Using Thrusters as wave makers in aquariums

[ravi197699]

Holy crap, one on each end is all you need for a 6 foot tank.

this can move water, I am going to use 4 thrusters and remove the mp60 wash them and put them in the box and test these and cleaning is super easy and thruster comes with 3 extra impellers and if you want to buy set with different colors I think cost is 10 or 15 bucks on their website,

 

[AlexG]

I think this is a great DIY experiment. One concern I would have is while these are "ocean tested in saltwater" do they have any components that deteriorate/corrode in saltwater? I feel that to get a "reef-safe" check is needed to prove this is not going to be detrimental organisms in a closed reef system. Fill an experiment tank with fresh saltwater and send out an ICP test to provide a control sample. Then install the thruster and let it run for a month or two in the same water just topping off RO then send out another sample for ICP testing to see if anything toxic has leached from the thruster. Then another test would be needed with fish and some corals to see if there are any impacts on reef organisms.

Other questions I can can think that would need to be answered.

• How much heat is being generated by the operation of one of these thrusters and can it impact the aquarium?
• What is the duty cycle of these thrusters to see if its continuous duty rated? A stress test on this thruster for a month or two might might be useful to determine the life cycle of a thruster.

 

[dantimdad]

I think this is a great DIY experiment. One concern I would have is while these are "ocean tested in saltwater" do they have any components that deteriorate/corrode in saltwater? I feel that to get a "reef-safe" check is needed to prove this is not going to be detrimental organisms in a closed reef system. Fill an experiment tank with fresh saltwater and send out an ICP test to provide a control sample. Then install the thruster and let it run for a month or two in the same water just topping off RO then send out another sample for ICP testing to see if anything toxic has leached from the thruster. Then another test would be needed with fish and some corals to see if there are any impacts on reef organisms.

Other questions I can can think that would need to be answered.

• How much heat is being generated by the operation of one of these thrusters and can it impact the aquarium?
• What is the duty cycle of these thrusters to see if its continuous duty rated? A stress test on this thruster for a month or two might might be useful to determine the life cycle of a thruster.

This is why I asked about the threaded inserts.

I agree completely.

 

[ravi197699]

I think this is a great DIY experiment. One concern I would have is while these are "ocean tested in saltwater" do they have any components that deteriorate/corrode in saltwater? I feel that to get a "reef-safe" check is needed to prove this is not going to be detrimental organisms in a closed reef system. Fill an experiment tank with fresh saltwater and send out an ICP test to provide a control sample. Then install the thruster and let it run for a month or two in the same water just topping off RO then send out another sample for ICP testing to see if anything toxic has leached from the thruster. Then another test would be needed with fish and some corals to see if there are any impacts on reef organisms.

Other questions I can can think that would need to be answered.

• How much heat is being generated by the operation of one of these thrusters and can it impact the aquarium?
• What is the duty cycle of these thrusters to see if its continuous duty rated? A stress test on this thruster for a month or two might might be useful to determine the life cycle of a thruster.

I have this running in my tank, I have seen worst happened where mp60 wet side magnet swelled and I found out after when it is locked completely, I will keep this running and post the results but don't have room for new tank, my display tank has to be

 

[piranhaman00]

What are these used for actually?

 

[ravi197699]

What are these used for actually?

these are used for sea drones,

 

[iMi]

Go big or go home

 

[ravi197699]

I have joined the forum who use these thrusters for marine/ sea robotic hobbies and I posed question in regards to how these thrusters hold in saltwater and below is the reply I got from users,

 

[WVNed]

Except they offer spares because they fail which isn't a problem in the ocean but if it corrodes in your tank, problem.
Perhaps if there is a way to periodically examine them.

 

[ravi197699]

Except they offer spares because they fail which isn't a problem in the ocean but if it corrodes in your tank, problem.
Perhaps if there is a way to periodically examine them.

time will tell as I use this continuously in my tank,

 

[piranhaman00]

The “high end” eco tech pumps corrode over time as well, no different here just keep an eye on them

 

[WVNed]

The “high end” eco tech pumps corrode over time as well, no different here just keep an eye on them

There is a great deal different here. There Is a coated motor winding in contact with the water.
So it comes down to the life of that coating.

 

[ravi197699]

Here is what it is pulling at 60 %

There is a great deal different here. There Is a coated motor winding in contact with the water.
So it comes down to the life of that coating.

trying out in the tank to see how long I can keep it going, I will remove after the thruster after 1 month and inspect for wear and tear,

 

[WVNed]

I expect the amount of use one of these gets as a thruster is only a small percentage of what one will get as a wavemaker
I would think the usual lifespan would already be known

 

[jhuntstl]

Following along. Look forward to seeing how well these hold up over time. There are some cheaper options on the usual sites like Aliexpress. Some using 316 stainless.

 

[ravi197699]

of what one will

I expect the amount of use one of these gets as a thruster is only a small percentage of what one will get as a wavemaker
I would think the usual lifespan would already be known

this is what I am going to try with 1, any issues will be shared with group, but this is good start for sure

 

[blaxsun]

Watching that video I couldn't help but picture what a fish or anemone would get churned to...

 

[piranhaman00]

Watching that video I couldn't help but picture what a fish or anemone would get churned to...

If you read the post, you will see OP had a guard made

 

[blaxsun]

If you read the post, you will see OP had a guard made

I realize that, but sometimes guards don't always work (especially with anemones).

 

[ravi197699]

I realize that, but sometimes guards don't always work (especially with anemones).

I agree, that goes for wave maker