Aquarium filling by vacuum.

[romaurie]

3 years ago I developed a system for filling inverted aquariums by applying a vacuum to a "schreider" non-return valve adapted to fit on the aquarium.
I was looking for a supplier of extruded clear plastic tube to produce a commercially available system for aquarists.
"Thanks" to a gentleman in Singapore using the principle I developed to manufacture inverted aquariums, a tremendous interest has been generated world-wide. The problem is, despite my explaining in detail how to build this system, people not associated with the refrigeration/air conditioning industry don't understand how to make the vacuum.
I need some feed back. If someone phoned you with a request to "vac their aquarium", what would you charge?
Your main consideration is to stop the vacuum before the water is drawn into the pump.
Now If you want to see this system in operation, go to "youtube" "The Romaurie-Effect" for video clips of this and Mr. Ho's "Fishfreedom" aquariums.
Romaurie.

[DEVITG]

I will see

[silentbobt]

thats pretty cool

[silentbobt]

sorry about boosting my post count like this

[Peter_1]

Romaurie, I've looked at least 30 minutes to all sort of youtube movies and also the Koi Pearl.
How I should do it (just an idea coming up now but this principle is also used in my vacuum cleaner which can suck also water): install in some sort of vertical enclosure a water floating ball. Suction of the pump on the top: as soon as water enters, the ball will start to float and close the suction opening. Then a LP can switch off the pump Or just a simple float which engages a switch to shut off the pump.
I'm almost sure you can use a normal household vacuum cleaner to lift up the water.

[romaurie]

There have been quite a few developements in the vacuumed aquarium system.
Removing the air "orally" works, but is hard work on a large aquarium. A venturi from a good water pump can be used to remove the air form the tunnel or inverted aquarium.If you check "YouTube" "Romaurie Effect" many modifications have been posted.
My personal preference is using a home-made vacuum pump on a process timer to give a 2 minute vacuum every 2 hours.3 small hole on the water line of the inverted aquarium allow air to be pulled in.

[RefrigNoob]

Would I be correct in saying the following:
1) Take the tunnel and remove it from the aquariums
2) Turn it up-side-down
3) Fill it with water
4) Seal both ends
5) Place it back on the aquariums with sufficient water levels to seal both capped ends
6) Remove the seals under water

Then it's simply a matter of orally vacuuming once a week or once a month to maintain the vac.

[TRASH101]

why not use a pre-evacuated cylinder then charge for evacuating the cylinders. This way an arrangement of cylinders on a manifold in conjnuction with a float valve and solenoids can be utilised for self maintaining the system.