Scwd?

three90s&125sump · 12-07-2005, 01:01 AM

What do you guys think of the SCWD oscilating return devices? 34 bucks on ebay. They dont look like they can be hard plumbed just hose clamped am I correct in saying that? How are they on noise? Any other things I should know?

Bill Z · 12-07-2005, 04:54 AM

they cut down your flow rate.

Viv · 12-07-2005, 07:10 AM

Oh, could you expand on this, this may be an answer to some of my plumbing questions.

skeety · 12-07-2005, 08:31 AM

not really much to expand on, but i'll try.

SCWD's are a neat idea..and a step in the right direction, I guess.

But due to the internal mechanics, it is well documented that you'll loose about 1/3rd of your flow.

so a 900gph pump will only get 600gph of flow if it's going through a SWCD. (minus whatever head loss you have from the plumbing/gravity).

Also, they must be cleaned frequently, as the parts inside tend to collect buildup, and the units are known for failing because of lack of cleaning.
So if you decide to go with one, plumb it in such a way that it's easily removable.

Viv · 12-07-2005, 09:30 AM

Do you know who sells them so I could read up on them

As I'm doing new plumbing this could be interesting for me.

mg · 12-07-2005, 09:57 AM

Flow Efficiency Ratings
Below is data provided by one of our distributors as a result of flow testing. Using powerheads of various gph ratings they were able to provide flow-in ratings, flow-out, switching speeds, and efficiencies.

Flow into SCWD	SCWD Output	Efficiency	Switching Duration
150 gph	90 gph	60%	22 seconds
180 gph	120 gph	65%	16 seconds
240 gph	180 gph	75%	12 seconds
270 gph	210 gph	80%	10 seconds
330 gph	240 gph	80%	9 seconds
400 gph	360 gph	90%	7 seconds
600 gph	540 gph	90%	5 seconds
720 gph	660 gph	90%	4 seconds

Ranges from 40%loss to 10% loss or less. Need to use a pump on the stronger side to get some efficiency. The manufacterur is 3iQ Ventures.

reef_noob · 12-07-2005, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skeety

Also, they must be cleaned frequently, as the parts inside tend to collect buildup, and the units are known for failing because of lack of cleaning.
So if you decide to go with one, plumb it in such a way that it's easily removable.

I've been running one for six months or so now on my cls with no problems at all. I do have it plumbed to be easily removed, and if it breaks, $35 isn't a huge cost for replacing it.

As long as you get a larger pump than you need, and consider the scwd to be a somewhat disposable piece of equipment, then you should be fine.

three90s&125sump · 12-07-2005, 02:06 PM

How about the noise, does it make any or will the sound of my mag drive cover it up?

yardboy · 12-07-2005, 02:34 PM

None of my experiences with SCWD's has been good, besides the flow restriction, need for cleaning, perception of them as disposable, and just generally breaking down with no chance of repair.

Check these out, though they are more expensive, they have a good rep and none of the problems associated with SCWD's
http://www.oceansmotions.com/

reef_noob · 12-07-2005, 02:38 PM

virtually silent.

three90s&125sump · 12-07-2005, 03:25 PM

Oh, now I really want to do a CLS on my tank. I dont think I'm gonna drill.

I need to know where to buy those things and how much flow I can do with a DSB in my 90s should I do a mag 12 or mag 9.5 or a mag 18. Remember I'm already gonna have about 1000 GPH on each tank just from the overlow returns. I'm ganna be having softies, LPS and anemones for the majority and some SPS if I can do it. Untill I actually see how much pressure there will be releasing at the tip of the nozzle its hard for me to guage how big of a pump to get. I would guess that my best bet would be to get a pump that is too big so I can just close the ball valve a little to reduce flow.

Thats a good link. thanks.

three90s&125sump · 12-07-2005, 03:30 PM

Oh I see now they are quite expensive. $375 for the 8-way. Thats alot of SCWDs. Sorry yardboy your pockets must be lots deeper than mine.

coralfreak · 12-07-2005, 04:40 PM

I'm using the SCWD with a 700gph pump without problems and yes it cut flow but not a huge amount, like 300gph or something similar. I never cleaned it and its still working good(lucky me).

Stevendietzel · 12-07-2005, 04:53 PM

I have one running on my 90 gal tank. have only had to clean it once since I bought it.(over a year ago) I just hooked up a pump flowing in the reverse direction with warm water and if fixed my problem. (when it got dirty it stuck only spraying out of 1 side)... mice makes no noise. I also have an over sized pump for my return. I think foster and smith sells them for around $32.00 before shipping.
I am happy with my purchase as i was able to cut down on power heads in the tank for flow. plus for the cost of that 8 way diverter you could buy quiet a few scwds even if they did break.

sr3w · 12-07-2005, 05:13 PM

Definitely do a search here and at RC, as I remember both reading and posting in various discussions of this sort.

My experience has been bad. I kind of feel like I wasted the 35 bucks, as it just stopped oscillating after a few weeks of cumulative run time - and I couldn't get it working using the suggested fixes.

"No user serviceable parts" on basically any product blows, in my opinion.