Skimmer Impeller Mod

[Sedgewick]

Hey Chef, Ive done this mod to several pumps, some things to bear in mind. It will affect the pump, some will not start, the added weight centrificaly applied tends to bog them down, you will probably have to reduce the intake venturi and the air intake is LOUD,the finer the mesh the better and you can get round discs of holed plastic for needlepoint at craft shops I find this stuff better as you can actually centre it as ballance is critical, good luck

[Salinity Now]

I've just modified my needle wheel impeller using the fishing line idea. I wrapped it about 3 or 4 times as per the thread in RC. Unfortunately I'm not seeing the results as others have posted, this includes reducing the air into the venturi modification. Maybe I need to wrap the fishing line a few more times? The trouble with the fishing line is, it's time consuming trying to wrap the line in and over all those spokes. The good thing is that if it doesn't work, ya just pull'er apart and start again. Oh yeah! I also added just a dab of crazy glue to hold the knots together.

Terry

[Der_Iron_Chef]

Hmm. Interesting. Wait--I'm a little confused. Did you wrap the fishing line to hold some sort of mesh material in place? Or did you *only* add fishing line?

Perhaps that's a dumb question! I'm very, how shall we say.....NOT handy! Except in the kitchen. Now there's an idea--some DIY skills for a home cooked meal. Anyone like Thai?

[Salinity Now]

Mmmmmm! Thai fooooood!!!

Chef, no such thing as dumb questions on Canreef. The impeller was wrapped with only fishing line.

Today I did however try securing some gutter guard on the impeller with fishing line, but that never worked out too well either. So I just went ahead and dropped in an air stone, which definitely has increased my bubble production. I'll try again wrapping more fishing line around the impeller again maybe tomorrow.

Terry

[Der_Iron_Chef]

Interesting. Ok--I'll remember the "no question is a dumb question" rule

Also--what about using those zip ties to secure the gutter guard or whatever else?

Side note: I've always had a bit of an issue with microbubbles (I use it as HOB) and the bubble diffuser box was always noisy. Well, I put some airline tubing on the output vent hole and the other end about an inch below the water surface. Ta-da! No more microbubbles or noise (for now). We'll see if it continues to work

[Salinity Now]

Drew, I havn't tried zip ties to secure some form of mesh yet. I'm going to try and wrap the impeller with thicker fishing line and more wraps first. Kinda like what this guy "Andrew" did on the link below. The photo is about midway down this thread.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...5&pagenumber=7

[Der_Iron_Chef]

Ahhhh. Looks interesting. Any pics of your process? Let us know how it goes!

[Salinity Now]

No pics yet . I'll take some photos when I've got'er tuned in better.


Terry

[Salinity Now]

Drew, here is a link that I found on one of the RC threads regarding the modifications to the impeller.

http://www.randystacye.com:80/diythreadwheel.htm

I wonder where I'd go to pick up that fancy "PF5" mesh material? Is it at Home Depot, Home Hardware? If so which section? If I find the stuff I might have the guts to start choppin'er up .

Terry

[AndyL]

mavgi on RC was providing it for a while (no longer doing so). It's some form of housewrap to create airspace under siding in warmer climates.

As it's something not used in our climate - I doubt you'd find it at home depot.