Random Flow Generator (RFG) by Vivid Creative Aquatics

[mcgyvr]

I have no 3d printer, so either you or someone can print and test the modified print to see if it can be positioned closer to surface and not be sucking in air.

I have a printer.. I have CAD software.. I have access to flow testing software so I really don't even need to 3d print anything..
I don't know which file/version/section you are talking about specifically though..

But editing/correcting is quite easy for anyone to do..


Sorry.. enough fun for me today..Back to work I go..

 

[mcgyvr]

These things work by establishing negative pressure across the flow nozzle which sucks in surrounding material - whether water or air. I suppose one could close off one half of the suction openings, but that would degrade the performance of the educator.

Degson fan say what? ok.. now I'm going back to work..

 

[d0ughb0y]

Intellectual Property (IP) is under attack on many fronts these days ..... just look at Jebao as an example. I'd suggest anyone who owns a Jebao would be a hypocrite to complain about unauthorized use of their own IP :lol:. Also, unless one actually patents an idea, it's mostly fair game for copying. Applying for a patent is not an inexpensive proposition and I would imagine the majority of 'garage' businesses do not do it.

since you bought these, are you going to toss them out now that you know they operate like jebao?

this shows "copying" is a universal thing, and not a just a Chinese thing.

 

[ca1ore]

Jebao is not a US company.. US patents do not apply to them..

You didn't read what I wrote :lol: - I didn't make either 'claim'. However, I do believe that a foreign company can be viewed as liable for patent infringement if they sell in the US (I am not patent lawyer, obviously)

 

[ca1ore]

since you bought these, are you going to toss them out now that you know they operate like jebao?

this shows "copying" is a universal thing, and not a just a Chinese thing.

OK, let me try again .....

Intellectual Property (IP) is under attack on many fronts these days ..... just look at Jebao as an example. - do we disagree that IP is under attack? Using Jebao as an example, I DO NOT say that copying is the exclusive domain of the Chinese (though they are frequent practitioners of it)

I'd suggest anyone who owns a Jebao would be a hypocrite to complain about unauthorized use of their own IP - seems pretty self explanatory. I am not complaining about unauthorized use of my own IP - not only am I quite happy to use these nozzles, I also have a few Jebao pumps at home.

 

[eric23]

I'm using one of these along with the offset adapter made for the Red Sea reefer series tanks it's awesome and it keeps the return below the waterline so way less bubbles

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

 

[smatter]

I have no 3d printer, so either you or someone can print and test the modified print to see if it can be positioned closer to surface and not be sucking in air.

Why not just stick a little epoxy into the hole you want to block? If you close off the top the water will favor exiting the bottom of the nozzle. Try holding your finger over one side, the water will flow in the opposite direction.

 

[marinelife]

I really need to get a 3d Printer.
This thread has a lot of great info, thank everyone!

 

[mcgyvr]

Anyone check the price of getting one printed using the files on thingverse already at like Shapeways or other 3d printing service?

 

[Cheapreef]

Anyone check the price of getting one printed using the files on thingverse already at like Shapeways or other 3d printing service?

You guys have Makerspce down there right, be cheaper and easier to do it that way.
But there so cheap these days everyone should have one. lol I have 5 myself, one of them being a resin SLA. I built all mine but there at the price point it's not worth building any more.

 

[d0ughb0y]

You guys have Makerspce down there right, be cheaper and easier to do it that way.
But there so cheap these days everyone should have one. lol I have 5 myself, one of them being a resin SLA. I built all mine but there at the price point it's not worth building any more.

ok, what do you recommend to get ?

 

[Cheapreef]

ok, what do you recommend to get ?

Really all depends on what your wanting. What size are you looking to print, what material ao you want to print. I have a few different printes for different types of prints. Here's a good list and feature breakdown to narrow down some of the very few choices out there.
https://all3dp.com/1/best-cheap-budget-3d-printer-affordable-under-500-1000/

 

[d0ughb0y]

still too many choices lol.

for starters, say I want to print the RFG nozzle. so material must be reef safe and can withstand staying in saltwater permanently. most likely, I'll be printing mostly for use in my reef tank.

 

[Cheapreef]

still too many choices lol.

for starters, say I want to print the RFG nozzle. so material must be reef safe and can withstand staying in saltwater permanently. most likely, I'll be printing mostly for use in my reef tank.

