Engineing Help: Controllable Powerheads for Aquariums

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the challenge of creating a controllable powerhead for aquariums, specifically focusing on designing a circuit that can adjust the frequency of a 120VAC power supply to control the speed of a pump. The scope includes practical applications in aquarium maintenance and electrical engineering concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, Gary, seeks to develop a circuit that provides 60Hz during the "on" state and adjustable frequencies (1-59Hz) during the "off" state to control the speed of aquarium pumps without causing stress to marine life.
  • Another participant questions whether the interval timing circuit is simply for turning the pumps on and off at different times throughout the day.
  • Gary explains that he is currently using timers and relays to simulate natural ebb and flow in the aquarium.
  • A suggestion is made that a soft starter might be needed, although it is unclear if such devices are compatible with the specific motors in question.
  • Gary expresses concern that single-phase soft starters require specific motor configurations, and he proposes that an adjustable frequency power supply could help achieve his goal of slowing the pump motor just above stall.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the best approach to control the pump speed, and multiple competing views remain regarding the feasibility of soft starters and adjustable frequency power supplies.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the specific requirements for motor types and the technical challenges associated with creating an adjustable frequency power supply for low wattage applications.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to aquarium enthusiasts, electrical engineers, and hobbyists looking to control pump operations in aquatic environments.

gajopo
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The application may seem trivial, but I need to control an aquarium powerhead (pump). I'm an elevator adjuster by trade and have no problem understanding schematics and scouring datasheets but am by no means an electrical engineer.

My issue simplified, controllable powerheads cost 8-10X the cost of the same flow 120vac single speed synchronous pumps. Their ac counterparts are simple, two coils, one with a few extra turns to get the permanent magnet impeller to turn in the desired direction. Problem is with the interval timing circuit I am using the causes the pumps to "chatter" upon excitation stressing my much loved salt water inhabitants. Yes I could spend 1500$ on Tunze controllable pumps with a controller, but I like the 150$ approach better if possible.

What I would like to accomplish is a circuit that would supply 60hz during their "on" state and 1-59hz during their "off" state, slowing them to near their synchronous stall state (1-59hz, maybe 17hz??...). 60Hz is simple as I am doing that now.

How can I make a 120vac (+- 40v) 1-59Hz power supply? I have been scouring the internet for days and decided to just start posting were someone with the knowledge may see this and give me something I can plug into Electronics Workbenches MultiSim for trial and error.

For those of you who may care, a Hydor Koralia 4 (What I'm using) costs 30$. A Tunze Stream starts at 329$ plus the 12vdc controller. Both pump water, one just capitalizes on control via a large price hike.

Any input is greatly appreciated!
Gary
 
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When you say interval timing circuit, is it just a circuit to turn them on and off at different times during the day?
 
Right now I am using 2 .1 to 99 second in-line timers and 2 relays. The pumps are on opposite sides of the tank set at 12 seconds, simulating the ebb and flow found in natural reefs.
 
Sounds like a soft starter is what you would need, can't say whether they are available for motors of that size though.
 
There is my problem. Single phase soft starts require specific motors with special windings, centrifugal switches, capacitors and on...

If I can find a way to make a 120vac adjustable frequency low wattage power supply I can supply on its hysteresis(off) state to slow the pump motor just above stall I will achieve my goal. At least that's my theory!

I do appreciate your interest! Keep asking.

Gary
 

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