wavemaking

mikeMersot · 02-07-2003, 06:34 PM

I would like to add some sort of wavemaking system to my 75 mixed reef, as I am getting sick of constantly having to adjust all my little powerheads because of deadspots and such. The tank is not drilled, I run a CPR CS90 overflow with a mag 7 return (1/2 ") from the refugium, which currently just goes into a pvc spraybar along the back wall behind the rocks. Sea swirls are so expensive, are they really the best way to go? I was looking at some of the ocean currents products, has anyone had any experience with them? I was also contemplating a SCWD(squid) to put an oscillating return, 1 on each side of the tank. Any suggestions as to the best way to set up a better system of currents in the tank would be much appreciated.

Thanks
Mike

dheiney · 02-07-2003, 07:50 PM

I just bought a Power Sweep 228 PH yesterday from my LFS, it' has an auto-rotating head on it. This model does up to 270GPH and sweeps the nozzle aprox 90 degrees, perhaps a bit more.

THe only problem is that it's big and ugly.

But it's fully adjustable, and mounts nice and solid. Oh yea, plus a little filter on it to keep the fish out of the impeller.

The manuf is Zoo Med.

Doug1 · 02-07-2003, 11:38 PM

good luck

cyberchef · 02-08-2003, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Doug1
good luck

Wanna takes bets on how long it lasts?????

Thay have a really "large" reputation for failing within a months time. Mine lasted 2 weeks and then it went back to Petsmart, where I got it from...

Calvinc4s · 02-08-2003, 07:06 AM

How about seaswirls, whats the running report look like on those?

Or those new sqwd valves?

I would look into those options.

Calvinc4s · 02-08-2003, 07:08 AM

mental note***** read ALL of the post befor reply.

SouthernReefer · 02-08-2003, 08:41 AM

dhiney,i have 4 that have lasted over a year so far, and still have them. they come completely apart for cleaning, which is required to keep the nozzle moving in the sweeping motion. general care is all that is required. clean the filter once aweek, and the pump intake once a month, perform a complete tear down of pump, impellers, gears and nozzle every 4 to 6 months.

SouthernReefer · 02-08-2003, 08:49 AM

which is why i am looking to upgrade myself...... i have a red sea wavemaker, i have been thinking of getting maxijets to use with it. but they are not cheap.

mikeMersot · 02-08-2003, 10:34 AM

Actually, I do currently have one of the powerweeps, albeit the smaller one. It isnt too bad except that the rotating gear gets clogged all the time, but the main reason I want to get rid of it is that the large guage cord comes right out of the back/top, and it only has 2 suction cups, this makes it nearly impossible to mount on the glass near the top because the cord creates a force away from the glass due to the rim of the tank. Now the suction cups are all but useless because all sorts of little encrusting creatures and tiny sponges are growing on them and are not easy to scrape off. I have to set the stupid thing on a rock, from which it frequently falls. Anywho, I am really interested in the SCWD, anyone have one, or comments on them?

Mike

Jimbo · 02-08-2003, 12:34 PM

Check out aquatic eco systems, they have some pretty inexpensive wave makers that rotate for around $59, ocillator, pulsator, rotator disassemble's for cleaning. They have several models that rotate at different degrees. The specs on the SCWD say it requires filtered water for optimal performance or premature failure.

http://www.aquaticeco.com/aquatic1v1...rch_text2=wave

Hope this helps

PS - they have the coolest catalog