Just wondering something

[HiFi#1]

I finally got my RC250 & its been running for a couple days so far its awasome, still tweeking. I was wondeing if there is any plains from euro reef for a auto cleaner? Cleaning is super easy but Id be first in line for one!!!!

[euroreef]

How much would you pay for one?

-Jeff

[HiFi#1]

This is kinda a stab in the dark but I think around $200-$250 maybe? It would have to depend on how hi tech it was I guess!! Does that sound about right?

[euroreef]

Well, the Deltec one starts at $1227 + $80 for the solenoid... I'm Not quite sure how we'd get down to $200-$250... We are looking into some different ideas regarding keeping the skimmer clean and in optimal performing condition. Keep your eyes and ears peeled. ;)

-Jeff

[HiFi#1]

I never really researched in to Deltec I perfer Euro-reef. I just took a stab in the dark with the cleaner as I don't know how tecnical they are. Id love to do some prototype testing for you when & if you need someone to :D . Kidding aside I still would be intersted!

[Kirk_M]

A friend of mine and I were thinking of something a while ago...use an Ocean's Motions drum and door sweeps (brush type). The Ocean's Motions have a very slow RPM, like the Deltec's self cleaning head, and is a hella lot cheaper. Just mod the collection cup top in some way to fit it to it. Fit the collection cup with a drain line, like the deltec, and, put a level sensor in the collection cup top to prevent the water feed pump from overflowing it, and, you've got it.

[hahnmeister]

The Deltec IS waaaay overpriced for what it is. Being that nobody else competes with them, thats why they can charge that much. It does have some sort of built in timing circuit, but there is no reason that a regular 1rpm timing motor couldnt be used (just seal the shaft), and then just use a digital timer to so it only works for one minute a couple times a day. The motors cost $10, the seal for the shaft is cheap as well (dont know exactly, but same as any shaft driven pump), and a digital timer is $20. Its actually a pretty easy DIY, but I agree, if ER were to mass produce it, there would be a market. Rather than use brushes, a couple squeegees like those used for cleaning a shower, or for a windsheild wiper, would be fine (and less of an obstruction in the neck). I think it could be made for a manufacturing cost of less than $100 easily, and sold for about $200 as an upgrade... easily. I bet people would still buy it at $300.

Either that, or a wetneck...

Here is one idea of mine that has an adjustable slot thickness (different thickness o-rings, as well as how hard you screw it down) as well as the ability to clean inside...
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k278/wetworx101/convertablewetneckpeg.jpg
A wetneck is another possibility. It seems some makers arent good at making reliable wetnecks for some reason though... the slots are too thick usually (thats what I have seen). I dont know... I have never had a problem, even with getting the skimmer level enough to avoid problems. I just make the slot thin enough so that the water is under a little pressure as it exits the wetneck... so its under a 'capillary effect' as it pours out. This helps it stay even.

Another option I was thinking of was something like a SCH, but rather than sit in the neck when not in use, it would retract up into the cup. This mechanism would add about a foot to the height of the skimmer though. Pretty much a sealed disk in the inner portion of the lid would pop down inside the neck of the skimmer and the wiper blades would pop out sideways, spin a couple times, and then retract, and then pop back up into the top. Its possible, and actually rather easy if using a water pump as a hydraulic actuator for the system (think Oceans motions revolutions)... but the mechanism would cost a couple hundred to make, and having an extra 12" of acrylic pipe sticking out the top of a collection cup isnt a selling point. Still, it is possible, and when not in use, it wouldnt even be in the skimmer. I think just going with wiper blades is a good enough step in the right direction... and really, its an easy DIY.