closed loop

[JNye]

is anyone running a closed loop on a wavemaker with solenoid valves? i think this could work, not sure about the wear and tear on the valve. just wondering if this is viable, because it could be a sweet set-up if you have the space behind the tank for all the extra valves and plumbing. i think with 8 or more penetrations you could really generate some random flow with less dead spots.
could get pricey though.

 

[kgross]

Haven't done it with solenoid valves. Don't know of any affordable ones that can be used in saltwater. But I have done it with OceansMotions Valves and they work great.

Kim

 

[ordy1]

A buddy of mine uses Solenoid valves, for alternating wave action, on his 100 gallon tank. He saids that it was expensive to do it this way and if he had to do it again he would go with a valve actuator hooked up to a three way valve or an Oceans Motions.

I took his advice and purchased a used Hayward actuator. Still in the process of purchasing a compatible three way valve. BTW: if noise is an issue, and you don't have your plumbing in the basement or another room, don't go this route. It's not a constant noise but when it does actuate you'll hear it from behind the tank.

I hear that the Oceans Motions devices are silent. I was in the market for one of those but figured I'd save money by going used, on the actuator, since all my plumbing is in the basement.

Hope this helped.