Modification of Maxijet Powerhead

So, this looks like a great mod.

At what intervals do most digital timers work? Or would you still be limited to 15 min on/off?
I'm looking to maybe have 15 minutes on, then 5 off, 15 on again in the different direction, and so on.

Joe
 
Awesome! I've got one in a perfect part of my tank for this mod.

I'll do it tonight and take some pics.

Big thanks to Niven for sharing. I'm sure he won't mind my taking some pictures of the cutting proceedure.

E.
 
pics

pics

Ewan said:
Awesome!...
I'll do it tonight and take some pics.
Big thanks to Niven for sharing. I'm sure he won't mind my taking some pictures of the cutting proceedure.
E.

I'd like to add my thanks and ditto the request for pic of the procedure. This holds a lot of potential for many situations requiring more random currents (on a poor man's budget).
Tagamet
 
Interesting little project. I'll have to give it a shot on one of my noisy MJ1200's.

Can anyone think of a reason why this mod would damage the MJ or shorten its life?

ri
 
Well, since no one was really taking any good photos of this procedure, i've decided to take the liberty of posting some. Its really simple how to do it, but figured that some people will probably benefit from seeing the photos. Anyways, if you're unsure of where to cut, look at the housing on the right hand side. See that small little rib on the base of the shaft? Cut just below that and you'll end up with a piece on the left hand side. Pop it back on and fire it up. I'm happy with the results. It alternates flow direction at what seems like about 70 degrees.
 
I like the concept. Can anyone explain to me why you wouldn't just remove that piece altogether? Seems like it would accomplish the same effect without the procedure of cutting it down.

TIA,
Russ
 
masterswimmer said:
I like the concept. Can anyone explain to me why you wouldn't just remove that piece altogether? Seems like it would accomplish the same effect without the procedure of cutting it down.

TIA,
Russ

The spindle on which the blades turn is anchored on both ends. The top end is anchored in that cap, so it can't be removed altogether.
Tagamet
 
I ordered a Chauvet 4005 from here http://www.djtronix.com/chsf24chti.html, it was $29.95 no shipping, and there are several threads on here about them, they don't have the night time slow down or the shut down for feeding but basically will run 4 PH's on either a 2 channel or 4 Channel and each plug has plenty of amps for your PH's, do a search on the lighting and filtration forum for chauvet and check out all the post about them.

I think I can forfet the night and feeding settings for a $100.00 savings.
 
Well I tried to modify a Maxijet 1200 even further. I drilled 1/4" hole on either side of the main outlet and then cut an inch by 1/4 rectangle. Here is what I found:

#1
Cut off nozzle and drilled one 1/4" hole on each side: Water still came out the middle plus one hole in a nice stream and at a different angle. Which drilled hole the water flowed out of depended on the spin on the impeller but water didn't come out of all three holes at once.

#2
Cut out the hole nozzle and made an inch wide by 1/4" high hole. The water came out at sharpe angles and has a wider flow pattern that can still push water with good velocity. I liked this mod so much I cut two of my powerheads. Since the water flows out at extreme left or right angles, placement is a bit tricker and with a large hole you can see the impeller if it is white. The black impeller you really can not see and looks better for this mod.

Bottom line is you can drill more holes, cut out more material and they still work and create different patterns.

Sorry no digit camera yet.
 
yo mandktod...you accidentally put a comma at the end of that html link...here is the correct one

http://www.djtronix.com/chsf24chti.html

reff92109...I like your first idea on account that modifying it the second way wouldn't work as well in my tank (small pentagon)...so basically #1's velocity is higher than #2? And the small hole that you drill is kind of a secondary flow?

Thanks for all the info...get a digi camera so you post some pics! :D
 
Looks like this thing can also be sound-active... anyone crazy enough to sync their currents w/ beats? :rolleyes:

billpa said:
yo mandktod...you accidentally put a comma at the end of that html link...here is the correct one

http://www.djtronix.com/chsf24chti.html

reff92109...I like your first idea on account that modifying it the second way wouldn't work as well in my tank (small pentagon)...so basically #1's velocity is higher than #2? And the small hole that you drill is kind of a secondary flow?

Thanks for all the info...get a digi camera so you post some pics! :D
:rolleyes:
 
I did this mod this morning and it works great. I just have my powerhead on a cheap 15 min increment timer set to go on randomly.
 
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