Bulldogfish - did you compare the torque ratings on the pump you posted with that of the original Hurst motor? Seems like it might be of importance, especially if you build a 1" version - I'd bet it takes quite a bit of torque to not only rotate, but to hold the fittings steady.

Also, the mentioned motor is 3RPM vs 1RPM for the original Hurst.

Wl - I'm interested in what motor you used as well... BTW - I'm a fellow NC reefer... [/B][/QUOTE]

Yes I also saw the 3rpm on this item. I am wondering how much of a difference it would make with a 3 rpm compared to a 1 rpm.

For $17.95 you an choose 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 15, 20 or 30 rpm.

[url]http://www.herbach.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=HAR&Product_Code=Synchron+-+RPH[/url]

Rico -

I used the original Hurst (Grainger discontinued it - but the local store in Raleigh has some on hand). If you build a 1" version it takes no more force (torque in this case) than smaller versions because the total lever arm length is the same. I have an extra one if you can't find it...where are you located?

wlagarde,

What did you use to cut the o-ring grooves???

I used a pipe cutter to put the grooves on the inner pipe. the outer pipe has no groove.

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by wlagarde [/i]
[B]I used a pipe cutter to put the grooves on the inner pipe. the outer pipe has no groove. [/B][/QUOTE]

That is a good idea. I was planning on using my router on a router table or my table saw with the saw barely raised.

a pipe cutter designed to cut PVC or copper tubing?? Seems like it would make a very narrow cut. Did you just carefully make the groove wide enough for the o-ring??

jest got to tag for old times

Has anyone figured out how to get these guys to rotate 180 degrees instead of the usual 90 degrees. Perhaps for a return in the center of the aquarium.

Pipe cutter to cut copper tubing...then I widened the cut with a file.

Does anyone know what the i.d. and o.d. of the "o" rings should be?

Where can you purchase the serpac cases?