Reef-Rat 1.0 DIY Oscillating Return

[ReefVan]

Hello everyone,

This is my first post on this board at the invitation of StirCrazy.

I usually post on another BBS but figured it's time to give back to my fellow Canadian reefers.

Find below a link to my latest un-patented invention for the enjoyment and use of all reefers, Internet or not. This is my own intellectual property and as such I do give it freely for personal use only.

Please use this idea for your personal use as an individual and not for commercial gain, as that would defeat the whole purpose of DIY and Pi** me off as well.

http://pages.infinit.net/lambertv/pages/index.htm

Point and Click on the Reef-Rat 1.0, there are other goodies there as well.

Enjoy

[Canadian Man]

Nice to see you made it over here ReefVan!
I am sure you wont get the bad welcome you got by some at RC.

Is there a parts list on the way and a pic of the inside parts available?

Thanks

[ReefVan]

Thanks for the welcome,

So far I'm re-designing a few details after a good discussion on Reef Central with regards to "a wishlist" from users on what a good "Rotating Return Unit" should have. Next time I'll try and start the poll here.

I'll be testing in a couple of weeks in the Sea-Squirrel test bin for a month or so.

I won't release details until all the bugs are out. Pics and Parts list to follow. In the meantime you can follow the progress on my website.

p.s - That Sea-Squirrel runs real sweet in my reef, modding it this weekend with an acrylic mount so I can mount it in the tank end corner.

Some quick Reef-Rat 1.0 details:
- Reef-Rat 1.0 sweeps 90 degrees
- has a 1.0" piping configuration with no restrictions
- allows a 1100 gph plus flow rate
- only external moving part is jet-nozzle and drive shaft
- no O-rings or seals to leak or wear
- will have a universal low profile female threaded adapter on top
- on/off power switch to stop jet-nozzle in any position or for feeding
- can have any length jet-nozzle feed pipe (vertical pipe) approx 3"-10"
- can easily adapt to acrylic tanks as well as glass
- will use a 1, 2, or 4 rpm gear-motor

I'm sure there's more, I'll post it on my web page...

Thanks again

[Canadian Man]

You said 110gph?
I am sure you ment 1100gph?

[ReefVan]

Yup,

Too many keys, not enough fingers. 1100 gph plus is right. ops:

[StirCrazy]

Hey ReefVan, welcome to the board.. have you started the trials on the Reef Rat yet?


Steve

[ReefVan]

Hey Steve,

Nope, got some shopping to do monday to swap out some parts. Want to make some last minute changes, should be ready in a week or so.

[reefburnaby]

ReefVan,

Looks very nice. Just one question : have you consider if coralline growth on the Reef Rat's ball/socket joint will cause problems ?

- Victor.

[ReefVan]

Hi Victor,

Coralline growth could eventually become a factor if left unchecked over an extremely long period of time.

Good maintenance practice on any reef system dictates cleaning of all devices on a regular basis. In this case it may be once or twice a year.

At present the clearances are sufficient to cater for some growth.

I will attempt to build all submerged components in black pvc as this seems to become less encrusted than other types over time.

IMHO, with the constant motion that this device exhibits, any build-up will be very gradual.

Thankyou for the observation, it is a valid point.

[ldzielak]

Good to see another DIY member!!! Can't wait to see the inside pics. And I figured my acrylic days were over for a long time

Lee