[PICS]Koralia mod: Cutting out every other "bar" from the grate cover

Came across this on a web search for modding koralias. Apparently if you cut out every other spoke on the front grate around the prop part of the impeller, it will increase flow. I just got new covers from koralia and was wondering if this works/anyone has done this.

If no one has, I will try it, and worse case scenario, can get new ones from koralia again.

Also found a front grate modification, removing all but the center beam on the output grate, since that is the only necessary part. MUCH IN NEED OF REFINING, but I didn't want to waste time making it look pretty if it might not work. Let me know what you think.

Here are the pics:
1. K-Nano 425gph on left, 240gph on right
2. K-Nano 240gph showing front grate
3. K-Nano 425gph showing front grate
4. K-Nano 240gph showing side grate
5. K-Nano 425gph showing side grate

(camera is a Nikon D3100 Macro)

 

Never tried this, but I would think over time that it might weaken the cage where the bump stop is. I know this was a weak part on the first gen evo's. Keep us posted.

 

Jkat, seeing as I have two covers, I modified the old ones and have yet to put the new ones on. I have to say, it has nearly doubled flow.

You raise a valid point. AzDesertrat has a mod to strengthen that central "beam." I will have to look at that.

 

Sounds like an interesting mod, got any pics?

 

I'll go take some pics for you guys. I might start a new thread (hopefully get it stickied) showing how I've managed to solve all clicking, starting in reverse, and most recently, almost doubling flow.

Since I got my smart wave, I've literally spent 20+ hours research mods for koralias. I can tell you all about k4's but unfortunately only have k-nanos hahaha

 

Pics and extra mod added.

 

Not bad. Now I see what your saying. I forgot about AZ's mod. I wonder if leaving the front mesh while cutting the sides like you did would add a little safty. Like fish poking their head in to eat algae. Hmm. But I like the mod.

 

My Royal gramma stays away from the powerheads because they clicked for a while (fixed that finally), I'm more worried about snails lol.

I should have tested only with the sides and only with the front cut. I believe cutting out the front guard is what has caused the greatest increase in flow.

I'll keep you guys updated if anything develops. So far, it has been nothing but good, reduced clicking (before I added mod for that), and I actually get a wave in my tank now running on a wavemaker. That last bit alone is worth having to buy new covers every 6 months if I have to. they're pretty cheap and if they start to run in reverse (they won't though) Hydor ships free covers.

 

I can understand why clipping the covers of the front would provide greater flow, stock they disrupt the flow and probably break up the stream of water a bit. I think that removing the side grates would allow for greater amounts of water to access the impeller, and might allow for leaving the front grate intact. Might increase the strength/lifespan of the cover. Doing both would definitely give the greatest flow though!

 

are they on constantly? I would think that by cutting up the cage you are not only increasing flow but decreasing the protection it provides snails and inhabitants from being sucked in the pump.

hopefully they are smart enough to stay away, pretty neat though.