I wanted to create a thread on wavemakers and variable flow controls people use in their aquariums. From what i gather, there are several options ranging from timers to unique devices like the Wave2k. What kinds of things have you all done and how do you think they work?
__________________ Samuel
"If they but knew it, almost all men in their degree, some time or other, cherish very nearly the same feelings towards the ocean with me.... There is magic in it. Let the most absent-minded men be plunged in his deepest reveries--stand that man on his legs, set his feet a-going, and he will infallibly lead you to water, if water there be in all that region."
we have been running a SCWD for years on the reef. works quite well, never misses a beat, and is quiet. we'll be using them in at least two more projects that are in the works.
I was just looking at the SCWDs online and was going to ask about them. They mechanically alter the flow right? Do you have yours on a closed loop?
__________________ Samuel
"If they but knew it, almost all men in their degree, some time or other, cherish very nearly the same feelings towards the ocean with me.... There is magic in it. Let the most absent-minded men be plunged in his deepest reveries--stand that man on his legs, set his feet a-going, and he will infallibly lead you to water, if water there be in all that region."
the one that is running is on the main return, but we're planning on running one on a closed loop for Renee's 50 gal pent SH setup...we've actually tested it and it works nicely.
I am planning on using the Corallife 8 outlet power strip with timer (http://www.premiumaquatics.com/aquat...SU-01690.html). I use one now for my light setup and it has been running my lights (MH when ON, Fuge bulb when OFF) for over a year now, kind of like, well, clockwork
Only four outlets are controllable by the timer (2 are on and the other two are off and then switch depending on the timer). It can do as low as 15 minute intervals, although I'll probably set mine to every 1/2 hour or 45 minutes. I'm planning on running one Tunze 6060 and a maxijet on two outlets and a Tunze 6025 and Tunze 6045 on the other two outlets.
The tabs on the dial are hard to manipulate, but once they are set, you are good to go.
I have a Natural Wave timer with 3 maxijets. It works well. Sometimes the maxijet will click before the impeller starts the right direction. Making you think you have a huge mantis problem.
"If they but knew it, almost all men in their degree, some time or other, cherish very nearly the same feelings towards the ocean with me.... There is magic in it. Let the most absent-minded men be plunged in his deepest reveries--stand that man on his legs, set his feet a-going, and he will infallibly lead you to water, if water there be in all that region."
Since it's driven by the water flow, that's dependent on the water pressure you put through it, to a point. They operate mechanically using the water flow to drive a screw.
I used to use one on my 75. If I recall right, it was 5-7 seconds or so for me at about 600-700 gph, but I never actually timed it.
__________________ George
Smyrna, GA
25g reef
Coming Soon: 60g Ocea Cube (24"^3)
yes, as George alluded to, the faster the water flow threw it, the faster it will switch
mine was about 5 seconds at 800-900 GPH
Oh okay, so you could use these to make waves if you wanted to. One thing i was listening to on reefvideos' Anthony Calfo video 2, is that turning on and off powerheads can really reduce the life of the motors. Has anyone noticed that?
Has anyone tried the Wave2K? This thing seems really cool but it will not fit on my tank.
__________________ Samuel
"If they but knew it, almost all men in their degree, some time or other, cherish very nearly the same feelings towards the ocean with me.... There is magic in it. Let the most absent-minded men be plunged in his deepest reveries--stand that man on his legs, set his feet a-going, and he will infallibly lead you to water, if water there be in all that region."
wow, that looks like a very good idea, and i dont see how it could ever clog.
However i wouldnt imagine you would get a whole lot of flow through that.
Im planning on using an oceans motions 4-way on my 120. I looked at the squid but from what i saw they have a limit much lower than my pump (3600) or something??? i just like the option of getting different drums for different flow patterns.
anyhow, alot of other people i know use the OM 4-way on their tanks (generally the larger tanks)
Oh that looks pretty cool josh. Wow, those are not cheap though. Do you think you could use them to create waves? I am really biased toward waves after seeing the Wave2k.
I am hoping to be able to alternate the flow from one side of the tank to the other to create the back and forth effect of a wave.
__________________ Samuel
"If they but knew it, almost all men in their degree, some time or other, cherish very nearly the same feelings towards the ocean with me.... There is magic in it. Let the most absent-minded men be plunged in his deepest reveries--stand that man on his legs, set his feet a-going, and he will infallibly lead you to water, if water there be in all that region."
yes, the devices like OM or SCWD's are better than using timers.
as noted they reduce the life. some pumps are designed for this like the MJ pumps are, others like the SEIOs are not designed for wavemakes and you can hurt them.
designed or not, frequent starts and stops can have negative affects on the pump, and IME, its not the motor, but the casing. the impeller tends to shake in there, and it will start to pop into the sides and wear away at the inner casing, once it breaks through you get water in there and fry the motor
__________________
Show people you appreciate there advice, click the icon under there name and give them Reputation points
I am planning on using the Corallife 8 outlet power strip with timer ...
Only four outlets are controllable by the timer (2 are on and the other two are off and then switch depending on the timer). It can do as low as 15 minute intervals, although I'll probably set mine to every 1/2 hour or 45 minutes. I'm planning on running one Tunze 6060 and a maxijet on two outlets and a Tunze 6025 and Tunze 6045 on the other two outlets.
Brian,
What size tank are you using those pumps in? I am planning to use the same timer for my 90g but wondering what pumps would be best. I was thinking of just alternating two tunze 6060 but is that too much for a 90?
I posted the question in this thread too with some other notes
.
icon under there name and give them Reputation points
