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FAQs about Wavemakers and Marine
Systems Related Articles:
Inexpensive Wavemaker
Impressions, by Steven Pro,
Powerhead Impressions by
Steven Pro, Circulation, Aeration,
Water
Flow, How Much is Enough,
Marine System Components, Refugiums,
Central Filtration, Flow-through
Live-holding Systems, Refugiums, Business
Set-Up,
Related FAQs: Surge Devices,
Powerheads 1,
Powerheads 2,
Rationale,
Selection,
Application, Modification,
Problems/Repair, By Manufacturer, Makes/Models:
Aquarium Systems (Maxi-Jets, Visi-Jets),
Hagen (AquaClear),
Tunze, Other
Models/Manufacturers, Marine Circulation 1, Marine Circulation 2, Marine
Circulation 3, Marine Circulation 4, Marine
Circulation 5, Aeration, Pumps,
Plumbing, Make
Up Water Systems, Sumps, Refugiums, Gear Selection for
Circulation, Pump Problems, Surge
Devices,
All aquatic life appreciates strong water movement.
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Re: DSB question and more... now, wave
makers, vis a vis circ., SW 6/16/08
Hi..
<Hello again.>
I was wondering.. if I get a Maxijet 1200 mod and have a Tunze stream 6060 would
it be helpful if I invest in a wave timer for the Maxijet?
<Hmmm, no.>
How beneficial are wave timers?
<In principle they are great. The reality is startup is the hardest phase on an
electrical motor. A wave timer drastically shortens the life of these
powerheads, particularly with the MJ mod.>
Furthermore on the algae.. I get an accumulation of mostly brown algae on my
sand but both green and brown on my glass.. no blue algae at all. I use standard
tap water with a single cartridge filter for top off.. Is this a problem?
<Maybe, maybe not. Tap water is different all over the world. You will have to
test yours to see. If it is high in nitrite, nitrate or phosphate, this could
very well be the source of the algae.>
Would investing in a RODI system reduce this problem?
<If your tap levels are high.>
If so.. which RODI system do you recommend?
<None in particular. Most use the same interchangeable membranes and 10”
filters. I use an Aqua FX myself.>
Thanks,
Mohamed
<Welcome, Scott V.>
Setting up flow for a square LPS tank
3/21/07
Hi Crew -
<James>
Great website, I spend entirely too much time researching in your
archives. I apologize in advance for this long email.
<No worries. Communicating effectively often takes time>
I am setting up a new tank (well, it's been up and running in some
capacity for a few months) that will house LPS corals almost exclusively
(will also include one Monti. cap., a few mushroom corals and some
xenia, for example), and I was hoping for some opinions on a closed loop
system. The tank inner dimensions are almost square, at ~31.5"x27"x20"
LxWxH, with an internal overflow on one of the 27" sides. Approximately
65-70 gallons in the display tank. I am using a 20 gallon sump with a
very small (~5 gallon) refugium. All flow right now is from the return
pump - a mag7 if my memory is right (possibly a mag5). So obviously it
is very light circulation in the tank. I have attached a very rough
sketch of the tank layout, the live rock layout is pretty close to this
though.
<I see it. Think the arrows on the overflow need to be reversed>
The few corals in the tank right now are a frogspawn (new branches
showing), pulsing xenia, hairy mushroom (Rhodactis indosinensis?),
Montipora capricornis. Future corals are... unknown. We haven't
developed a full livestock list yet, although my fiancé is very much
drawn to LPS that "wave" in the current. Any suggestions?
<Mmm, all posted on WWM. I'd be reading re the "Systems" and
"Compatibility" for all listed, considered>
Back to the original question -- I would like to set up a closed loop in
the system. My goal in this design was to try to replicate the
back-and-forth wave motion in the ocean - the kind that "gently" moves
you 3 feet back and forth as you snorkel - and also vary the strength of
flow across the display to accommodate varied coral species and their
preferences.
<Okay>
My thought was to try to create flow in the tank in a circular pattern,
regularly switching the direction of the flow to create some turbulence.
This was in part inspired by the January 2007 article by Jake Adams in
the Advanced Aquarists Online Magazine. To accomplish this I considered
using a device similar to an Oceans Motion (OM) valve, piped to the four
corners of the tank in two circuits. If you reference the attached
sketch, I show the four outlets. I haven't worked out any details with
Paul @ OM yet, but I see two options with his current devices -- 30
seconds of flow in circuit one (counterclockwise), switching rapidly to
30 seconds of flow through circuit two (clockwise). Or, if I pipe two of
the four OM ports back to the pump inlet, I could create 15 seconds of
flow in circuit one, 15 seconds of rest, 15 seconds of flow through
circuit two, 15 seconds of rest, etc.
