Wavemakers - Suggestions?

[klingsa]

I have a 75 gallon reef tank that I want to add more water movement to. I don't want to spend hundreds of dollars, though. I was looking at the Sea Swirl or some similar rotating fixture vs. something like the Red Sea Wavemaster Pro which controls already existing powerheads.

The problem is, I already have 4 powerheads in 75 gallons, and I don't want that many. It looks like crap. So, the question is, does the more expensive machines like the wavemasters spread out the current as well as a rotating kind? I'm also considering a powerstrip type thing that just turns the powerheads on and off, but that doesn't seem like it would be as effective. So, any thoughts? I'd love some advice! My main goal here is to mimic the chaotic patterns on the reef, while spending as little money as possible. I know, wrong hobby! :wink: :wink:

I'd appreciate any help, guys! Thanks a lot!

Sara

 

[tomheo]

I vote for the wavemaker option. I don't have experience with the Red Sea unit, but I used to have a Tsunami wavemaker on my tank (pretty simliar...I've since replaced my Tsunami/Maxijet combo. for Tunze Streams on a multicontroller).

I think with the wavemaker option, if you already have powerheads, you only need to buy the wavemaker (about $100 at www.exoticfish.com ). If you go with the sea-swirl option, you're looking at a little more money plus you'll need to do some degree of plumbing (which I personally hate playing with). Though, I guess you could just replumb your return from the sump, but how strong your return pump is dictates how effective a single sea-swirl would be. If you don't want to feed the sea-swirl through your return pump, you could set up a closed loop (again, more plumbing).

With the Sea-swirls, to get truly chatic water movement, it's ideal to have 2 on opposite ends of the tank, which also translates into more money.

Hope this helps, and good luck with it.

Thomas

I have a 75 gallon reef tank that I want to add more water movement to. I don't want to spend hundreds of dollars, though. I was looking at the Sea Swirl or some similar rotating fixture vs. something like the Red Sea Wavemaster Pro which controls already existing powerheads.

The problem is, I already have 4 powerheads in 75 gallons, and I don't want that many. It looks like crap. So, the question is, does the more expensive machines like the wavemasters spread out the current as well as a rotating kind? I'm also considering a powerstrip type thing that just turns the powerheads on and off, but that doesn't seem like it would be as effective. So, any thoughts? I'd love some advice! My main goal here is to mimic the chaotic patterns on the reef, while spending as little money as possible. I know, wrong hobby! :wink: :wink:

I'd appreciate any help, guys! Thanks a lot!

Sara

 

[wade1]

Another option (+ or 0 the seaswirl) is to add a closed loop over the back of the tank. You plumb the intake and output below the water level, while it hangs over the back of the tank. You just have to prime the system the first time its used (aim a powerhead into the intake til water flows out of the other side). Its not as pretty, but if you can't readily see behind the tank it works fine. I have an iwaki 20 as this type of loop... works great.

Wade

 

[liquid]

Have you thought about using a surge device instead? The Carlson or Toilet Flapper surge devices do a very nice job at creating chaotic and random movement. I know a guy on IRC that runs his tanks exclusively with nothing more than toilet flapper surges. They're cheap to build compared to buying Sea Swirls.

Also, you may want to consider the Tunze Stream line of pumps or the ReefTec's. These two pumps are run using RC boat propellors and put out a lot of flow for very low wattages.

hth

Shane

 

[liquid]

BTW...here's a link to a pretty good webpage that shows what surges can do: http://www.dtplankton.com/surge_&_tidal_zone.htm

IIRC there's also a couple QuickTime movies there as well.

hth

Shane

 

[Mogo]

Yes, I would also recomend a surge device. I built one last weekend and I will never have to fret about expensive wavemakers or circulation ever again. Awesome. Fairly simple. $50 hardware plus a Mag 2 pump (in line heh) $100. It dumps 4 gal every 60 seconds in my 140. The effect is incredible! 8O

I will post my construction process in the DIY forum once I get my photos together probably this weekend.

 

[wade1]

One of the major drawbacks to surges is the WAF. (wife approval factor) They are noisy, constantly sounding like a toilet flushing (or even a muted toilet flushing). You also have to have the tank lower in normal level to deal with the sudden increase in gallonage. Great devices for random current though!

Wade

 

[Mogo]

Yes, the surge tank is noisy. That, as well as the overall size and placement of the setup would be a limiting factor. In my case the WAF was instant approval. A rare event 8)

 

[klingsa]

Thanks for all the info, guys! Depending on my cash flow, I'll probably end up doing a wavemaster pro. I was thinking the same thing about the sea swirls, that you'd really need at least two. Do you think the wavemaster can create adequate random water movement, though? And, I guess it won't involve getting rid of any of my power heads. That's ok, though.

Thanks again!

Sara

 

[klingsa]

This is a combo - a bump up and another question....

I ended up going with Zoo Med Powersweeps. I got three of them for only $14.95 each! They do 90 degree turns, so here's the question. First of all, anyone have them, and what do you think? Secondly, do you think it will work to turn one on its side so I get some up and down movement?

Thanks again!

Sara

 

[buff1]

Sorry to say it, but you made a mistake with the powersweeps. They are nearly worthless. The output is poor, reliability is horrible, and you'll have to thoroughly clean it about every two weeks to keep the "sweep" action from freezing up.