How to set Jebao MLW wave pump to below the minimum 30% speed?

[rdriggett]

I purchased a Jebao MLW-30 for my 40 gallon breeder without knowing the minimum speed on the pump is 30% (aprox 1000GPH). This is still WAY too much flow and I'm out of the return period. It uses a 3 prong connector from the pump controller to the wave maker. Is there anyway to attach a resistor or something to the data wire to slow the pump down?

Or am I SOL and I just need to buy the correct size wave pump?

 

[Bolicks]

You could put a piece of foam around the power head intake (the way people make their power heads anemone proof). IME this reduces flow ~30% or so

Or, get a 3D printed anemone guard for a cleaner look - will also reduce flow

 

[Piper]

It will probably not reliably spin the impeller at less than 30%. You can try a lower voltage power supply or an adjustable power supply. i.e. if it's 12V, try a 9V. You just need to make sure get one with enough amperage to power the pump.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BL4QMGM/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_0CC0B36RFC4YSTRRB40Q

 

[rdriggett]

You could put a piece of foam around the power head intake (the way people make their power heads anemone proof). IME this reduces flow ~30% or so

Or, get a 3D printed anemone guard for a cleaner look - will also reduce flow

I'm currently running a 3d printed nem guard which does reduce the flow somewhat. I plan to 3d print some sort of diffuser for this powerhead before giving up and buying the right size.

 

[rdriggett]

It will probably not reliably spin the impeller at less than 30%. You can try a lower voltage power supply or an adjustable power supply. i.e. if it's 12V, try a 9V. You just need to make sure get one with enough amperage to power the pump.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BL4QMGM/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_0CC0B36RFC4YSTRRB40Q

I didnt consider that, thanks for that consideration.

 

[Klems]

Can you run this new style pump with their app and run it lower than 30%

 

[rdriggett]

Can you run this new style pump with their app and run it lower than 30%

Unfortunately no.

 

[grizfyrfyter]

I'd offer to buy it (I need to design an anemone guard anyhow) so you can get a new one, but it's out of my budget for a few weeks.

 

[H2OPlayar]

It depends on if the controller is simply varying voltage or doing pwm modulation to get the power restriction. Given the cost of the jaebo, I bet it is resistive, and soldering a resistor in series would do it.

Simpler in my mind is the nem guard/sponge guard to restrict intake flow area.

I would probably trade you my lower flow low profile jaebo if you want too.

 

[Coral reefer]

Out of curiosity why do you say it’s way too much flow for a 40 gal?
Blowing sand around?

 

[rdriggett]

Out of curiosity why do you say it’s way too much flow for a 40 gal?
Blowing sand around?

I tried it in my 75G FW tank and the poor fish seem to hate it, they all just hide in low flow areas and get blown around if they swim in the current.

 

[rdriggett]

I'd offer to buy it (I need to design an anemone guard anyhow) so you can get a new one, but it's out of my budget for a few weeks.

No worries, DM me if you are interested in the future! It's new/used only for testing and comes with a 3d printed nem guard.

 

[rdriggett]

It depends on if the controller is simply varying voltage or doing pwm modulation to get the power restriction. Given the cost of the jaebo, I bet it is resistive, and soldering a resistor in series would do it.

Simpler in my mind is the nem guard/sponge guard to restrict intake flow area.

I would probably trade you my lower flow low profile jaebo if you want too.

I was worried it might be PWM and complicate things. Is there an easy way to check if its VV or PWM?

 

[grizfyrfyter]

No worries, DM me if you are interested in the future! It's new/used only for testing and comes with a 3d printed nem guard.

I have to get a return pump and some other equipment before I'm ready for wavemakers.

 

[Coral reefer]

I tried it in my 75G FW tank and the poor fish seem to hate it, they all just hide in low flow areas and get blown around if they swim in the current.

So you haven’t tried it in the 40?
A reef tank is very different than a fresh water fish only flow wise. I’d try it out

 

[rdriggett]

So you haven’t tried it in the 40?
A reef tank is very different than a fresh water fish only flow wise. I’d try it out

No I have not, only in a FW tank. I'll try it out!

 

[H2OPlayar]

I have to get a return pump and some other equipment before I'm ready for wavemakers.

Fancy multimeter

 

[H2OPlayar]

I was worried it might be PWM and complicate things. Is there an easy way to check if its VV or PWM?

Fancy multimeter

 

[rdriggett]

Update: 3400GPH in a reef tank is wildly different than 3400GPH in a planted tank. My sand is somewhat blowing around on 100% power but it seems to be fine on 30%.

 

[grizfyrfyter]

I must have missed that part. Planted tanks, and freshwater in general, don't like nearly the amount of flow that a reef tank needs.

Glad it worked out for you.