are wave makers necessary?

[JaredSD]

Do I need a wave maker with powerheads? Alos, some people tell me that any powerhead is really ok with wavemakers, then some tell they are not. Whats up? Thanks!

 

[garvin90]

They help however surge machines are best since they have more random flow and arent focused through a smaller tube like whats expelled from a powerhead. If you have the space for it, you can custom mount a "dump bucket" above the aquarium with a float valve and flapper(yes like a toilet) for use as the surge. The pump shoots water into the buckt and when it reachs the desired level, the floater raises the flap and water "surges" into the aquarium. When you set this up, its best to use large tube drains(1in or better) so as not to restrict or direct the flow and always have it place a few inches under the surface so as to reduce overflowing the sides.

 

[dc]

I know they make my powerheads grind everytime they stop and start. I've had one outlet quit working also. One more stops and I'm just pulling it.

 

[alkataz]

I use one in my 55gal aggressive tank. A red sea wavemaker and I like it. I have used it with several different brands of powerheads, but the maxi-jets seem to stand up to the off and on the best

 

[jiterati]

I think you can avoid using a float valve and flapper if you build a siphon based surge wavemaker instead. The float valve will have to be maintained (it's going to be flushing a few dozen times an hour for years - bound to have mechanical problems.)

To set up a siphon based system you put a bulkhead at the bottom of a bucket then run a u shaped pipe from it. Then plumb a return from a pump in the tank to the bucket, the bucket will fill up slowly by the pump until the water height reaches the top of the u at which point a siphon will be created that rapidly sucks all of the water out of the bucket into the tank creating a surge.

I've never actually built one but I've always wanted to. They require more space than I have and I've heard they are noisy. But if you build one send pictures! =)

 

[garvin90]

Im not sure I understand the siphon correctly. You mentioned that whn the water level reaches the top of the U it will create a siphon, sucking all the water in the bucket out. Wouldnt only the top layer of water be drained out to the level of the tube?

 

[jiterati]

Yup only the top layer will get siphoned out but if you make the bottom of the u dip down to near the bottom of the bucket then nearly all of the water in the bucket will be above the bottom of the u.

Here is an example:

<A HREF="http://www.breedersregistry.org/Reprints/SeaScope/v13_sumr/surge.htm" STYLE="TEXT-DECORATION: NONE">Link to siphon example</A>

 

[jiterati]

Shoot that link doesn't work for some reason: try: http://www.breedersregistry.org/Reprints/SeaScope/v13_sumr/surge.htm

 

[jiterati]

Arg...

<A HREF="http://www.breedersregistry.org/Reprints/SeaScope/v13_sumr/surge.htm" STYLE="TEXT-DECORATION: NONE">Link</A>

 

[jiterati]

The above link works... titled "link", this forum is tricky.

 

[trippyl]

To answer the initial question, no it isnt necessary.

It is preferable though, as wavemakers will provide a more natural like flow in the tank, which is good for detritus suspension as well as for coral growth.

However, I would make the point that slapping together some wave making using a number of powerheads on a timer is a bad idea. Not sure if you've seen the pictures of people who had fires from using the cheapo setups that are out there. Anything that is constantly clicking powerheads on and off is a bad idea from an electrical standpoint.

Much better would be to invest in the Tunze wavebox or a set of tunze streams on a controller. Even a sea squirt on the return is a better idea. These approaches are more expensive but are better in my opinion.