<Yes>
What are your thoughts? Is there a more effective way for me to create
appropriate flow conditions in the tank? Am I way off base here?
Thanks!!
Jim
<I do think your proposal has merit, and am a fan of such closed loop
designs... but don't think there is "that much" to be gained by
stopping, reversing flow patterns in such small volumes as this... That
the loss of flow during switching isn't worth the benefits of leaving
the water going in the one direction. Having spent years on reefs on
this planet, I assure you that many of the stocks folks keep in such
"garden arrangements" live in "one way flow" settings... I myself would
set up the plumbing arrangement as you illustrate and pretty much leave
the water discharges fixed in their orientation, "blowing" basically a
angles to each other, two more toward mid-depth, the opposing two more
at the surface. Bob Fenner> |
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Making Waves – 03/17/07
Hello Crew! :)
<<Hi Lisa!>>
I have a 90 gallon Oceanic Bowfront reef tank; it's been established for almost
a year.
<<Great!>>
I have a sump with refugium; the protein skimmer is in the sump. I have four
power heads (2 Seio, 2 MaxiJets) in the tank.
<<Ok>>
This creates good flow but I'd really like to do better; and I'm pretty sure the
power heads are a big part of my electric bill and water heating woes.
<<Mmm, maybe…though more the latter than the former I think>>
I've been trying to read about different setups.
<<Excellent>>
Tunze Wavemaker,
<<Too big/intrusive for this size tank, in my opinion>>
Wavysea wavemaker,
<<A possibility, though will require purchasing/plumbing a good high-flow
external pump…and dealing with the possible associated running expenses and
heating issues>>
Streams...
<<A great alternative in my opinion. Though larger than the typical power head,
these units are misers when it comes to power consumption, and are relatively
cool running (especially when you consider the flow rates involved). All are
good, but I’m especially fond of the controllable/variable electronic units>>
I'm very confused. So I'm here to ask you very knowledgeable folks what you
would do if you were me?
<<An easy question…would be the Tunze Stream pumps (is what I use in my own reef
display)>>
I have about an inch clearance (maybe a little more) from water level in tank to
top of tank. I don't know that I could handle much higher of a wave.
<<Would likely be plenty…if you choose to go the route of the Tunze Wave Box>>
I should also mention that I only have about 3 1/2" clearance in the back of the
tank and use an overflow box. The tank is not drilled.
<<Mmm, not preferable…but shouldn’t make a difference here>>
I've also seen people just using controllers for their power heads.
<<Indeed…and seems to work best/most reliably with the Maxi-jet units>>
So I ask you all, what's the best set-up for a reef tank with fish?
<<Lots of possibilities, but for my money, a couple Tunze Stream pumps; either
6060s or 6000s w/controller>>
Are there any parameters you need to know (like livestock, etc.?)
<<System details are always helpful>>
I appreciate your advice and help.
<<Happy to share>>
Thanks,
Lisa
<<Quite welcome, EricR>>
SQWD wavemaker
Hey Gang, Top of the day to ya! Anthony, In response to the question
about the SQWD wave maker question in the "New reef set up questions"
letter, I've recently hooked a SQWD unit up to my 70 gallon & other than the
loss of flow rates (due to the 3/4" outputs), the wave maker
works great, they're quiet as well! I think that by splitting the 1 1/2" ID
return, (from the Mag 9.5 pump), into two 3/4" lines, another
SQWD unit in line would get the flow rates to increase. As for the
product, I would recommend the SQWD wave maker. I can't wait until they market
the 1" model, that'll be sweet. Best wishes to you &
the crew! Stormbringer
<Thanks for sharing/update my friend. Kindly, Anthony
- Overflow Noise and More... -
Hi All,
Finally, found a great site that will help me develop a great saltwater
aquarium. Thanks for taking time to answer my questions. First I have a 125 gallon tank with 2 overflows. The main pump that I
am using is a Quiet One 4000, at 4 feet of head the GPH is 750. The
sound of water, like a waterfall sound, is loud and very disturbing in my dining
room. Any suggestions of how to eliminate this waterfall sound.
