Borneman Surge Device Guide

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DIY Borneman Surge Device
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By: Jeff Hesketh
Madhattersreef.com Jeff Hesketh
DIY Borneman Surge Device
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Jeff Hesketh
DIY Borneman Surge Device
Save Money Reef Better.
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I have always been a strong believer in the old saying “A penny saved is a
penny earned.” and I have never understood why someone would pay a ton
of money for something when they can make it themselves for pennies on
the dollar.
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When I first got into the
saltwater aquarium
hobby (little over 8
years ago) I was dumb
founded as to how
expensive this hobby is.
My first saltwater
aquarium easily cost me
hundreds (if not
thousands …don’t tell
the wife!) of dollars. As
time has past I have
become very frugal in
my saltwater aquarium
efforts.
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The goal of this guide is to show you how to build the borneman surge
device as well as illustrate, how much money can be saved be putting it to
work instead of those expensive pumps
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At any point in during the process of reading this book or building your
own aquarium stand please feel free to contact me at
[email protected] with any of your questions.
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Also, be sure to visit the resource page at www.madhattersreef.com/surgedevice for up to date information and videos that will help you with your
build at home.
Jeff Hesketh
DIY Borneman Surge Device
Responsible Reef Keeping.
Truthfully, having a saltwater aquarium is not a right, it’s a privilege. A
privilege that has become under attack over the last few years by
governments and animal rights activist. It is our responsibility as hobbyist
to inform ourselves (and others) about the proper care of the livestock we
keep in our aquariums as well as be an proactive representative of
responsible reef keeping. We need to understand how the natural reefs
have been affected by humans and support efforts to protect them.
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The aquaculture of marine life is
the future of saltwater aquarium
hobby, not only does it take stress
off the natural reefs but it
establishes a sustainable
resource for our hobby.
Aquaculture also can creates
local jobs and reduces the needs
of fossil fuels used to ship
livestock around the world. In the
end, aquaculture is a win win for
everyone involved. By supporting
aqua-cultured marine life we will
be helping preserve the
environment, and strengthening
our communities with local jobs by investing our money closer to home.
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My challenge to you, as you grow as a hobbyist is to simply inform yourself,
educate others, buy aqua-cultured marine life when possible and by doing
so will become a proactive representative for responsible reef keeping.
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Jeff Hesketh
DIY Borneman Surge Device
Getting Started.
As most of you that follow me on youtube (Channel: Mad Hatter's Reef)
know that I'm a DIY guy and I felt it was time to take a look at this surge
device and I gotta tell you… I was surprised as to how quick and easy it was
to build as well as how much water it moves.
Not all of us have the means to buy the new $200.00 powerhead that just
hit the market. Not all of use have the means to replace that 2 year old
Hydor Korialia that was leaking electricity into your aquarium killing all
your fish and when you emailed them they only only muster stating the
fact that it was a 2 year old powerhead…. sorry (true story).
I was always told before I got into the hobby that it’s expensive. Now that
I’ve been in the hobby for 8 years I know it’s as expensive, as you make it
and DIY projects like the Borneman surge device is an inexpensive way to
increase water movement.
The credit of the design of the Borneman surge device goes to author Eric
Borneman. One of Eric’s best know books is Aquarium Corals. If you have
not had the chance to get your hands on this book I strongly recommend it
to everyone who's interested in saltwater aquariums.
The idea behind the Borneman surge device is that it replicates the natural
surge of the ocean. This makes it more affective then your standard
powerhead which just pushes water at a constant rate.
Materials Needed:
• Return pump
• 5 gallon bucket
• PVC piping 1”
• PVC coupling Slip/threaded
• PVC reducer 2” to 1”
• PVC 2 elbows
• Toilet flush valve kit w/flapper
• Toilet float w/ plastic chain
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Jeff Hesketh
DIY Borneman Surge Device
Tools Needed:
• PVC cutter
• Drill
• 2” circular drill bits
• Dremel w/ sanding bit
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Time Needed:
15 to 20 minutes
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Total Cost:
under $15.00
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Jeff Hesketh
DIY Borneman Surge Device
Step by Step:
Step 1: Drill a 2” hole in the bottom of the bucket with the circular
drill bit.
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Note: My
placement for the
hole wasn’t the
best. If I was to do it
again I would avoid
the circle molding
on the bottom of the
bucket. It made it
hard for the toilet
flush valve and
threaded coupling
to line up properly
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Jeff Hesketh
DIY Borneman Surge Device
Step 2: Clean up the hole with the Dermel.
Step 3: Install the toilet flush valve kit.
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Note: If the
flush valve
doesn’t just
right, go back
in with the
Dermel.
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Jeff Hesketh
DIY Borneman Surge Device
Step 4: Install the PVC threaded cupeling.
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Note: I bought my
coupling and flush valve
kit at the same store so I
knew the would fit
perfectly.
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Step 5: Install the PCV reducer into the cupeling.
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Note: For my build
I used a 2” to 1”
PVC reducer
fitting. So my
return pipe is 1” in
diameter.
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Jeff Hesketh
DIY Borneman Surge Device
Step 6: Assemble the return pipe.
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Note: The return pipe
will need to be
customized to your
needs for your
aquarium. Length will depend on your available space and
application.
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Step 7: Attach the
float to the toilet
flapper.
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Note: It important
to use a plastic
chain or fishing
line for this step.
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Jeff Hesketh
DIY Borneman Surge Device
Step 8: Attach return pump and set up on aquarium.
Your Borneman surge device is completed.
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Here Is my Youtube video on the build: Borneman Surge Device video.
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Here are some additional surge device videos.
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If you have any questions feel free to email me at:
[email protected]
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For more information saltwater aquariums and other great DIY
projects please visit www.madhattersreef.com
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Jeff Hesketh
DIY Borneman Surge Device