Needle Wheel. Need Purchasing/Setup Advice

[Natty]

I'm thinking of buying a needle wheel pump for my aquarium. I want to run it inline like eyebeatbadger.

So far I'm stuck between a few different brands.

Eyebeatbadgers model: Gen-X 1000 $25~30
He also brought up the octopus brand

and I'm almost thinking about Danner's which goes for $60-70
Danner Model 3 Supreme 350 GPH Pump w/ Fractionating Impeller


I was wondering, from the members on this forum, whats the big difference between the cheaper brand and the more expensive one and which one would you opt me to invest myself in? Also, how many gph should I aim for? The 250 or 350?

And if Tom is reading this, more info in the octopus brand would be cool, because I heard Tom had some personal experiences with them.

I wanna fit them with the Eheim 2217

Well, back to searching this forum for more info. So much info!

 

[Gerryd]

Hi,

If you were to provide a bit more info like your tank size, what you want to use it for, etc folks can help better..........

 

[Natty]

Hi,

If you were to provide a bit more info like your tank size, what you want to use it for, etc folks can help better..........

Oh, sorry about that, I forgot that I was new to this forum.

38 gallon planted, hopefully will have shrimps

Anyhow, I just built something on my own today based on the info I collected in this site, here's a video and a direct download for the video to see the bubbles better.
Video - Inline Maxijet CO2 Diffusing Method

Direct Download for better quality to see bubbles:
MEGAUPLOAD - The leading online storage and file delivery service

Is that good enough, tell me what you guys think and if there's any improvements to be made? The bubbles are fairly small, almost mist like.

What you see is at only about 2 bps. It didn't cost me an extra cent because I had everything I needed, but for someone that doesn't, maybe $15-20 to set it up like I did. I was trying to find a method so that I wouldn't have to buy needle wheel pump, if this works it'll save me $25-80.

 

[Mooner]

Looks pretty good. I've made several like yours but larger pumps/power heads. I use these separate from the filter, my preference. If the impeller is large enough(to hold on to) a Dremel with circular disc can be used to cut slots on the outer edges(away from pump housing and closest to water intake) Two to three slots or more per blade depending on impeller size. This greatly decreases the size of the bubbles near misting. The true test of your setup will be the amount of CO2 that particular pump can generate in your tank. Watch plants and fish accordingly.

 

[Natty]

Looks pretty good. I've made several like yours but larger pumps/power heads. I use these separate from the filter, my preference. If the impeller is large enough(to hold on to) a Dremel with circular disc can be used to cut slots on the outer edges(away from pump housing and closest to water intake) Two to three slots or more per blade depending on impeller size. This greatly decreases the size of the bubbles near misting. The true test of your setup will be the amount of CO2 that particular pump can generate in your tank. Watch plants and fish accordingly.

Do you have a picture of what you're talking about so I can understand a bit better? Picture is worth a thousand words, that especially holds true to me.

And how do I know if my pump is doing well chopping up the bubbles by looking at plants and fish?

 

[Custom Aquatic]

Both the Danner and Pacific Coast Pumps work well. The Danner pumps come with a 3 year warranty. Danner has 250 gph and 350 gph models available. We offer all of these pumps. Needle Wheel Mag 2 Custom Aquatic - Store - Water Pumps - Protein Skimmers - Protein Skimmer Pumps - [ Mag 2 Needle Wheel Pump (250 gph), Danner ]
Needle Wheel Mag 3 Custom Aquatic - Store - Water Pumps - Protein Skimmers - Protein Skimmer Pumps - [ Mag 3 Needle Wheel Pump (350 gph), Danner ]
Pacific Coast GX-1000NW Custom Aquatic - Store - Water Pumps - Protein Skimmers - Protein Skimmer Pumps - [ Gen X Submer. Gx1000 Nw Water Pump. 265 Max ]

 

[Mooner]

Do you have a picture of what you're talking about so I can understand a bit better? Picture is worth a thousand words, that especially holds true to me.

I will get you a pic this weekend, all are in use during week.

And how do I know if my pump is doing well chopping up the bubbles by looking at plants and fish?

Pearling of the plants and the reaction of the fish, ie swimming normal or at surface gasping. Care should be taken when adjusting CO2 going slowly over several days. If during the adjustment phase you feel the tank needs more CO2 and the pump is unable to chop bubbles or move water,ie air lock, then you would need to look into a larger pump. Your particular pump set up being in line with your filter may prevent an airlock but if the DIY pump is too small it may not chop up CO2 properly. Continue with your DIY and see how it goes, could work fine. Time and patience will pay off here, again move slowly.

Also remember the other ingredients, light and fertilizers. These and there amounts play a key role with CO2.

 

[Mooner]

Natty,

Here is the photo you were looking for

 

[jeff5614]

After reading this post and a few others, I'm mulling over the idea of changing from a reactor to a needle wheel pump running inline with my canister filter. I've been looking at Sedra and Ocean Runner pumps and was wondering if anyone has any experience with either. One of the big things I'm curious about it is how loud they are. Thanks for any comments.