Apex Magnetic Stir Plate
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Hey guys- this is a tutorial to build a magnetic stirrer that plugs into the 24v accessory outlet on a Neptune apex, with the idea that these often do not get used. This stir plate cost about $40 in parts. You can easily make this a 12v stir plate with a 12v adapter and fan, but before you do, you should know that there are sellers on ebay who sell diy stir plates for around $40. This one looks nice and even comes with stir bars. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Magnetic-st...-starter-includes-two-stir-bars-/262960908398
You can use this to keep anything suspended that tends to settle out, acropower, reef energy, any of the filter feeder foods, and some of the Calcium alkalinity supplements. You probably would not use this for Kalkwasser, as the magnet may get stuck unless you stirred constantly.
But to build this stir plate you will need:
"¢ 24v fans ($2 on ebay)
"¢ A 24v fan speed control ($5) http://www.ebay.com/itm/182416840803
"¢ Project box ($8)- I like this brand- sturdy and made in Canada https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007POB8PK/
"¢ Bolts 4-40 or m3 flat top ($1)
"¢ Some type of locking nut-nylon, keps, or lock washer ($1)
"¢ Spacers- nylon or rubber ($1)
"¢ A large fender washer-this helps with magnet placement ($1)
"¢ Neodymium magnets- these are available on line, but if you have an old hard around you can also harvest them out of that for free.
"¢ Stir bars ($2 on ebay- pick your size)
"¢ A 24 volt apex cord- these are $18, but they are nice quality cords, so I think it's worth it. http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/dc24-to-bare-wire-accessory-cable-neptune-systems.html
You can make your own 24v apex cord for a couple bucks, but it won't look as nice.
You would need the plugs http://www.ebay.com/itm/Molex-43025...sing-Receptacle-Plug-2-Position-/111448105410
And the pins http://www.ebay.com/itm/Qty-of-4-Mo...mp-Terminals-Pins-For-26-30-AWG-/121731350959 or http://www.ebay.com/itm/Qty-of-4-Mo...mp-Terminals-Pins-For-20-24-AWG-/121833676747
You can easily make this a 2 or 3 place stir plate, you will just need a larger project box and more fans.
To build the stir plate:
Glue the fender washer to the fan- I'm using hot glue but any decent adhesive will work.
Mark the speed dial location and the drill hole.
Mark fan bolt locations and drill them
Countersink the drill holes on top
Attach magnet to fan, balance it, then secure with some superglue
Attach the fan to the box lid using the bolts and as many spacers as required.
Drill a hole for the power cable, and superglue it in place.
Attach the lid to the project box and your stir plate is ready to go.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/McSUESJOMk4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Hey guys- this is a tutorial to build a magnetic stirrer that plugs into the 24v accessory outlet on a Neptune apex, with the idea that these often do not get used. This stir plate cost about $40 in parts. You can easily make this a 12v stir plate with a 12v adapter and fan, but before you do, you should know that there are sellers on ebay who sell diy stir plates for around $40. This one looks nice and even comes with stir bars. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Magnetic-st...-starter-includes-two-stir-bars-/262960908398
You can use this to keep anything suspended that tends to settle out, acropower, reef energy, any of the filter feeder foods, and some of the Calcium alkalinity supplements. You probably would not use this for Kalkwasser, as the magnet may get stuck unless you stirred constantly.
But to build this stir plate you will need:
"¢ 24v fans ($2 on ebay)
"¢ A 24v fan speed control ($5) http://www.ebay.com/itm/182416840803
"¢ Project box ($8)- I like this brand- sturdy and made in Canada https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007POB8PK/
"¢ Bolts 4-40 or m3 flat top ($1)
"¢ Some type of locking nut-nylon, keps, or lock washer ($1)
"¢ Spacers- nylon or rubber ($1)
"¢ A large fender washer-this helps with magnet placement ($1)
"¢ Neodymium magnets- these are available on line, but if you have an old hard around you can also harvest them out of that for free.
"¢ Stir bars ($2 on ebay- pick your size)
"¢ A 24 volt apex cord- these are $18, but they are nice quality cords, so I think it's worth it. http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/dc24-to-bare-wire-accessory-cable-neptune-systems.html
You can make your own 24v apex cord for a couple bucks, but it won't look as nice.
You would need the plugs http://www.ebay.com/itm/Molex-43025...sing-Receptacle-Plug-2-Position-/111448105410
And the pins http://www.ebay.com/itm/Qty-of-4-Mo...mp-Terminals-Pins-For-26-30-AWG-/121731350959 or http://www.ebay.com/itm/Qty-of-4-Mo...mp-Terminals-Pins-For-20-24-AWG-/121833676747
You can easily make this a 2 or 3 place stir plate, you will just need a larger project box and more fans.
To build the stir plate:
Glue the fender washer to the fan- I'm using hot glue but any decent adhesive will work.
Mark the speed dial location and the drill hole.
Mark fan bolt locations and drill them
Countersink the drill holes on top
Attach magnet to fan, balance it, then secure with some superglue
Attach the fan to the box lid using the bolts and as many spacers as required.
Drill a hole for the power cable, and superglue it in place.
Attach the lid to the project box and your stir plate is ready to go.
