Planted Tank Enthusiast
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Blaine, Minnesota
Posts: 641
Here's a horrible idea for an outlet pipe
Yep, I made my own and it wasn't pretty. I TIG welded this out of 316 stainless steel. The idea was to make a "drop box" that I could easily pour dry ferts / concentrated chemicals into. To get the best mixing action, I designed it to put a strong vortex onto the water before it went down to the cascade 700. Uggggg, HORRIBLE IDEA!! The execution was flawless and it doesn't leak a drop, but the design was a complete "FAIL."
The vortex is so strong that it sucks air into the downcomer and thus the pump is constantly chopping air. ++sigh++
I fixed it by cutting a 'red plastic party cup' in half and sticking that into chamber. That prevents a swirling action and just lets the water drop in.
If anyone else tries something like this, make sure you have at lest 4 or 5 inches between the side inlet and the bottom outlet. Also, don't offset the inlet; put it 'straight on' so the water chaotically gushes in.
dimensions:
Inlet 3/4" ASME pipe
Outlet 3/4" NPT female
Diameter of column, 2 3/8"