I have this idea (fantasy) that a Dremel moto tool could be used to trim plants in an aquarium. At this point the idea is theoretical. The Dremel has an flexible extension attachment 36 inches long that should be able to be submersed without any electical problems. I wonder if anyone has thought of this or has tried it and knows it if will work or not; that would save me a lot of time. As everyone knows keeping the plants trimmed is a major part of keeping a planted aquarium. The Dremel has a little tool attachment, like a little round toothed blade that would trim the plants no problem. My concern is that the turbulence (if it occurs) would interfere with the process. The rotation rate is varible between 5,000 and 35,000 rpm. Dremel sells a hanging attachment that will allow the motor itself to be hung above the tank. A concern would be that somehow the electicity would make it's way down the shaft and onto one's hand or into the water. Porbably would not happen since in using the tool normally one's hand is on the body of the tool and no shock occurs. I can imagine mowing a forground planting of glosso or chadephora in no time, keeping it nice and flat. Has anyone tried this?
After further research: Dremel makes a cordless version with the same rpm range as the corded model that should put to rest any electric shock concerns. Takes all the same attachments. 10.8V Dremel Lithium-ion Cordless 10.8V Dremel Lithium-ion Cordless
Any livestocks that strayed too near may get sucked in and made into sashimi...
Also, note the "kickback" that some Dremel users experience when the tool hits something that cannot be cut. Either the tool gets jerked out of the hand, or the item being hit gets tossed across the tank.
Loose plants may get minced up and be a pain to fish out...
Any entangled plants will also quickly get uprooted and twirled around the blade...
Unless you're really skilled, the dremel may destroy more than trim
Those points well taken and duly noted but I haven't given up quite yet. I discovered that Dremel makes a cordless occillating tool with cutting blades about the same size that would presumably reduce the danger of kicking back. Now only if they make a flex shaft for it so I can experiment.
sorry I move the thread to more appropriate section
Sadly you're based in the states or I could offer my unit for trial (in your tank of courseOriginally Posted by DarrellAR
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I took a look at the flex shaft...not sure how well it'll take wetting...rust?
Yeah my primary concern would be if the flexi shaft will corrode after prolonged usage. Also there maybe oil or other synthetic lubricants that might contaminate the water.
The tempory use of a skimmer could take care of any oil. I would think the ends of the flex shaft would be water resistant if not water tight. The makers of the flex shaft would not want any oil to to soil the reputation of their product. If oil would not leak out during above water use it would probably not leak out during under water use. The lubricant in the shaft would probably be some kind of heavy grease not easily dissipated in water. Whether some oil could get in the tank is a question a trial run would answer. In my mind at the moment the greatest threat to this undertaking would be that the occililating tool would not have a flex shaft as the rotating tool has. Other tool companies have similar products and I am going through their offerings. Talking to the "tool man" at like Home Depot has been productive so far.
Sounds like you've got all your bases covered. Good luck and we look forward to hearing about your results~
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