Now normally this would really worry me. Not anymore!

[Reefahholic]

Jared,

You've been around a lot longer than I have and I'm assuming you have read the Beananimal thread since I can see it on the back of your tank. I just wanted to take this opportunity to remind you of something Herbie said in that thread as it came to mind when reading this thread:



Your design is solid. I'm willing to bet something almost exactly the same will be available commercially in the next two years or so, if not sooner. If we had it our way, we would all have rimless tanks with no equipment inside them at all. Unfortunately we don't have that option and our livestock determines what we need to keep the conditions inside our tank safe and comfortable for them.

This design looks to me alike another advancement in the hobby and many many others seem to agree. Keep up the good work and keep us updated.

Well I appreciate it, and here's the thing...you have to start somewhere. I think there's always room for improvement. That's why I've asked other people for help and feedback. To be honest, I don't feel link making these things at all. I've got about 3-4 little projects going at once, but it's got to be done. Currently there's not anything out there that can be bought that works well. So you just make something yourself. I really want you guys to comment on the new ones when I'm finished, but don't just say their ugly. Lol

Tell me what's wrong or how they can be improved so that we can get a solid guard that we all can make and continue to tweak as we learn new things. I will say that I've used the same Acrylic risers, but I've dropped down from 1/4" bit to a 5/32" bit. I've also drilled about double the holes. These will have an epoxy coated wire mesh on the front that will be removable via rare earth tiny yet super strong magnets. The magnets themselves are toxic and must be sprayed with clear epoxy acrylic to make them reef safe. It's nothing fantastic, but I'm excited because I know that they will be near anemone proof. I'll give you guys a little sneak peak. Minh and Antonio have already seen my plans. I've got to say, Antonio really knows his mags. He's been keeping them for a long time. I don't think anybody knows a gig like Minh either. It's great to be able to get feedback from people who are far more experienced than I am. I'm grateful to have them here.

 

[Machiavelli]

I went the significantly uglier route by buying some fiber glass screen (like the sort for screen doors) and sewing a little cylinder that I could slip over the powerhead.

Of note: my skimmer went nuts so I suspect the screen ought to be washed before use.

 

[Reefahholic]

I went the significantly uglier route by buying some fiber glass screen (like the sort for screen doors) and sewing a little cylinder that I could slip over the powerhead.

Of note: my skimmer went nuts so I suspect the screen ought to be washed before use.

You know, honestly....as long as the anemones are protected it really doesn't matter.

When people come over, they will look and ask me about the guards and how you make them. They don't seem to mind their appearance. Most anemone keepers just want to protect their investment. It feels great to go to bed and not have to wonder if they are moving or sucked into the powerhead.

 

[Brando457]

How about if you glued sand or small rubble to them to make them match the interior of the tank?

I think it is an awesome idea and once finalized/expanded will gain good market share.

 

[GroktheCube]

Small rubble might actually make it stick out more. If I were going to change anything, it might be to try black acrylic.

I may make a couple minor modifications and get one of these 3D printed this week. If I do, I'll definitely be in touch!

 

[Reefahholic]

Interesting ideas. I've actually looked at colored acrylic. I think that is great. I wish we could come up with something really slick, and patent it. There is nothing on the market. I like acrylic because it's easy to clean. I really want to do something different with acrylic. I wish I could shape or bend it. I think I have a real good idea for the next pair. Gonna keep listening to all the feed back and keep improving I hope.

 

[Reefahholic]

BTW...all these holes are drilled by hand. It's very difficult to keep them in a straight line. D

It's freakin' time consuming too. Headache!

 

[garygb]

Dark acrylic might also deter algae growth, although I suppose there would be some algae scrubbing benefits left clear. You don't want to use Krylon in an aquarium. As an artist, I can tell you, those products are strictly to be used with art. Definitely not intended for anything near a tank, the smell alone will explain what I'm talking about.

 

[Reefahholic]

The Krylon has already been tested and is reef approved IF you get the right cans. I know for sure that some are reef safe, but not sure about all Krylon paint or epoxy.

 

[flakey]

I think the pictures in the 1st post has proved their worth, sure they are big, but it's a compromise we have to make. Maybe a duller colour would help it blend in a bit more. Seems like the lights reflections is making it stand out a it more.
How doesot looks after a good few months if use? Cleaning it must be a pain.

 

[GroktheCube]

I finished building some models in inventor. I made the front cap removable, added slots for removable screening inside the body (for easier cleaning on both counts), changed the holes into angled slots, and added four .25x.27in cylendrical holes in the base to accommodate four quarter inch neodymium cylinders. Also designed a matching ring outside. Sized everything to it will fit around a 6105 with a good safety margin.

I also came up with an alternative for Tunze pumps that is a bit smaller and can rotate with them, but it's somewhat less flexible in term of working for a variety of different sized pumps.

I'll get one made up for mp10s and mp40s while I'm at it.

I'll get it printed up on Thursday (assuming the printer is working) and get some pics up. 3D printers make it WAY easier to go through different iterations quickly, especially compared to bending and drilling acrylic by hand!

 

[Reefahholic]

Awesome...

Pics!!!!

 

[Reefahholic]

Tektite's design...keep this in mind also. These are the best I've personally ever seen made. She told me that the screen was too small. She used window screen. The two problems with this one is that the front is open and screen is too small and got clogged. I believe it also affected pump performance.

The design is absolutely beautiful though! I just love them. Have never seen any better. They just aren't safe enough for mags. Mine would have been chopped in pieces on the open front.

 

[OrionN]

Water flow out of the front end so even open, I don't think it is a problem.

 

[arod1126]

Seems like you could pretty easily cut a circle of mesh and sew it to the front

 

[TigeBell]

Reef, you are doing great IMO. I have never seen a R&D item that has ever been clean and polished. Those traits can wait until you come up with a design that works.

 

[Reefahholic]

Water flow out of the front end so even open, I don't think it is a problem.

Minh, I didn't think so either until I saw one getting sucked into the front inbetween pulses on wave 1 mode. His tentacles were going through the screen which is why I changed screen sizes and material. The screen was flexing on pulses and going in .5-.75" and out the same.

Look...

 

[DasCamel]

Nice!

Nice!

I finished building some models in inventor. I made the front cap removable, added slots for removable screening inside the body (for easier cleaning on both counts), changed the holes into angled slots, and added four .25x.27in cylendrical holes in the base to accommodate four quarter inch neodymium cylinders. Also designed a matching ring outside. Sized everything to it will fit around a 6105 with a good safety margin.

I also came up with an alternative for Tunze pumps that is a bit smaller and can rotate with them, but it's somewhat less flexible in term of working for a variety of different sized pumps.

I'll get one made up for mp10s and mp40s while I'm at it.

I'll get it printed up on Thursday (assuming the printer is working) and get some pics up. 3D printers make it WAY easier to go through different iterations quickly, especially compared to bending and drilling acrylic by hand!

3d printer is on my wish list... Nice application!

 

[Reefahholic]

I like this picture.

 

[flakey]

Would this suggest the ph is unable to draw in enough water from the holes on the side and is therefore drawing it in from the front as well?