<Consider a standpipe... this will raise the water level in the overflow so
that the water pouring in doesn't have to fall as far. Check out this link: http://www.rl180reef.com/pages/standpipe/standpipe_frame.htm
>
Last question. Recently I just purchased the Red Sea Wavemaker Pro. I
know how you feel about not needing to use wavemakers, but I would like to try
this thing out. The issue is that I purchased 2 CAP 1800's and 2 CAP
800 Powerheads. They are quiet, but they are not designed for the
on/off function of a wavemaker. I am going to exchange those for
powerheads more designed to work with a wavemaker. I know that the
MaxiJet1200 works well with wavemakers. But with a GPH of 295, will 4
of these pumps be enough for a 125 gallon tank? <No.> If not,
can you suggest which kind and how many powerheads I should use with the
wavemaker (I am looking for quiet and something that will work with a
wavemaker)? <I would look into the Tunze Stream Pumps, although you'll have
to can the Red Sea wave maker and use the Tunze model made specifically for
their electronic pumps.> I have coral, a few tangs and 125 pounds of live
rock.
Thanks again for your help!!!!
Regards,
Roger
<Cheers, J -- >
Waves And Weeds... (Water Movement/Caulerpa Control)
Hi again, a few other things to add,
I've seen this advertised
SCWD Wave machine. Tee shaped device that oscillates flow from left to right
without electricity.. $39.99
Can you tell me more about it?
<Well...It is a unique device that essentially "oscillates flow from
left to right without electricity..!" Honestly, it's a great little device.
I'd use it externally 'cause it's butt-ugly, and you don't want it in the tank,
but the thing rocks!>
I've seen the plans before about a device which was home made. Using
a clock motor to turn a bar with a hole drilled in it inside a
housing. As the bar turned water was directed to either one or the
other outlet to provide a sinusoidal wave like out-put. Does this
device sold on the web have the same idea?
<Not sure, to be honest. I've never personally used one or taken one apart
(I'm a Sea Swirl man, myself)
How good is it actually? Can you tell me more?
<A really innovative idea. A number of my fish-geek friends use them, and
really like the results>
Also, I have some macro algae I believe to be green grape Caulerpa but no
grazing fish. As this sporulates and pieces die will this be a big
problem by adding more phosphate to my system?
<Well, I suppose that absorbed nutrients will be released, but it's usually
the sexual products and cellular material that lead to degraded water quality
following one of these events>
Do you suggest I remove it? I'd like to get a Tang to eat it, but I
have some very very pretty red macro algae that grows on my rocks and I'm
worried a Tang may eat all of my lovely algae while pruning the grape algae. What
do you think?
<Well- you won't have much control over what the tang eats. Manual extraction
may be the way to go...Not easy, but it may work>
Another thing is about the lights. I can't seem to find any glass
shop here that knows about UV blocking glass. If I home made a lamp
how can I UV protect it. I'm quite concerned and don't want to risk
damaging my eyes. Thanx again. Greg
<Well, Greg- I'd consult the manufacturer of the light bulbs to see what to
use here, if it is necessary at all...Good luck! Regards, Scott F>
SCWD Leaking
<hello>
I'm running a quiet one 4400 (about 700 gph) to a SCWD. Actually, I
have 2 pumps and 2 SCWD. My problem is they (both) keep leaking on
the inlet side. I have tried wrapping some Teflon tape around the
"wannabe" barb fitting and using a hose clamp...but no matter how
tight I make the clamp, I keep getting a little leaking.....any ideas,
suggestions!
<Sounds like the tubing you used is a little to big. There are 2 models 1/2
& 3/4". Make sure that the tubing you used says either 1/2 or 3/4 ID
NOT OD. The tubing should be hard to get on, if it slips right on it's to big (heat
a cup of water and place the tubing in for a minute or two .It will soften the
tubing and go on easier. I am using one of these and have had no leaking
problems. MikeH>
Dave
SCWD and pump combination part 2 9/8/05
The fitting on the pump is 1" so I used 1" pipe to the SCWD. Then from the
SCWD to the tank its 3/4". The amount of elbows from the pump to SCWD is 3. Then
from the SCWD to the tank through 3/4" is 4. Coming into the pump is 3 elbows as
well. Would this restrict a lot of water? Should I redo it with tubing? Should I
buy a bigger pump? Right now its 1000 gph. Thanks Joe <It sounds like you are
using big enough pipe/tubing, but you are using a lot of elbows! All of those
elbows are probably costing you at least 30% of your flow. You could increase
the flow by any of the methods you ask about. You could find ways to eliminate
elbows or increase the size of the pump. In the long run, eliminating elbows
will save you the cost of a larger pump, added electricity and added heat. I
would suggest running 1" flexible line from the pump to the SCWD, with the SCWD
mounted at about the level of the top of the tank. You can then run 3/4"
flexible tubing along the rim of the tank right into the water wherever you
want. This will eliminate all of the elbows. Hope this helps. AdamC.>
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