DIY Aqualifter mod VARIABLE DRIP RATE! Try it! 15 minute mod.

[chinaman4u]

OMG, I'm taking a study break, and I think I could make my aqualifter into a doser. Has anyone done this?

I took it apart to check out the insides. Played with the parts a little. Any interest? Should I post pictures?

[chinaman4u]

From the bottom remove the four screws. Lift the cover off. The red thing is held by one screw hidden beneath the magnets.

http://img318.imageshack.us/img318/9333/dsc01868bx0.jpg

[chinaman4u]

I had this L-shape plexiglass scrap I once used for a frag shelf.

http://img318.imageshack.us/img318/3647/dsc01857yp1.jpg

[chinaman4u]

Now, I have to figure out how to cut it to the proper size.

http://img318.imageshack.us/img318/5310/dsc01858zr7.jpg

[chinaman4u]

OK, I got it the right width and length. I still have to grind away some notches with the dremel.

http://img308.imageshack.us/img308/9141/dsc01861hn2.jpg

[chinaman4u]

Here's another angle.

http://img308.imageshack.us/img308/1278/dsc01860ua6.jpg

[chinaman4u]

Turn the bracket upsidedown. It wedges in there behind that screw post just perfectly! I need to get that platform lower. I'll have to be careful not to cut off too much from the height, but it needs to be lower.

http://img308.imageshack.us/img308/9184/dsc01865wz1.jpg

[chinaman4u]

Shoot, it needs to be lower.

http://img334.imageshack.us/img334/9809/dsc01866tw2.jpg

[chinaman4u]

I took out that notch thingy. Here's the final piece.

http://img334.imageshack.us/img334/6983/dsc01871lj8.jpg

[chinaman4u]

The plastic bracket serves as a platform for the red pump. Here's an end view.

http://img334.imageshack.us/img334/7012/dsc01872do6.jpg

[chinaman4u]

Here's a side view. Now your drip rate depends on how far the magnets are from the electromagnet.

http://img334.imageshack.us/img334/2372/dsc01869bo7.jpg
=slower drip rate

http://img334.imageshack.us/img334/1595/dsc01870xc6.jpg
=faster drip rate

[chinaman4u]

I used double sided tape, measured where I wanted it to be placed and voila!

http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/9329/dsc01873sd4.jpg

I suppose, you should figure out a way to better secure the red pump, maybe velcro. ou can further this by cutting channels in the bracket and making some kind of slider and screw to make this an adjustable unit.

As shown above, I get a drip rate of 1 drop per 2 seconds. I went through a few on/off cycles and it works great. If I position the pump closer I can get 1 drip per second or more!

[chinaman4u]

What do you think?

[Malifluous]

I think thats a great Mod! I have always contolled the drip rate with my aqualifter with head pressure. Im sure using head pressure will shorten the life of the pump. Your idea is great if it does not strain the pump in anyway . I dont see how it would. A sliding mechanism would be great. I need to open mine up! Thanks for sharing

[Stoney Mahony]

Sweet Mod! Couldnt you just put a drip emitter on the outlet tube of it? Like you use in hydroponics? Here is a link:
http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/iid/8330/cid/3041

[RichConley]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8775237#post8775237 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Malifluous
Im sure using head pressure will shorten the life of the pump.

Why do people always assume this?

If anything, this mod is more likely to shorten the life of the unit.



Anyways, nice idea. I'm gonna give it a try.

[chinaman4u]

The drip emitter is great, I used one, but kalk clogs them up sometimes.

[RichConley]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8776638#post8776638 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by chinaman4u
The drip emitter is great, I used one, but kalk clogs them up sometimes.

If you're using a kalk reactor, just put it this way


water->aqualifter->emitter->reactor


no kalk ever through the pump, or the emitter.

[perpetual98]

Here's what I'm using to control my Aqualifter. I'll probably try it so that it turns on for about a minute per hour.

http://www.krisanderin.com/ebay/cyclestat.jpg

Here's a description:

Green Air Products CycleStat II Repeat Timer

The Cyclestat II repeat cycle timer is capable of accurately functioning equipment repeatedly at very short increments from 5 seconds to 30 minutes of “ON” time and 7 minutes to 8 hours between cycles. Precise and easy to use, it is ideally suited for irrigation, misting, drip systems, ebb and flow, CO2 enrichment or ventilation controls to name a few. Automatic reset feature allows function synchronizing with other system controls. This feature provides an interesting variety of timing combinations.

