Doser Container Magnetic Stirrers

[gregzz4]

Until I make the switch to 2-part ...
I'm using Seachem Reef Builder and Reef Calcium Advantage in my doser containers
I've found that if the stuff isn't mixed while it's being dosed, it doesn't do what it should as it's all settled on the bottom. So, I made some stirrers

I used a couple of $10 computer fans that were laying around, a couple of 3/8" flat washers, a couple of magnets from a computer hard drive, some super glue, a couple of food storage containers, a couple of PTFE Lab Grade stirring bars, and a pair of 12vdc power supplies

I control the mixers with my RKE using multi-timers that stir the goods for 1 min every 15 mins over the period of my dosing

I'll know in a couple of days whether or not this solves my problem, but, in the meantime, here's how to make these

I peeled off the labels on the fans, cleaned the surfaces with alcohol, and glued the flat washers as close to centered as I could, before the glue dried, and felt no vibrations
I needed the washers as the magnets are strong enough to lift the fans out of their proper operating location. Your fans may vary with the kind of magnets you use.
Next, I glued the magnets and, again, centered them as best I could before the glue dried
Basically, place the magnet, turn the fan on and adjust the magnet until it's as vibration-free as possible



I lucked out at the dollar store when I found some food storage containers that, when flipped upside down, fit the bases of my doser containers perfectly
I mounted the fans inside after cutting out holes for the magnets as they are proud above the fans' profiles



Fans mounted inside the containers



Wired and ready to go



Temporary doser station setup
I'm using glass strips for spacers until the new bars arrive and I re-adjust things
I'm thinking about a different way to mount the fans and make them adjustable - long screws and double nuts etc. I'll report back when it's done





I don't have the e-bay mixing bars yet, so I'm using a piece of steel (cut nail) temporarily
Once the bars arrive, I'll have to adjust the distance between the fan containers and the doser containers so the fans will turn on their own when started
I found that, even with a 2 penny nail, the fans can't turn without at least a 1/4" gap between the magnets and the doser containers
You'll see what I mean if you make your own
Adjusting the gap is important as too close and the fan won't start ... too far away and the bar won't spin

They work for now, so I know I'll get them to work once the bars arrive

Hopefully, once it's all set up properly, I'll have more consistent dosing

[lastlight]

now that's creative! love it =)

[gregzz4]

Originally Posted by lastlight

now that's creative! love it =)

Thanks Brett

I stole the idea off the web, but I'll take credit for posting it here

[windcoast reefs]

I've had many many hours in the lab, yet for some reason I never thought of that!

Great job!

[gregzz4]

Originally Posted by windcoast reefs

I've had many many hours in the lab, yet for some reason I never thought of that!

Great job!

Aw shucks

[michika]

This is awesome.

[spit.fire]

Someone did something similar to this on bcaquaria, pretty cool idea but I'm just wondering what you can use inside the containers for a non corrosive piece that's magnetic

[gregzz4]

Originally Posted by spit.fire

Someone did something similar to this on bcaquaria, pretty cool idea but I'm just wondering what you can use inside the containers for a non corrosive piece that's magnetic

The PTFE stirring bars I linked above are lab grade, coated metal

[gregzz4]

I received the stirrer bars. They are actually magnetic. I expected them to be plain metal
No worries as they still work with my setup

I grabbed some long screws from our assortment and was able to adjust the distance between the hard drive magnets and the stirrer bars so they are quiet enough and work properly
The other nice thing is the magnets can't lift the fans against the doser containers as the screws are there to stop any movement

Having these mixers running has stabilized my Alk and Ca levels, so I'm very pleased





And even though it wasn't planned as I had these fans in a box, the LEDs are a nice 'ON' indicator

[gregzz4]

Forgot to add ...

I'm looking for some glass 2L jars, preferrably with plastic lids
This will make the stirrer bars silent
They need to be no more than 5" dia, so the hunt is on

Again, I'll report back if I change anything