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Post by tlyons01 on Jun 5, 2012 17:05:48 GMT -6
Ok everyone. The issue: recently upgraded my HOB to an AC70 from an AC50. Too much flow in one area and not enough in the rest. DIY spray bar. I have the CPVC, and I already drilled holes and have the elbows and such available. I also have vinyl tubing. Was going to use the tubing but it has a bend to it, so I put that aside. The Dilemma: I am stuck on how to get the outflow water into the spray bar.. I was thinking of making a trough like tube to catch the water. Has anyone experienced this before and what would you suggest as a resolution? I have also just completed a DIY light fixture. I think maybe one or two people here may benefit from reading about it. I had a standard 18" T8 fluorescent light fixture and a standard 2 bulb socket from the hood of a ten gallon. I gutted the tube fixture and set aside. I found a spring clip and attached that to inside the hood to hold the dual socket. Made a slit for the cord and set to use it. Any opinion would be welcome. I wonder if this is an unsafe set up? If I need to, I can use the splash guard from the hooded light to protect the light bulbs. The hood has vents in the plastic on each side. I have it raised above the tank, in a very hard on the eyes set up, which may be changed after I give that some more thought. In the mean time, does anyone see any issues with this modification? When I took it down to take pictures, it seemed pretty hot. I have it right up on the shelf above it, so would that keep the vents from being useful? Here is the link to take you to my uploaded pics for both of these projects... flic.kr/s/aHsjzSkUu3 Attachments:
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fuzzylogic
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Post by fuzzylogic on Jun 5, 2012 18:12:22 GMT -6
Have you considered notching one end of the pvc about 4 inches long and about 1/2 inch wide and just fitting it up to the filter outlet so the water spills right inside it?
As far as the lights go Id say you would be fine so long as the wattage matches what the fixture is recommended for
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Post by tlyons01 on Jun 5, 2012 18:28:08 GMT -6
I did actually think about doing that. The hubs suggested taking the cpvc and sorta cutting it in half length wise so that it would catch the water. I thought I would bounce the project around and see what you all suggest as well, before I make the final leap tomorrow. My homework is to search other person's projects and see what ideas I can find that way too...
Light: Any thought to using duct foil tape along the inside of the fixture? Hubs suggested it for heat something or other. I didn't know if it would be necessary. Also, the lights are 13 watt, so way under the recommended wattage. Of course it was made for incandescent bulbs, but I think I am good there...
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fuzzylogic
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Post by fuzzylogic on Jun 5, 2012 19:04:15 GMT -6
I wouldn't cut it in half. I think the water would splash and not do what you want it too. you may end up going to a larger diameter pipe and maybe an end cap for the left side but what are you looking at there 2 bucks. True duct tape or metal flashing tape would be win win. Less heat transfer to the hood and its reflective properties should give you a little more light to your plants. my friends here in town use it on their tank lights.
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Post by tlyons01 on Jun 5, 2012 19:29:15 GMT -6
HAHA, yes I own a roll of that tape already. Have to get it out. I will try the slit cutting method you suggested, it sounds like a winner over the cut in half and as you pointed out about the splashing, it makes sense. Will update the project as I go. Thanks for bouncing back. Great brainstorming session!
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Post by rickl on Jun 5, 2012 20:27:01 GMT -6
Have you considered just moving the AC towards the middle of the tank?
-Rick (the armchair aquarist)
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Post by bnoel210 on Jun 5, 2012 20:29:10 GMT -6
Still would only have really good water movement only in the middle and not so good on the sides. Ive tried it.
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Post by tlyons01 on Jun 5, 2012 21:47:48 GMT -6
Yeah, what Brian said. Also I have a strip that goes across the frame, so it can never really be in the middle. It's also not so much that it is concentrated to one area, I mean the fish are getting blown around when they are down towards the front glass. I figure if I can distribute the flow better, it will reduce that as well.
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fuzzylogic
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Post by fuzzylogic on Jun 6, 2012 12:14:47 GMT -6
Let us know how the progress goes. If the pvc doesn't work I think makers mark makes a plastic bottle you could easily modify.
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Post by tlyons01 on Jun 6, 2012 13:56:32 GMT -6
Oh yeah? I might have to go that route. I just finished those modifications and it does not work. I believe the pipe is too small for the gush of water. When the water hits it, it is going down the pipe but also out of the section below the output. So it creates more noise. I'm going to try this vinyl tubing in a few and see what that does. Actually as I sit here and think about this, the tubing won't work either, since I will be able to slit it to put it at the output, I will have nothing to keep it open and from collapsing back to itself, therefore only creating an obstacle for the water to flow over
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Post by bamaplants on Jun 10, 2012 10:12:07 GMT -6
I would consider using larger PVC pipe with minimal cut out to allow outflow to spill in but less space to flow out.. then size down to the pvc size of your splash bar itself.. end cap the receiver Pvc where it does not flow into splash bar of course.. the larger pipe as receiver with minmal opening would increase the water pressure leading to your smaller pipe that is the actual splash bar.
Lights-- I use Mylar for my reflectors.. it is cheap ( free if you have a kid in near family that has a birthday..LOL) Its reflective properties are a maximum
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fuzzylogic
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Post by fuzzylogic on Jun 10, 2012 16:29:53 GMT -6
Hey there. How is the project going. We are all awaiting your update
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Post by tlyons01 on Jun 10, 2012 20:21:54 GMT -6
My fix cost me 2.99 at kmart. Works like a charm, has only fallen off once. Thanks for asking! I was only updating my failures, forgot about the winner Attachments:
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Post by tlyons01 on Jun 10, 2012 20:23:14 GMT -6
I would consider using larger PVC pipe with minimal cut out to allow outflow to spill in but less space to flow out.. then size down to the pvc size of your splash bar itself.. end cap the receiver Pvc where it does not flow into splash bar of course.. the larger pipe as receiver with minmal opening would increase the water pressure leading to your smaller pipe that is the actual splash bar. Lights-- I use Mylar for my reflectors.. it is cheap ( free if you have a kid in near family that has a birthday..LOL) Its reflective properties are a maximum Yes Mylar, it is on my list of things to pick up!
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fuzzylogic
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Post by fuzzylogic on Jun 10, 2012 20:23:49 GMT -6
Well I see the picture but on my phone I can't tell what it is.
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