Aquabee 2000 Meshmod

[lbaldrey]

Has anyone tried to do a meshmod on an Aquabee 2000 ?

What were the results like ?

I tried searching but couldnt find any info, would so appreciate it someone could post a link

Thanks,
Lyndon

 

[skimmy]

yep, takes them from 500 lph of air to about 750 lph of air....do it!!!

 

[lbaldrey]

great ! but how ??

 

[shag26272]

what skimmer is it? I have a DAS and I cant turn the air even close to halfway up as it is

 

[lbaldrey]

Its a DIY skimmer i am building based on a Euroreef / Deltec AP701, the skimmer body is an 8" cylinder...reaction chamber height 15"

I have an aquabee 2000/1 which I hope to use and I was thinking of doing the meshwheel mod after reading about 50 pages of the meshwheel mod thread.

 

[shag26272]

I would try it without the mesh first unless you already have. See how it does then do the meshmod if it looks like it can handle more.

 

[Horace]

I mesh modded mine, and it went from about stock of 14-15scfh to around 23-25scfh. It was a pretty significant jump. Put 3 layers of mesh on there and just ensure it doesnt rub on anything and your golden. I know its hard to cut up a $90 impeller but trust me its worth it. That being said, if you havent already bought the pump, DONT! There are many other pumps which can produce as much or more air flow for alot less than the Aquabee pump costs (~$170 shipped).

 

[lbaldrey]

Thanks guys,

The aquabee I have was actually lying at a LFS here , the impeller was jammed and the store thought the pump was shot...I bought it from them took the impeller out and its amazing what a vinegar soak can do for these things...

I paid about 5$ for my aquabee....

Kurt about the mod...the impeller has 2 layers of pins stuck together right ? So did you cut off all pins and sandwich the mesh ?

 

[Horace]

Mine was direct from H&S that had the needlewheel modification already done. It sounds like you got the standard pump, which is different. It may even have a different volute as well, not sure on that.

 

[lbaldrey]

how about a pic please ?

 

[Horace]

Sorry, that skimmer has long since been sold.

 

[CMcNeil]

ok i have an aquabee as well and was thinking of the mesh mod.if i recall correctly you just cut/grind off the needles on the impeller and ziptie 3 layers of mesh to the impeller.i have tested the air intake on the pump as is and it is around 550-600lph.i would like to see around 700lph from this pump.

 

[lbaldrey]

Just noticed something when i hooked it up today...

The pump has an inlet for air...I plugged it in and it seems to be sending water up the air inlet tube...is something wrong ? shouldnt it be sucking in air ?

How can I fix this ? The pump works fine otherwise. any ideas ?

Thanks,

Lyndon

 

[mikeandjenn99]

Is the air inlet after the output of the pump? If so, the pressure is too high for it to suck air. I've tried to use those type of inlets before, and they never work. You really want the air inlet to be at the intake, especially for a needle wheel or mesh wheel. Otherwise you defeat the purpose.

 

[lbaldrey]

this inlet is built into the pump...