modding a maxi jet mod

**fatboyjoe** · 01-21-2008, 07:14 PM

I have a couple of maxi jet 1200 mods on order for my 90gal. reef.I've read some posts that say the flow from their mods were too strong and kicked up a sand storm, so they went back to reg. powerheads. there's got to be a way to throttle the flow back some. my idea is to cover some of the intake on the shroud a little at a time until I get the flow just right. maybe use some sylicone to block the holes. my question is: is restricting the water intake going to put a strain on my motor and burn it up? I got this idea when I noticed that when algea built up on my maxi jet intake, the flow would drop down. anybody think this would work? Or have any other ideas for controlling the flow on the maxi-mods. thanks

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**fatboyjoe** · 01-21-2008, 08:14 PM

a reefer on another site said he used a plastic spray paint cap and cut the end off and made a tube to cover some of the slits to control the flow. that sounds better than using sylicone. anyone have any other ideas?

***lReef lKeeper*** · 01-21-2008, 08:28 PM

i would say to just switch out the prop with a smaller one. you can buy RC boat props at any REAL hobby store for a couple of bucks. that is what the mod kits use anyway. and the switch-out would be much easier than trying to fill in the intake slits.

**Phurst** · 01-21-2008, 11:18 PM

Well, I was going to suggest shaving down the prop, but Bobby's idea seems the more sane choice. I always try to overcomplicate things...

**JustDavidP** · 01-29-2008, 12:10 PM

I'll trump that

You can both increase "flow area" and reduce "flow pressure" by installing a Hydor water deflector. They need to be cleaned from time to time, but do a great job. I found that it reduced the water pressure on my MJ1200 significantly. This was good for me. It was a seahorse tank.

Dave

***lReef lKeeper*** · 01-29-2008, 12:13 PM

on a MJ that has been modded ??

**JustDavidP** · 01-29-2008, 12:27 PM

No, I used them on the "out of the box" MJ1200's, but the idea is that the rotating deflector most certainly reduced output on a standard, it will do the same on a mod. I mean, reduction in output is reduction in output. Regardless of original flow rate, there is some percentage of reduction right?

It may just bring the flow down to that of the "before mod" and it is probably better to restrict output rather than stressing the motor by reducing input? Dunno.. I'm a Security Specialist and not an engineer. Any engineers out there? Chime in.

D

***lReef lKeeper*** · 01-29-2008, 01:10 PM

i have an extra Mod laying around AND an old hydor rotator. we will see what happens when i try this out. i am just wondering if the flow will be to much for the plastic gears in the rotator device.