Carbon fiber rod to replace ceramic shaft..

Discussion in 'Filters, Pumps, etc..' started by reefmonkey, Feb 25, 2011.

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  1. reefmonkey

    reefmonkey Giant Squid

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    You may or may not know this already.

    If you get stupid like I did and break the ceramic shaft on your expensive pump don't rush to get a replacement impeller assembly. Instead head down to your local hobby store and pick up a 4' stick of carbon fiber rod in the same diameter as the ceramic rod you just broke. It runs about $.50/ft. at a hobby store I frequent. I picked a stick of 1/8" for $1.99 and when the $29 assembly I just ordered for my Mag 12 comes in, I'll measure the ceramic rod and cut extras for the next time I do something stupid.
     
    Last edited: Feb 26, 2011
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  3. Magnus

    Magnus Sharknado

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    It's good to know Mike. How's the rest going?
    P
     
  4. reefmonkey

    reefmonkey Giant Squid

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    It's going. Just got the scape done today, pics are in the build thread :)
     
  5. jkat21

    jkat21 Bangghai Cardinal

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    That is some good info..thanks for doing something stupid before I do..lol.(only kidding)..glad you were able to fix it...k+ to you when I get to my computer..
     
  6. reefmonkey

    reefmonkey Giant Squid

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    Yeah it was pretty good info I thought I'd pass on to my 3reef fam :)
     
  7. reefmonkey

    reefmonkey Giant Squid

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    Good info bump for the morning crowd
     
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  9. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    I disagree Mike, GREAT info. I will be interested to hear how well it works.
     
  10. reefmonkey

    reefmonkey Giant Squid

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    Thanks. I actually won't know how well it works until I break the new ceramic shaft. I'll just have the carbon fiber rod on hand until I need it. It is already a proven alternative. I found UK and US forum threads and other info on using the carbon when I googled "replacement ceramic shaft for mag 12-b". It makes sense because carbon fiber will not conduct heat and is very strong.
     
  11. Crimson Ghost

    Crimson Ghost Blue Ringed Angel

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    Mike, I thought I read that carbon fiber degrades in staltwater? I was reading an article about off shore drilling and carbon fiber rods had to be coated in plastic. I don't recall all specifics. If I find some free time later I'll research it, I rcan't recall the term that was used - something corrosion, anyway I do recall they were talking about carbon fiber.
     
  12. borge

    borge Astrea Snail

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    Yes and no.

    The fibers itself suck water like any other dry fiber, with everything that follows.
    These rods Are held together with Epoxy ( this is the plastic that holds the matrix together) and this it what keeps the water out.
    These carbon fiber rods has by no means the appropriate mechanical properties to be used as an axle.
    From a HES point of view, it is not decided what the years of exposure of teared off tiny carbon particles does to our own environment, and therefor not in the fish tank.
    Now as earlier stated, the "softer" surface of these rods does make it very inappropriate for this usage. Use the rod to thow a car instead ;)


    Edit:
    Yes, oil wells and offshore usage.
    These fibers conduct electricity and as stated earlier, they suck water, so a coating of epoxy is used to prevent to much trouble, and can of course also be coated with different plastics, depending on usage. Self regulating floor heaters anyone ;)