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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. | .JPG)
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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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