ACO Powerhead Output

[asondhi]

So I had purchased the ACO powerhead to use as part of my DIY tank drainage system- I ended up settling on a different method but still wanted to use the powerhead in my 75g with some filter floss to help clear up particulate material in the water from new substrate.

Except I have angelfish and the powerhead's flow is strong enough to stress the fish no matter the direction it is pointed. I was wondering if anyone had experience with some super simple ways to dampen the output of the powerhead? If not- I will likely see if I can't 3D print an easy adjustable valve on the output end, is this something people would be interested in me sharing instructions/files for? 
(adding additional resistance to the system by restricting output flow without slowing the motor has the potential to damage the device and/or reduce its lifespan- please attempt at your own risk)

[Atitagain]

Coarse filter pad attached to output with a zip tie should slow it down. 

[dasaltemelosguy]

Hi @asondhi, something like this may be of limited help. 

You can use a rheostatic fan speed controller on these types of pumps with varying success. It depends upon the pump's architecture, but you should be able to reduce the flow electronically with one of these. In my experience, it will reduce the speed of flow 30%-50% and in some instances, pump dependent, I've seen it adjust down to a mere trickle. 

The sole limitation being inertia. At some point you'll reduce the voltage to the point the pump can't start. So, you would start at the lowest setting and raise it until the pump begins to move. That's your new minimum speed for that pump and of course you may raise it from that point to full speed or any speed in between if needed. 

It's possible to use a light dimmer as well but some motors are intolerant of the voltage a dimmer outputs as dimmers output highly distorted power. You want a "rheostat" based controller. Rheostats do not distort the voltage; they simply lower or raise it. Also, light dimmers can make motors chatter so it's best to use a rheostat.

You'll have the most control electronically with a rheostat fan controller like this one:

Fan Variable Speed Controller Electric Motor Rheostat

Good luck. 

[Guppysnail]

I use prefilter over  the ACO intake and one on the outflow. It dulls it to where even fry tolerate it. I zip tie the one on the outflow. Very inelegant /quick and dirty but it works. 

[asondhi]

 

On 9/4/2022 at 11:09 AM, dasaltemelosguy said:

Hi @asondhi, something like this may be of limited help. 

You can use a rheostatic fan speed controller on these types of pumps with varying success. It depends upon the pump's architecture, but you should be able to reduce the flow electronically with one of these. In my experience, it will reduce the speed of flow 30%-50% and in some instances, pump dependent, I've seen it adjust down to a mere trickle. 

The sole limitation being inertia. At some point you'll reduce the voltage to the point the pump can't start. So, you would start at the lowest setting and raise it until the pump begins to move. That's your new minimum speed for that pump and of course you may raise it from that point to full speed or any speed in between if needed. 

It's possible to use a light dimmer as well but some motors are intolerant of the voltage a dimmer outputs as dimmers output highly distorted power. You want a "rheostat" based controller. Rheostats do not distort the voltage; they simply lower or raise it. Also, light dimmers can make motors chatter so it's best to use a rheostat.

You'll have the most control electronically with a rheostat fan controller like this one:

Fan Variable Speed Controller Electric Motor Rheostat

Good luck. 

Fantastic advice and exactly the answer I was looking for! Thank you! 

On 9/4/2022 at 11:31 AM, Guppysnail said:

I use prefilter over  the ACO intake and one on the outflow. It dulls it to where even fry tolerate it. I zip tie the one on the outflow. Very inelegant /quick and dirty but it works. 

May give it a go, thanks! 

[Jawjagrrl]

I got one for the same purpose in a 75 that has geophagus cichlids stirring things up all the time. Flow way more than my angels could handle. I got a medium coarse sponge prefilter and it's helped some - also seems to accumulate more mulm, etc., that the double large sponge stack in the tank. The same is true in a 55 where it's outcompeting the double stack of medium sponge filters. Considering attaching the sponge stack to the powerhead.

 

[Bev C]

I have gotten the ACO prefilter to put over mine to keep flow  down for my small old tetras  i have to take the prefilter off to clean but it only takes a couple minutes to clean  no big deal