Alternating Flow

[zmoakes]

Greetings!

I recently purchased a Hydor Smartwave controller with some new powerheads. I'd like to alternate them for a more diverse flow. My question is for those that use the Hydor, what time interval have you had the best results with? The tank is still young but is SPS dominant (or plans to be). I'd like enough flow to keep everything happy and spontaneous, but not so much that i burn the controller and powerheads out in a week.

Thanks in advance,

Zach

 

[Irishdolphin]

Tagging along as was just about to post the same question. I did see mention somewhere about using the 6 hour interval as it mimics the normal tide pattern

 

[Crna]

It's probably going to be different for each tank. Size, placement, rock work, coral, and the environment you're trying to recreate. As Irishdolphin mentioned, a longer interval may represent tidal flow. Some people prefer shorter intervals to stimulate a wave like motion. I went with a shorter interval to try to increase random flow. Started with a really short interval, something like five seconds. Ended up increasing it to give the pumps more time to change the direction of the flow. Mine is right around 45 sec at this point.
For reference, tank info is a biocube 29 with one 425 that alternates with two 240's. Worried that still isn't enough flow, so a wp10 should be getting delivered this week.

 

[Irishdolphin]

I'm debating between the 2; short intervals to create wave effect and very long intervals to create tide effect. Am slightly concerned that the short intervals (45 secs or 1 minute) may burn out the pump motors much quicker - thoughts?

 

[GroktheCube]

While I use Tunze DC pump and a wave box rather than hydors, what I like best is both a wave type motion, and a tide like motion.

 

[Irishdolphin]

Yep, tide and waves would be ideal. My shopping list just got longer!