If Reeftec and Tunze had a baby

[Mustang]

Well I finally got around to building my PE-2 units I did not like the Box look and did not want to shell out the cash for the Tunze so I came up with my own
I took the strainer basket that comes with the LG pump cut it up a little and glued a piece of 2� pvc to it, Tapped a couple of the holes that are already in the pump and attached the basket to it

I built the drive shaft out of 3/16� SS tubing I reamed the one end to fit snug on the shaft and pressed it on

And Thanks to mia1974 and DBernard for finding the props and bringing them to me at the Masm meeting on Friday

The mounting I built out of ½� black acrylic then tapped the 2 holes in the back of the pump and use nylon screws to hold it. The shelf holds the weight

The top is cut that way to mount to bulk heads I have in the top of my tank, I just loosen the bulk head and slide the unit in, then tighten it back makes removing and rotating easy

So what do you think?

[K. Lee]

Nice library!

[Yellotang]

Nice, how does it work?

[mgk65]

Cool! I'm still waiting for mine.

yes, nice library!

That's a good idea ... may have to work something out.

You could even mount that to the bottom of a sea swirl type device and get some rotation.

mgk

[LiquidShaneo]

How is the flow coming out of that unit? Is it broad and cone-shaped like the original Reeftec or is it much more of a stream?

Shane

[aschroeder]

Please keep us updated on how this works for you. I bought a LG pump, but I've been holding out buying a Reeftec unit. This looks like it could work very well.

[Mustang]

It seems to be a great cone shaped steam
I did some shots with bubbles to give you an idea of the flow
I can say it moved some sand around last night
You can see the sand move on the other end of the tank when I first installed it, its a 8' tank

The thing I can play with is how far the prop is from the front to adjust the stream

Here is a pic

[mgk65]

It sure makes a lot of bubbles. he he <- There's always one in every crowd....

Have you thought about putting a fan control on it to adjust the speed? fishpoo has said it worked and that is what I am planning on doing.

mgk

[aschroeder]

Mustang:
Impressive. I think this is my next DIY project. Where did mia1974 and DBernard find the prop?

[Ocean Image]

Very nice. What type of pump is that?
One idea may be to look a remote control boat props. They might be the right size, and I'm sure you can get a variety of pitch.

[aschroeder]

The prop is a remote contol boat propeller. The Reeftec uses an Octura 1250R. The R stands for right rotating.

I just wondered if you could find it online, or if my local hobby shop might have it.

[mgk65]

The pump is a Little Giant PE-2; there is another thread where Ken Stockman had an online source for the prop.

mgk

[Lunchbucket]

nice man! keep us updated!

Lunchbucket

[Achilles]

Do they have the Octura 1250R in black?

Originally posted by aschroeder
The prop is a remote contol boat propeller. The Reeftec uses an Octura 1250R. The R stands for right rotating.

I just wondered if you could find it online, or if my local hobby shop might have it.

[aschroeder]

Do they have the Octura 1250R in black?

I don't think it comes in black. But I've been wondering the same thing. I'm going to find the thread by Ken Stockman where he gives the online source for the 1250R. Maybe that source will know if it comes in different colors.

[Mustang]

Well I just built the other one I will tell you it took me less than a half hour to do it now that I had worked out all the kinks in the first one

BTW you DO NOT need to remove every other piece from the strainer as I did in the first one I thought it would restrict flow but it seems to be working fine with all in place

I belive another company makes the prop in black but not sure which one

[Konadog]

I think you are refering to THIS thread. Should be on page 9.

[nematode]

Posted the address and price of octura 1250 R props on the many DIY plans and supplies list (first DIY forum thread)

here it is again

For plastic propellers for DIY reeftec clones:

Octura Models, Inc
7351 N Hamlin
Skokie, Illinios 60076
847-674-7351

Model 1250 R ( 50mm Right Handed 2 blade prop) $1.15 each

4.00 $ shipping for orders under 80.00

no minimum order

Won't take visa, so you have to mail them a check or arrange COD

[gennet]

For those who have used the PE pumps for their Reeftecs. Were there any rust or impeller lock-up issues?

[nematode]

PE1 still going after 3 months.Its a pain to reach the unit behind my rockwork so i haven't checked for rust.
If I had to buy a new one I'd probably purchase the cal200. Same price and warrantied to be salt water OK.

The variability could be due to 1) differences in quality of shafts at different manufacturing dates. 2) possible differences due to aquarium conditions. Current can effect corrosion. Perhaps tanks that are grounded or have current leak are behaving differently.

[pi]

Looks great! Nice job.

I have been wondering how to build one of these as a outboard model (ie have the main body of the pump outside the tank). Anyone evern thought of this?

[H20ENG]

I have been wondering how to build one of these as a outboard model (ie have the main body of the pump outside the tank). Anyone evern thought of this?

I have been thinking of this too. I dont want that beast inside the tank if I can help it. I was thinking of putting the prop inside a 2" sweep 90, then just that piece can hang down inside and the motor with extended shaft would mount out of the water. Would have to enclose the shaft to avoid slinging water. May not be able to use the LG pump motor, but could use any motor if external.
If you didn't want the cone shaped flow, you could put some egg crate in the piping to smooth out the flow, more laminar.
$0.02
Chris

[Krusk]

here is the link where you can get "Model 1250 R online" order form (FAX)

scroll down to the bottom
http://www.mackproductsrc.com/props_p3.htm

nice works mustang
I have to steal your idea for my 300G tank

kewl

[Reefcrazy]

What I want to know is why it took you until after I had spent the money on the reeftecs to come up with this idea! Great job and good thinking!

[BigLar]

Ken,

How did you bend the acrylic for the bracket?



Does anyone know if the props are the same on the PE-1 and the PE-2's? I have 2 PE-1's but want to upgrade to the PE-2's. I wonder if I could do the same thing Mustang did but use the Props off of the PE-1's