the swirler-stein
- Thread starter Isayso
- Start date
Been running this for about 4 months now. I used the 1 rpm motor from mcmaster and although pricey, it is silent and it doesn't run too hot. I can keep my hand on it for as long as I want. The motor assembly drives 2 units holding 6080s on either side of the tank via an acylic rod. I just updated the mounts this weekend to have the vertical swivel. Previously, the rotating support shaft attached directly to the pump holder. Also the pump holder used to be a simple box. I cut out a slot on the bottom so that the pump could be removed without removing the whole assembly. After 4 months, the rotation has worn a slight groove on the shaft from the tank mount, but it'll probably be a couple years before I have to replace the shafts. At some point I may put in a gear box to provide different rotation periods but the synchronized rotation has been working for now to swirl the tank generally clockwise to counterclockwise with some randomness in between.
Top left of tank has motor unit attached to left mount
which is connected to right mount with thin acrylic strip.
view from front this morning before lights on
and from right pane
The stream shrouds have also just been modded to remove every other slit and the nozzles to create more dispersed flow. You will have to excuse the mess, since I'm redoing a bunch of things at once. BTW, there's a maximod in the back left to keep the dirt from accumulating in that corner.
which is connected to right mount with thin acrylic strip.
view from front this morning before lights on
and from right pane
The stream shrouds have also just been modded to remove every other slit and the nozzles to create more dispersed flow. You will have to excuse the mess, since I'm redoing a bunch of things at once. BTW, there's a maximod in the back left to keep the dirt from accumulating in that corner.
Shouse94
New member
thanks for the advice dhnguyen.
Now i understand that many have always done 2+ powerheads in the tank. At least one on each side wall. I was hoping to get by with just one in my narrow 55g (probably on one of the sides shooting to the opposite side). Is it safe to say that with the swirler-stein mod on a PH that just one should be able to cover the flow for the whole tank (w/ the help of a the sump return of course). Don't want to seem redundant but just wanted to clarify that it's realtively safe to do with just one PH.
Now i understand that many have always done 2+ powerheads in the tank. At least one on each side wall. I was hoping to get by with just one in my narrow 55g (probably on one of the sides shooting to the opposite side). Is it safe to say that with the swirler-stein mod on a PH that just one should be able to cover the flow for the whole tank (w/ the help of a the sump return of course). Don't want to seem redundant but just wanted to clarify that it's realtively safe to do with just one PH.
Could massacre a whole flock of birds, if you wanted 
I also almost mounted the motor unit outside the canopy area, but didn't feel like drilling more holes or dealing with the times I end up removing the canopy. Also the crossbars on the mounts have the screws on both ends because I originally intended to use fishing line to link the mounts. The motor could also then really be mounted in almost any orientation using the double lines to "pull" in both directions.
I also almost mounted the motor unit outside the canopy area, but didn't feel like drilling more holes or dealing with the times I end up removing the canopy. Also the crossbars on the mounts have the screws on both ends because I originally intended to use fishing line to link the mounts. The motor could also then really be mounted in almost any orientation using the double lines to "pull" in both directions.
I have a quick question guys, it may sound stupid but I'm not positive on how the pvc that goes through the hobby box is secured. I see that theres a slip coupler that the pipe goes through, and this is attached to the box itself. Then theres another coupler thats attatched to the rotating pvc as to not let it slide down. Is this correct? If so then what is keeping it from sliding up, and is anything being used on the pvc/coupler for a seal? Any help would be great as this is the part I'm stuck on. Thanks a bunch.
smells like fish
New member
You are correct. You could also use an endcap instead of the coupler.
Gravity keeps it from sliding up.
With time, the rotating pvc may separate from the coupler/endcap, so pvc glue could be used.
Check out this thread on RF for a little more info. You need to be logged in to view it.
Swirl parts list
Barto
Alleged Lounge Moron
While out last evening with the spousal unit, being dragged thru some box store, I noticed the lighted animated lawn animals, deer etc, the motor and arm assembly looks pretty similar to what we are doing with this mod. I wonder if the motor assy has any practical use for this mod?
Maybe the after holiday sales would be a time to test one...
Just a thought.
Maybe the after holiday sales would be a time to test one...
Just a thought.
jamal-188
In Memoriam
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8683982#post8683982 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by grochmal
Does anyone have an extra one of these laying around?
I think I might... I think I got three of them, planning on building two but just have not had the time yet. Let me look when I get home tonight.
Joshsmit56001
Member
I don't know if I am dumb or tired but how do you make the unit turn both ways?
