Im thinking about getting one to alternate the flow in my tank, so I obviously need 2 return pumps. but from whenever I've done my water changes in the past i know that when i turn off the pump then turn it back on its noisy as hell and bubbles are everywhere. I'd like to alternate flow between the return lines, is this the best way and how do i do it right?
how do wave makers controllers work?
- Thread starter BioMan
- Start date
The bubbles are from the air trapped in the tube. It's not really a big deal. It will be easier, cheaper and more efficient to get powerheads in the tank to alternate flow. It's the same concept for both. The pump will turn off and on. This will cause the water to move in different directions and crash into each other at diffrent angles. I am not sure if return pumps are really made to function like that. 2 jeabo returns and the jeabo dual controller might work. I am not sure if the control works on their pumps. If you have an apex, reef keeper or something similar you can use that.
I'm building my tank and Im trying to avoid shelling out $1400 for 2 MP60s,, I saw a Hydor Koralia and it looks like if I get 2 return pumps i can plug them into their device and run 1 pump for a minute then another pump for a minute back and forth all day but thats gotta be noisy and bubbly and 2 pumps in my sump and UGH!! lol
I am in front of my computer and can't find it. I can't even find some kids lock line that was oscillating like a fan...that was cool I don't know why i never asked him about that lol
NICE!! Exactly what I was looking for,, not sure what you mean by 2 pumps at 20% and 80%,,but I like the sea swirl and the sea sweep they have I can use my existing el-cheapo power heads....TAKE THAT ECO-TECH hahaha,,,
your better off with power heads imo.
a power head will move a lot more water then a return pump, not to mention how your skimmer will operate with changing water level.
wait until you have the money and do it right unless you go closed loop with a big return pump.
a power head will move a lot more water then a return pump, not to mention how your skimmer will operate with changing water level.
wait until you have the money and do it right unless you go closed loop with a big return pump.
The worst part about having a big tank is higher cost of required equipment. The jabeo series of powerheads are great for the money. Extremely powerful and would recommend using them if you are on a budget. They are silent and do not make ramp up noise like a vortech.
A swcd alternates the current in your return lines and great for a closed looped system. A seaswirl is a basic sweep vs unidirectional flow from a locline.
You lose a lot of gph due to headloss in pumps so it isn't ideal for the main source of water movement. Plus you have to take into consideration that gph is going to go through your sump as well. Too fast for a skimmer and other filtration to do their job effectively if the source is flowing too quickly.
A swcd alternates the current in your return lines and great for a closed looped system. A seaswirl is a basic sweep vs unidirectional flow from a locline.
You lose a lot of gph due to headloss in pumps so it isn't ideal for the main source of water movement. Plus you have to take into consideration that gph is going to go through your sump as well. Too fast for a skimmer and other filtration to do their job effectively if the source is flowing too quickly.
OK, so if I use a Mag 24 and a SCWD aka Squid, on a 265 gal then I think that would be a good start. I'd like to extend the lock line or change it from the traditional fork to PVC and run parallel to the wall each corner overflow is located and towards the front of the tank. then aim the nozzle I pick towards the opposite end of the tank. I think that plus 2 small powerheads mounted high on the back wall will be good. Finally dead center and low I'd use the Sea Sweeper with a Jabao to achieve total flow. Any thoughts on that setup?
- Location
- Bellmore, NY
Return pumps are NOT made to be cycled like you're describing. You will end up paying more in the long run after burning out your pumps prematurely. You will also have a messed up noisy overflow when constantly changing how much water your pumping. Seaswirls will be a fine option just drop the alternating idea.
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