Push button reset for manual cycle operation. Power "on" and "cycle on" LED indicator lights. The Cyclestat timer plugs directly into wall or equipment outlet with rear mount 3 prong plug. Timed equipment plugs into flush mount grounded front outlet. Operates on 110 VAC with 15 Amp switching capacity.

[chinaman4u]

Rich, I never thought of that! Spent, too many a days, siphoning and using a drip tube! That would work even better and no fuss. RC has so many ideas and different viewpoints!

[IndyMatt]

What is a drip emitter and how do you use one?

[chinaman4u]

I used a container from Walmart, Magfloat is my stirrer. The pump is doing well 8 hours later. Using books under the pump, changes the head pressure and allows further fine tuning. Caution; Aqualifts syphon when power is off.

http://img326.imageshack.us/img326/2175/dsc01874if6.jpg

And the electromagnet is sealed, so there are no exposed wires.

It will probably still work if you submerge it, but please don't try it.

[IndyMatt]

Could you use a check valve to stop a syphon when off?

[chinaman4u]

You could use a check valve Indy, they just need maintenance. People who use larger PVC versions for their tanks report they fail, unless they are cleaned regularly.

And an emitter is just a gate valve, a smaller version. Used to restrict flow. They are great to use to acclimate. Start a syphon from your tank and control the drip rate into your new fish.

Finals are next week at Penn State.

I did a $15 rotating Sieo powerhead mod using a christmas ornament. But it failed after 6 weeks. After Xmas these ornaments are cheap, so I can't wait to try again!

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=728866

[FlipFlops24/7]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8776864#post8776864 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by perpetual98
Here's what I'm using to control my Aqualifter. I'll probably try it so that it turns on for about a minute per hour.

http://www.krisanderin.com/ebay/cyclestat.jpg

Here's a description:

Green Air Products CycleStat II Repeat Timer

The Cyclestat II repeat cycle timer is capable of accurately functioning equipment repeatedly at very short increments from 5 seconds to 30 minutes of “ON” time and 7 minutes to 8 hours between cycles. Precise and easy to use, it is ideally suited for irrigation, misting, drip systems, ebb and flow, CO2 enrichment or ventilation controls to name a few. Automatic reset feature allows function synchronizing with other system controls. This feature provides an interesting variety of timing combinations.

Push button reset for manual cycle operation. Power "on" and "cycle on" LED indicator lights. The Cyclestat timer plugs directly into wall or equipment outlet with rear mount 3 prong plug. Timed equipment plugs into flush mount grounded front outlet. Operates on 110 VAC with 15 Amp switching capacity.

Wow where did you find that? That would work great! I see you are from wisconsin too. Please tell me Menards sells these :-)

[Stoney Mahony]

Its called a repeat cycle timer and there are many kinds. They are usually pretty expensive but are worth it and last a long time. I have my internal PH's on one for a wave timer. I have one of these but it looks pretty much the same as the green air products version:
http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/iid/3502

[perpetual98]

Stoney, that looks pretty much like what I've got.

I got a SCREAMIN deal on it from another reefer. New in box for $35. Can't complain about that! From my limited searching, it was about $100 most places. They're used a lot for hydroponics.

What I'm going to use it for is having a copepod culture in an Aquafuge on my sump. I'm going to use the timer and the aqualifter to very slowly push the green water/copepod culture into the sump. Maybe a cup or two a day pushed.

Eric

[chinaman4u]

I'm already looking on ebay for a timer like that, I was thinking powerhead/wavemaker. But I'm going to try culturing rotifers and using this for feeding is a great idea!

[mytilus]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8775887#post8775887 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RichConley
Why do people always assume this?

If anything, this mod is more likely to shorten the life of the unit.



Anyways, nice idea. I'm gonna give it a try.

I think over a long period of time, head pressure will put excess force on the diaphrams making them crack where the connect to metal