DIY Panning Powerheads
Thanks for the kind words and help with the Skimmer Marco.
I have found that I seem to get much better polyp extension on my LPS since installing my DIY Panning powerheads. This gives a really nice 2 way alternating flow, and seems more natural.. I could not justify the expense of top end wavemakers, which, when seen on videos, appears un-natural (too fast)..Not sure if i'm wrong here, but in order to generate the resonance to make waves in a small tank, the frequency seems quite high. I wanted a slow surge, without the noise od a surge bin etc.. Hence my el cheapo Panning powerheads.
Took 2 x 5000l/h 220v heads, removed suction cups & drilled holes to accept 316 stainless steel welding rod, bent into an L shape crank. Mounted 2 x teflon blocks in cover, holding ssteel rods, and housed the synchronous motor from an old microwave in an old tupperware. Cut a perspex disk, glue to gear on motor, and mount a ssteel screw to power 2 x plastic arms going to each power Head. The size of your disc dictates the panning speed as well as range of motion. This enables your powerheads to silently pan in opposite directions, pausing at each end, then panning back, crossing each other causing turbulence...
I have attached some pics below...a bit rough at the moment as still a prototype...Thought this may give a few ideas to fellow reefers ...Sum Total--2 x PHs at approx R180 each.
Cheers
These guys seem to love it!