Using the modified Whisper 30-60

I have been using a modified Whisper 30-60 aquarium pump for several months, and I am really happy with it.

It is limited to 5 hgs which is good enough for me. It is quiet, and inexpensive. It only took me a few minutes to modify it. Advanced pumpers may want something more, but for my present purposes it’s all I need.

With a hand pump there is always some adjusting to keep the vacuum because of either leakage, or expansion, but the Whisper just holds it at 5 hg. I made a foor valve out of a rubber ball, so I can dump the vacuum easily, and do cycles while having my hands free.

I would give it 5 stars.

Interesting. Do you have pics of the setup?

I used one of these for along time was very happy with it, not the same one of course I found that they do wear out and won’t pull the same vac after awhile

Not much to see other than the foot valve. I’ll work on getting some pics.

I see you made some nice gains. Were they from pumping?

The Whisper has 2 pumps, and it pumps the same amount of vacuum with just one, so most people take the other one out, and keep it for a spare.

I’ve used the 40-60 and it works well for lower pressures and was easy to modify. I also have the Tetra AP150. It was slightly more difficult to modify ( I had to file down a small ridge on the edge of the diaphragms) but it works great and pulls 7-8 mmhg.

I am also using the Tetra and its perfect. I like the foot valve idea. Where did you find the valve?

The foot valve is homemade. I put a T in the line going to my vacuum tube. Then I took a couple of 1”X4” boards about 16”s long. Then a cut a round hole in one of the boards slightly larger than one of those squishy hand exercise balls. I run a line from the T to the edge on the hole I cut in one of the boards, and fastened it in place there. I just roll the ball into the end of the line with my foot to make a vacuum, and roll the ball away from the end of the line to dump the vacuum.

I hope I explained it well. It’s really simple to make, and mine has worked great for many months.