where to get an eheim needlewheel...
- Thread starter LA-Lawman
- Start date
Here's one possible... ...$299, yikes...
http://www.finsreef.com/product.php?productid=16349&cat=284&page=2
http://www.finsreef.com/product.php?productid=16349&cat=284&page=2
FWIW, they (Detlec and other EU companies that use Eheim as needlewheel pump) have modified the impellar cover for it to work. I can supply you with pics of the one that they use, if your serious about this. It won't be that easy to do, they molded their own, and machined it after doing that. The needlewheel would be a breeze to mold, but that cover will take some major work and forthought to do.
Very expensive...
Most people including myself have opted for the 'Poor Man's Eheim' ... aka the Oceanrunner which can be bought at Premium Aquatics rather cheaply.
This might change your skimmer design however...as the real forte of the OR pumps is to work on taller skimmers...they handle the back-pressure much easier. They dont perform as well as the Sedras and Eheims on shorter skimmers...but get a OR 3700 or two on a skimmer that is 3-4' tall...and they outperform almost every other NW pump out there.
Most people including myself have opted for the 'Poor Man's Eheim' ... aka the Oceanrunner which can be bought at Premium Aquatics rather cheaply.
This might change your skimmer design however...as the real forte of the OR pumps is to work on taller skimmers...they handle the back-pressure much easier. They dont perform as well as the Sedras and Eheims on shorter skimmers...but get a OR 3700 or two on a skimmer that is 3-4' tall...and they outperform almost every other NW pump out there.
GreshamH lets see some pics!
I've played with trying to mold a Euro-Reef needle wheel before and even contacted some plastics companies RE: them and they all said that they are definitely an injection molding part for mass production.
I've looked into vacuum molding ~ appears the pins won't mold properly.
I've tried a couple methods myself and molding was very difficult for me. I ended up trying to make one out of a 3M bristle disk.
I've played with trying to mold a Euro-Reef needle wheel before and even contacted some plastics companies RE: them and they all said that they are definitely an injection molding part for mass production.
I've looked into vacuum molding ~ appears the pins won't mold properly.
I've tried a couple methods myself and molding was very difficult for me. I ended up trying to make one out of a 3M bristle disk.
I used the yellow one, not the wheel type, but the disk. I only got as far as reducing the diameter of the disk, shortening the bristles and drilling a small guide hole in the center. I have some ideas and will definitely post the results as soon as it is completed. I have a standard impeller to stick it on (that came with my pump) but I will first have to grind away the paddles on the impeller.
The cool thing is I purchased a Euro-Reef needle impeller to measure from so that will make it easier to ensure a perfect fit and I can compare their performance when I’m done.
The cool thing is I purchased a Euro-Reef needle impeller to measure from so that will make it easier to ensure a perfect fit and I can compare their performance when I’m done.
Here is another idea I have been tossing around. How about modifying one of these to fit an impeller and gluing “Battle Ship” game pegs (or something similar) into the holes.
These pieces are typically attached to RC car servos with linkages to operate steering mechanisms, other remote controlled devices etc....
These pieces are typically attached to RC car servos with linkages to operate steering mechanisms, other remote controlled devices etc....
The NW is injection molded, but the bottom half appears to be stock. I would think they get the magnet assambly from Eheim and out their own NW on it. You can't really cut a stock one down with out a lot of hassle.
This is the cover they made. It's deeper inside, proably to allow for a bigger NW. It appears to have been IM then retooled a bit for greater under cutting.
That needle wheel looks almost exactly like a Euro-Reef NW.
I'm sorry guys, but I can't in good conscience modify my pump's impeller without first finding a reasonably priced replacement impeller just in case. Everyone wants like $30.00 for it and I can buy a Euro-Reef NW for that ~ what's up with that.
I'm sorry guys, but I can't in good conscience modify my pump's impeller without first finding a reasonably priced replacement impeller just in case. Everyone wants like $30.00 for it and I can buy a Euro-Reef NW for that ~ what's up with that.
GreshamH
That ER NW, what size Sedra is that one for?
I ask because I built a skimmer and ordered a Sedra 3500 NW impeller from Custom Aquatic. When it arrived it did not fit the pump, it was too big. I know for a fact that what I recieved is not for a 3500, but it fits perfectly in a King-4 pump.
I would love to know which impeller I have for future reference. Mine has 70 pins and looks identical in size as yours.
That ER NW, what size Sedra is that one for?
I ask because I built a skimmer and ordered a Sedra 3500 NW impeller from Custom Aquatic. When it arrived it did not fit the pump, it was too big. I know for a fact that what I recieved is not for a 3500, but it fits perfectly in a King-4 pump.
I would love to know which impeller I have for future reference. Mine has 70 pins and looks identical in size as yours.
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