The "Hitchhiker's Guide" to the Maxi-Stream mod

[Jack04]

i see, and is the propeller drawing the water in through the side of the power head, or is it drawing the water in through the open end?

thanks for the quick reply

[Urabggr]

Is there any reason that mj1200's aren't used? Or is it just because you didn't have one. I ask because I plan on doing this mod on my 1200 but haven't really seen many people using the 1200. Is it too strong? Thanks!

[dhnguyen]

the propeller draws in water from the inlet holes or slots then pushes it (the water) out the open end.

[dhnguyen]

I find the MJ900 far more efficient (power consumption wise) and quieter than the MJ1200. But there's no reason why you can't use a MJ1200 instead.

[dhnguyen]

Keep in mind that this is my own rendition/continuation from the below threads

http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...hreadid=253928 (the original thread)

http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...hreadid=611354 (BullDZR's thread)

If you get a chance, you should read through these for more background and info. as to why things are done as described here.

This new thread is basically a summary of what I have collected from the above and my own design features that worked well for me.

[GSerg2]

Wow! Thanks for all the effort you put into the pics and descriptions. It looks like you have about perfected it. I am going to build one of this as soon as I can get the props and rods.

If they work out, I will be replacing my Tunze with two of these.

Have you tried running these on a wavemaker?

Thanks

[melev]

Very helpful thread.

[Lordhelmet]

thabk you for postin this, it has answered a few questions that had regarding this mod.

[dhnguyen]

Now only if I can hunt down some dark grey coloured 1.5" PVC pipes

Do they make Krylon Fusion in dark grey (flat or satin finish)?

[melev]

Talk to Paul from Ocean's Motions as he uses and buys gray PVC all the time. Maybe he can point you the right way.

I think savko sells black, but it won't be cheap.

[Reefvet]

Originally posted by melev
Talk to Paul from Ocean's Motions as he uses and buys gray PVC all the time. Maybe he can point you the right way.

Since OM is in Canada I'm not sure you want to pursue their supplier.

Grey PVC is schedule 80 and typically used for irrigation systems amongst other things. You can find it at most Home Depot stores if you look in the right isle.

[hawnsky]

HD and Lowes also sell a ABS pipe in shorter lengths that is almost a perfect match to the MJ's color....comes in a 2' length...at my HD it was located in the same isle as the spaflex

[dhnguyen]

Actually... It looks like they do make SCH40 PVC pipes in gray

http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/pro...uct%5Fid=16587

These prices don't look TOO bad @ $1.57/ft.

[pasenah]

if the power goes out is there a risk they will suck instead of blow when the power returns .i was thinking of having one each end on alternating times ,about 5 mins each way.

thanks
ben

[dhnguyen]

Ben,


That's what the stopper is for (re: image from first page of this thread). If the propeller spins the wrong way, it will pull out the whole impeller slightly, the propeller will hit the stopper and stop spinning then reverse itself accordingly as the magnet sucks itself back into the pump housing. This all happens very quickly within a couple of seconds upon restart though.


D.

[hancockrich]

well way back when i went thu all the posts...its people like you that put so much time in there threads that make the so nice...i do remember when i started reading...there was a thought of making the mod for people to buy. if they had there own pump..did anything ever come of this or do i need to go back a read a bunch more..lol...i dont want to be the guy pm'ing ya and asking for a mod. so i thought id just ask here for all to find out..if anyone else wanted to know..the reason is i did make one but i dont have all the right tools to make it look as well as most i have seen here...mine works but is kinda ugle..lol..kinda like the owner..but i sure would like about 2 more...if you sell them...if not its fine..more then anything i just wanted to say thz for all the work and time you have put in to the mod and helping people as much as you have...best wishes.....rich

[dhnguyen]

Originally posted by hancockrich
well way back when i went thu all the posts...its people like you that put so much time in there threads that make the so nice...i do remember when i started reading...there was a thought of making the mod for people to buy. if they had there own pump..did anything ever come of this or do i need to go back a read a bunch more..lol...i dont want to be the guy pm'ing ya and asking for a mod. so i thought id just ask here for all to find out..if anyone else wanted to know..the reason is i did make one but i dont have all the right tools to make it look as well as most i have seen here...mine works but is kinda ugle..lol..kinda like the owner..but i sure would like about 2 more...if you sell them...if not its fine..more then anything i just wanted to say thz for all the work and time you have put in to the mod and helping people as much as you have...best wishes.....rich

Thank you for the compliments. I'm not really doing this to make any money so I don't think I'm going to sell these enmasse or anything any time soon

Unless there is a way to mass produce these cheaply and with automation, I don't see it being a viable and cost effective "product" to market and sell to the public.

Reefdom.com does sell a very professional looking version of this mod but their prices are well... Lets just say too rich for my pocket especially when compared to the prices of SEIOs and the likes. I can't justify paying those prices when I can DIY everything else minus the nice PVC housing featured on the website.

I love the DIY stuff and don't mind helping others doing so. But if you want me to build you one as I have done for some others on RC, I can probably put one together for ya like $20 shipped. You would have to provide the original Maxijet impeller though.


D.

[dhnguyen]

An addenum to what I stated previously about making these for people. I can probably build one or 2 here and there as I have spare time from my job and family but if you want like 10 or 20 of these, that's another matter altogether

[headshrink]

Don't forget the IceCap one that is coming out soon. It isn't priced yet, but is looks really cool.

[dhnguyen]

very good point headshrink. Although I highly doubt that it will be inexpensive.

[r3tic]

Be cautious "kitting" out anything that resembles a pantented item....might get you into legal trouble

[Loggerhead]

Icecap what???

Icecap is coming out with a powerhead?

[headshrink]

Yes.

http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com...ool_stuff.html

pictures are near the bottom.

(Thanks Marc)

[Loggerhead]

Holy Moly!!!

Looks fantastic....but I have the distinct feeling that this will be available to the more well heeled reefer, rather than the DIY crowd.

[GSerg2]

I suspect you are correct about that. Looks expensive, very cool idea though. Of course, it wouldn't work for me anyway because of the way my tank and stand is setup. There is not enough room on the back or sides for the driver part.