What's your budget? Are you jsut wanting to try it out and upgrade if you like it, or would you want something that is a proven workhorse and reliable?

Reef safe IMO would be ABS or PETG, but lots of places that offer frag racks and the like offer them in PLA which is the absolute easiest and cheapest material to print in. The one main issue with PLA is heat, which wouldn't apply to a reef tank. Personally I print all my pieces in ABS but that is becasue I am geared to print ABS as it is the easiest to do finishing work on which is what I need for what I do.
https://www.facebook.com/Tundra-Designs-578411668900298/

 

[d0ughb0y]

something proven and reliable that is the lowest price.
would something with lots of mods and hacks be better?

 

[Cheapreef]

something proven and reliable that is the lowest price.
would something with lots of mods and hacks be better?

Lowest price that is a proven reliable printer, might need some mods. I'm n ot sure though as I don't own one but did own Prusa i3 at one point which is ultimatly what it is a clone of.
https://all3dp.com/1/best-cheap-bud...ble-under-500-1000/#monoprice-maker-select-v2
For $220 it can print whatever you need since it has a fair sized heated bed. If you want to do ABS and myabe larger pieces in PETG you would want to build a cabinet for it to contain the heat and sheild from any air movement.

 

[tygger]

Anyone try these:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=-ytMKac0_cc

Attaches to 1/2", 3/4" Loc-Line and creates random flow patterns.

Vivid Aquatics 3D printed random flow generators easily snap onto standard Loc-Line segments for a custom flow pattern through their patent pending randomized design. Each RFG is made of reef-safe PETG plastic and made to outlast your aquarium. Just snap the adapter end onto either 1/2" or 3/4" loc-line and within seconds you can direct the nozzle with the traditional ball and socket style.

Two Sizes Available:
1/2" Loc-Line
3/4" Loc-Line

Randomizer
Vivid Aquatics revolutionary design uses a set of 5 fins in a spiraling design that channels the water in from one direction at the base of the eductor and then out of the nozzle a different direction. The small amount of interferance at the base of the eductor helps create a random change in the intake affecting the flows path exiting the nozzle.

1/2" Specifications:
Dimensions - 2.25" L x 1.3" OD
Min Flow Rate - 120 GPH
Optimal Flow Rate - 300 - 450 GPH

3/4" Specifications:
Dimensions - 2.75" L x 1.7" OD
Min Flow Rate - 200 GPH
Optimal Flow Rate - 420 - 500 GPH

Whats Included?
1x Randon Flow Generator Nozzle

Is the OD really different between the 1/2 and 3/4 versions? Their site lists both as 1.625.

 

[Cleven]

if it cannot be modified, does that mean VCA (OnlyTono) recreated it from scratch based on the idea?

OnlyTono cleverly deleted the design from his account. but Cleven has screenshots of it. He can easily challenge any patent OnlyTono have on this and get royalty. I'm sure any patent attorney would love to get this case.

If Cleven does no go after him, then karma will.[/QUOTE

Yeah he is the ***** that took the design.
Ask yourself this. A mechanical engineer who works with high velocity flow rates and pressures and pumps everyday or a web designer created/ invented the design. I basically took a flow educator and added a profile(adjustable on solidworks) to increase turbulence (randomness) of the flow. I created it to allow better flow over clownfish eggs and some corals I had in odd areas of the tank.

I made this to advance the community for free. Not for someone to rip it off and start selling it as his own. His argument he says he was just testing mine and printed it out to check the differences between his and mine. BS.
Problem with lawsuit is it costs a lot of money these days. Last one I was involved in cost over 1 million and 2 years of problems.

 

[Cleven]

If anyone wants the raw files send me your email I’ll give to you.

Also others before asked me if they could print and sell them and donate a part of the sale. I always said yes. The issue with this whole thing is he didn’t say where he got it from.

 

[Cleven]

Its not injection molded..
IMO...3d printed is fine for DIY projects,etc... but I don't believe that professional companies should sell FDM 3d printed products..
They really do not have the durability of a properly molded product.
I would have used the money they wasted on the patent for real injection molds instead..

Its just unprofessional IMO..

Totally agree. Injection all the way. Prototypes good. Mass production bad