Reef-Rat Update

[ReefVan]

Hello RRU (Rotating Return Unit) followers,

For those of you who are DIY challenged, I now have the parts to build multiple ReefRat 1.0" units.

Please leave a PM if you need any more info. These little beasts feel at home on almost any tank.

Van

 

[Aged Salt]

I'll take 3 for my new 375g tank that I'm plumbing next wk. Let me know,thnx. Bob

 

[Lunchbucket]

hmm, sounds like a good proposition

Lunchbucket

 

[ReefVan]

Another update,

One of my reefer buddies needed an SPS solution for his 265 gallon reef.

Shown is the solution as he requested, the "DeepWater Rat", nozzle depth of 4.5" in lieu of the standard 3" seen on the Sea-Squirrel or SS.

We figure that on a GRI-520 closed loop he should see about 500 gph at each of the 3 DW Rats installed.

The front left and right corners each will have a custom DW45 Rat in each, with a Rat L in the center rear.

The DW45 Rats are "DeepWater" with the nozzle offset at 45 degrees so that it shoots to the back of tank and the other end. One is offset to the left and the other to the right.

The Rat L is simply a Rat with the Nozzle offset a O degrees to the left or right as this is the easiest way to build these litttle beasts. These Rats have a nozzle depth of 3" as is the industry standard for most RRU's (Rotating Return Units).

The option of left or right really isn't important for the center rear but is critical if you want to attach to one of your glass braces.

DW45 Rat

DW45 Rat

DW45 Rat vs Sea-Squirrel 1.0

DW45 Rat vs Sea-Squirrel 1.0

DW45 Rat vs Rat L

Rat L

Enjoy!!

Van

 

[ReefVan]

As can be seen in the latest photos, the Rat has evolved over time and during testing.

The motors are 1 rpm Hansen PMAC Synchron at 110vac, 60 hz.

The power cord is now 10 ft long.

Depending on the demand a 2 rpm Hansen PMAC Synchron motor may be available shortly.

If demand for a 24vdc version is sufficient this may become an alternative for those of you living overseas.

The 1.0" Jet Nozzle assembly is mounted with nylon screws for ease of assembly. Soon I will offer an option for a 3/4" Jet Nozzle assembly for higher nozzle pressure with low power pumps.

A male threaded adapter is used on every unit so that connection configurations are to your specifications and may be changed at a later date.

All parts and assemblies are fabricated with custom built jigs so that all parts fit every unit assembled.

I'm sure I'm missing other points but I'll post them as they come to me...

Van

 

[melev]

Looks great as always. You make DIY stuff look so professional!

I have a question from one of your comments above. You mentioned the DR has a 10' cord now. My Mag 12 has a super long cord, and I was wondering would there be any benefit to shortenting the cord to maybe 3' or so? If I was to use that pump on a battery backup, wouldn't the lack of lengthy resistance allow the battery to last longer? Or is it better to leave the cord intact and not risk making alterations?

 

[kgross]

As long as the cord is sized properly the resistance in the cord is negligable. Don't worry about it. If you shorten the cord you migh end up with a second or two of longer time but that will be it.

Kim

 

[ReefVan]

Melev,

As far as cord length and resistance go I personally don't believe it'll make a big difference.

I had the vast majority of respondents asking for a long power cord of 10 ft.

The motor pulls only about 4 watts, so this 3 conductor molded plug appliance cord I now use is major overkill for the application.

It looks great and I know it'll last forever without cracking or frying. The price difference on an item like this is not worth the hassle with cheaper grade supplies.

Van

 

[jman785]

damn diy pro

So when are you going to be selling these? I'm interested in numbers...as in prices, and price breaks when you purchase quantity...

- Jared

 

[vapor1]

looks great...when are ya gonna start selling them ??
what sizes and prices ?

 

[ReefVan]

Hi Again,

As previously mentionned on page 1, anyone with any further questions regarding obtaining a Reef-Rat, please leave me a PM and I'll get back to you.

Thanks

Van

 

[ReefVan]

With time this project just keeps getting better

Everytime I build another batch I find something new to improve, pretty soon I'll have to stop.

Here's some pics of examples in the latest batch.

Rats ready for a new home

Mounting hardware in place - Revised for installation ease

Interchangeable Jet-Nozzle in place - will eventually accept smaller Jet-Nozzle for higher pressure flow

Bottom View - fully assembled

Mounted Rat - Side View on a 220 gal in the garage

Mounted Rat - Offset View on a 220 gal in the garage

Prototype/Endurance Rat at play - 2 RPM motor, flow at 1100 gph

Prototype/Endurance Rat at play - 2 RPM motor, flow at 1100 gph

Van

 

[tang_man_montreal]

May I be the first to say...

very, very, very, nice....

I'll be gettin me one of those soon.

 

[Lunchbucket]

can't wait to set up a new tank...i would love to add one of these...keep up the great work man!!

Lunchbucket

 

[melev]

Van, you always make them so professional looking. I'm really impressed!

 

[ReefVan]

Thanks again for the compliment Marc!

I've seen your stuff and it's not too shabby either!

I've got it figured this way, if you're gonna do it. Do it right!

Besides, aside from keeping the SS police busy, it's good practice for all my future projects to come.

Kinda makes me laugh, when I think of my humble beginnings here, being nailed on RC by the SS police for the DIY Sea-Squirrel....

As can be seen in my pics, there's an empty 220 gal in my garage just dying to be set-up in the fall.........

Hmmmmmm, let's see what's on my DIY shopping list......

Van

 

[melev]

I'm waiting for you to design a micro version of the Reef-Rat for my 29g. hehehe Or maybe I'd plunk one into my 55g. :lol:

Both have enough current that it wouldn't be too practical to add your RR, but it is simply a gizmo I'd enjoy using.

Have you hooked one up and just left it running non-stop to see how long it will last, for the heck of it?

 

[ReefVan]

Marc,

That's what's in those last 2 pics of the thread, the prototype/endurance model with a 2 rpm motor in it.

Considering the motor gearing is less than the 1 rpm model, it would have a higher load, no difference

Higher than next to nothing is what? LOL

It's been running a solid 2 months at 2 rpm which equates to 4 months at 1 rpm?

The prototype model which ran at one rpm, has run for longer than that....

Any way you slice it, these things just run and run like the "Energizer Bunny". The benefit is that no toxic s**t leaks from any batteries.

I'm really satisfied with the performance and ruggedness of the units, after all, they only rotate the Jet-Nozzle back and forth.

Makes a real difference in tank health though, kills the dead spots and gives a nice random current if you put them on timers.

All the benefits of the "you know what, at ........."

Van

 

[SaltwaterSensei]

ALL KIDDING ASIDE



REEFVAN you are the KING of DIY you can whip up anything you want when you want and wherever you want.


I'm not worthy, I'm not worthy....

 

[gregt]

That looks pretty slick. Gotta admit though, it looks far to difficult for a mere mortal such as I to "DIY". Nice job.