DIY hydor?

kwirky · #1 10-29-2006, 04:42 AM

so my return pump doesn't support the head pressure of an inductor, so I think I'm going to try DIY'ing a hydor.

can anyone explain how a hydor works? I'm assuming that it just has the little "jet" that is off center, causing it to spin. Any ideas on how to build one?

Dale · #2 10-30-2006, 01:36 AM

Hi kwirky,

I assume you are referring to the Hydor brand rotating head for a powerhead (otherwise none of this will apply

)
Here are some pics

an exploded view

the guts

a view of the impeller

The flow from the powerhead turns the impeller.
The spiral ridge on the impeller shaft turns the cog wheel
The cog wheel interacts with a cog wheel around the rim of the rotating head

It cost $25 CAD.
I couldn't make something like it.
I have often thought that a simple pop up rotating sprinkler head would do the same thing if you could figure out how to stop it from clogging up.

Hope this helps.
________
ZB50

kwirky · #3 10-30-2006, 05:11 PM

ah. I didn't think they were mechanical inside.

I was thinking of doing something like a single output sprinkler head. A little tube that can spin, which is bent slightly propelling the spinning action. It would be driven by the sprinkler jet, rather than gearing.

I think it would have two benefits. the single spinning jet would cause a propeller like action, chopping up the water, while the jet output will spray water all over the place, randomizing movement.

I've been trying to figure out how I could build it. I'll whip up a 3d diagram of my idea and post it.

Midknight · #4 10-30-2006, 06:54 PM

Hi, just jumping on board as I am interested in trying to make something myself.

kwirky · #5 10-30-2006, 08:14 PM

i've thought of something along these lines (latest version of quicktime required to view)
http://www.esopenko.com/video/aquarium/sprinkler.mov

Just need to figure out how to attach the sprinkler portion to the piping, and allow movement. I think you can control the speed at which it's spinning through the friction/tightness it's attached.

I think these steps should work:

cutting a groove along the top of the "inner" pipe
the outer pipe is cut in half length wise, then a groove cut in each piece so it fits into the inner pipe
glue the split pipe back together over top of the inner pipe