The "Other" MaxiJet Mod

[GoTakuF1]

Well, before this forum turns into SDCooks, let's get with the reefin' DIY. With so much commotion over the Maxi Stream mod lately, people have forgotten about the original MaxiJet mod. This mod is one of the easier ones to accomplish and is great to generate alternating flow for nano and/or cube tanks.

Step 1: Take an ordinary MJ powerhead, like this MJ1200

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Gotakuf1/Maximod/1.jpg

Step 2: Find a suitable cutting utensil (saw, Dremel, etc.), in this case, my trusty Calphalon

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Gotakuf1/Maximod/2.jpg

Step 3: Carefully cut the nozzle off

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Gotakuf1/Maximod/3-2.jpg

This will allow the MJ to push more, perhaps 50-70% more, but gentler flow. Also, the modded MJ will be able to spin in two different directions when it's stopped and restarted.

Here is an example of how it is set up in our 24G NanoCube. With an island aquascape, there's room for flow to reach completely around the tank. The powerhead is actually behind the rock structure so it's hardly visible from most angles (sorry, old picture):

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Gotakuf1/Maggie.jpg

I siliconed the suction cup brace (sans the suction cups) to the back of the NC24:

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Gotakuf1/Maximod/4.jpg

Use a nice thick bead of silicone and that will eliminate any noise/vibration from the pump:

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Gotakuf1/Maximod/5.jpg

The flow for the entire tank is provided by a single MJ400. Less is more certainly holds true for this little beast of a pump! Here it is in action with a WaveMaster Pro:

http://s43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Gotakuf1/Maximod/?action=view&current=PICT2045.flv

[GoTakuF1]

Here's a better version. You tube doesn't scale down the video like a mofo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5vKz4ywG1c.

PS. I didn't shoot those "Miss Reef" videos in the "Related Videos" section. ;)

[Nick_Kun]

yeah, this thing works preety well. www.melevsreef.com has a nice video as well.

[MichaelRyanSD]

what the hell is this crap about reefing?wheres the the food DIY :)

[DaChrisDude]

Here's a better version. You tube doesn't scale down the video like a mofo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5vKz4ywG1c.

PS. I didn't shoot those "Miss Reef" videos in the "Related Videos" section. ;)


But I certainly liked them none the lesss!!


Minh, nice mod and good documentation, thanks.

[acbaldwin]

Good writeup. When do you get to the part of the mod that transformed a 1200 into a 900??:confused:



http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Gotakuf1/Maximod/1.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e388/Gotakuf1/Maximod/3-2.jpg

[afitzwater]

i have some maxi jets layin around if someone needs one

[GoTakuF1]

yeah, this thing works preety well. www.melevsreef.com (http://www.melevsreef.com/) has a nice video as well.

Yup, it works especially well for nanos/cubes with the right aquascaping. It's better than the MaxiStream mod in those applications for sure. The best part, doesn't cost a thing. Hopefully this will help out the new folks.


But I certainly liked them none the lesss!!


Minh, nice mod and good documentation, thanks.

Yup, those videos are up there just for you Chris. Thanks for the compliment.


Good writeup. When do you get to the part of the mod that transformed a 1200 into a 900??:confused:

Thanks, it's like those cooking shows, they show you how to do it then 5 secs later, they pull out the finished product :)

[GoTakuF1]

what the hell is this crap about reefing?wheres the the food DIY :)

I completely forgot to write a disclaimer for you, Michael. So here goes: do not attempt this mod after a hit from your beer bong as I am not liable if you maim yourself. Thanks! :)

[DaveMorris]

I did this with three MJ1200's and I have them in my 135g right now. Since my new tank will have a closed loop, I probably won't keep the Maxijets. The flow from them is great.

[iwantone]

I have my MJ1200 hooked up to my wavysea and am considering doing this. Is it better because the flow is more diffuse, or does it actually push more water??

[GoTakuF1]

Brad, it's alittle bit of both. You get more diffuse flow. If you hook it up to your Tsunami, you should be able to get some nice random flow pattern.

[iwantone]

I'm going to give it a shot this weekend. More diffuse will give more random flow, Especially with the tsunami hookup. I'll let you know how it goes.

[mazilla]

i have some maxi jets layin around if someone needs one


i need a 1200 if you have one !!

[afitzwater]

i need a 1200 if you have one !!


pm sent

[iwantone]

Just did the MJ1200 mod. It works GREAT. I hooked it up to my old wavemaker. Every few minutes after a planned turn off, it turns back on. The impeller will then rotate the opposite direction to where it was rotating before, pushing water about 45 degrees to the other side! When hooked up to my wavesea it gives a great supplemental boost. The flow is wider and pushes a lot more water. Thanks minh.

[GoTakuF1]

Awesome, glad to hear that it worked out well for you Brad. Can't wait to see it in action next time we get together for a frag swap.

[iwantone]

Let me know if you are free this weekend. I have some killer new stuff that will be fraggable soon. BY the way, that St. Thomas ricordea looks a lot like a carribbean mushroom.

[iwantone]

It's a rhodactis santit****ne. This one looked nicer.

http://phishybusiness.com/livestock/index.php?cPath=21

[GoTakuF1]

Yeah, that's what I thought as well. I'm getting it for someone, not myself :) BTW, next weekend sounds good, I gotta get off my butt and make some frags for you, though.

[iwantone]

My stuff needs to get bigger, but at the current growth rate their is a killer bright blue monti undulata frag with your name on it.