DIY "random" water movement

[chem_fun]

OK, I had a nail in my tire. While I was waiting for someone to fix it, I thought I would walk around since it was going to take 45 min.

I stumbled upon a pool and hot tub store. lol, they sell baking soda in a large container for alk. (but that's off topic)

Please see the following link. These 3" fittings might fit in a 1.75" PVC fitting. They don't have any metal parts. The water movement in them cause them to rotate.

Think two (or 4) of these would work to generate "random water movement?

http://db.waterwayplastics.com/CatalogSpa2006/page18.pdf

Specifically, I'm looking at 212-7910 and 212-7940.

Thoughts?

 

[Cody Ray]

I have contemplated using these before, I wasn't sure how much it would restrict the flow. It certainly would put a lot of backpressure on a pump.

 

[smjtkj]

Seems to have potential. I wonder if you would need a pressure rated pump to get this to work?
Mike

 

[BeanAnimal]

Firstly, they require a substantial amount of FLOW and PRESSURE to rotate (at least a few GPM). Secondly, they have a pretty short lifepspan as the mating surfaces are the "wear parts" and they stop rotating fairly quickly even in intermitant spa use. There are much better ways to produce random water flow.

Bean

 

[chem_fun]

Bean,

You've used these, or know people that have?

 

[BeanAnimal]

They are common spa jets. If you look at the specs on the sheet, you will see that they are rated at 10 GPM at 10 PSI. Something your not going to get with an aquarium pump. If you use a big pressure rated pump you may get them to spin.

Like I said, the next BIG problem is going to be wear. The WHOLE internal nozzle rotates inside the retaining ring. It is basically a simple ball and socket joint. They simply don't last long.

NO I have not tried them in my aquarium (simply for the reasons stated above). I have been in many a spa with them and had to replace a few, and seen dozens more that no longer rotate (my brothers spa has 3/7 that do not work right now). I am in the process of adding 20 jets to my old school spa and have done plenty of research before spending my money.

Bean

 

[chem_fun]

Cool thanks.

 

[BeanAnimal]

NP sorry to nix your idea... I just don't think you will be happy with the time and effort involved in learning tht they are not as good as they first appeared to be

 

[chem_fun]

That's what the forum is for. Like I said, I was just killing 45 min. Stumbled upon the store. Found a "small" jet and asked if they had any that rotated. The conversation went from there. Many things sound good on paper.

 

[sales weasel]

I think you guys have come to the right conclusion. I'll bet a pump that powerful would probably suck up a lot more than water Also, spa jets only work when someone uses the spa for a few minutes at a time. In an aquarium, they would be working continuously. I believe Bean is correct about them wearing out quickly.

 

[chem_fun]

For the sake of testing the theroy. I'm setting up this tank for my classroom. I teach Earth Science, Physical Science, Biology and either Chemistry or Physics (depending on the year). I think I'll contact the company and see if they will dontate a few to test. Though, I only have a Mag3 pumping 4'. The cost to me would be finding the correct reducer to fit on my 1" bulkhead. I'll keep you posted.

 

[BeanAnimal]

chem_fun, the MAG3 surely is not going to turn these things. Is there room in your budget for an oceans motions squirt? Very easy to take apart and teach. Magnetism, fluid dynamics, etc.

Bean

 

[chem_fun]

LOL, no. I'm out of money at the moment. Over budget to be honest. I bought the mag for a sump that I'm putting in. Geting everything off the back of the tank to prevent floods. And my fund raiser only gets about $12/week. Fortunatly I'll have a bit for some livestock when the tank is cycled.