Actuators as a wavemaker on an XL tank

[Ooulophilia]

Hey, I am putting together a large setup (5000g +) and was thinking of using eletcronic or hydraulic controls on several ball valves coming off a large external pump (Sequence) as a wavemaker. Has anyone tried this?
I did some reasearch, and it seems it will be expensive, but should work.
I have never worked with an actuator before, so any real world experiences would be welcomed.
Feedback/Ideas?

 

[EnderG60]

if your going that route simplify it.

get a large peice of acrylic that is hinged at the bottom and the top is out of water. then attach your acuator to the top of the acylic and move it back and forth...and wala...waves

they do this in a MUCH LARGER scale at water parts to make the fake beaches have waves

 

[Ooulophilia]

That is a good idea, but I have two concerns - the tanks is very long, it would be hard to coordinate a few of those, and the other would be the creation of microbubbles - there will be SPS in the tank. I think a paddle type device like that would create vortices and spread microbubbles throught the tank.

 

[Ooulophilia]

I have found 3 way T valves that are going to have a gentle surge back and forth

 

[EnderG60]

if you give it a long enough stroke the wave will go all the way to the end of the tank. height of the wave would depend on the speed of the stroke, and as long as its slow enough the wave doesnt crest and the sides of the paddle are flish with the sides of the tank it wont create any bubbles.

if it concerns you look into those box wave makers and see if you can get a larger unit made.

 

[Ooulophilia]

Update - the actuated three way ball valves (1.5") are pretty cool (Hayward makes them), and I am hooking them up to a neptune controller, so I can control the period/frequency.
I looked into the box wavemakers (v. cool), but the tank is too deep.

 

[WarrenG]

I guess "wavemaker" sounds like what we want, but most of the corals in our tanks, in the wild are subjected more to currents than waves, especially the little waves we could make on the surface of our tanks. So, pumps (and valves) that move the water back and forth across the corals is likely the best target.

 

[dannyfromholland]

If you want waves do a search on "oloid"

I have one for my new tank. Its only 80 watts and Mine is dimable there are almost no limitations

http://www.oloid.ch/frame.php3?lang=en&nav=pro&content=oloid_typ200

 

[Cody Ray]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8268473#post8268473 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dannyfromholland
If you want waves do a search on "oloid"

I have one for my new tank. Its only 80 watts and Mine is dimable there are almost no limitations

http://www.oloid.ch/frame.php3?lang=en&nav=pro&content=oloid_typ200

That things trippy do u have a pic of it running on ur system?

 

[dannyfromholland]

Not yet the tank is gooiing to be set up in december/january

But I've tested it in a 250 gallon tank. In holland there is also one running in a zootank 250.000 gallons!

Cheers

Danny

 

[H20ENG]

Hi Ooulophilia,
Paul at www.oceansmotions.com is building a great new toy called the Tsunami. its basically 2 3 way valves built into a device the size of a beer can. It alternates a closed loop pumps suction and discharge to get the tank really moving- no bubbles. Hes still working on the controls for it, as hes worried about people getting over zealous and causing their tanks to overflow.
In the mean time, the 2 3 ways are a great choice, just watch the duty cycle.

My buddy at Monterey has an oloid, and basically it moves the top of the tank rather well, but does not create the currents or flow in the tank they expected.

For a great surge, use a head tank and an air actuated 3 or 4" butterfly valve. A massive surge that is quiet and bubble free.
Have fun,
Chris