Making Waves - Which is best?

[lisalisa]

Hello! (newbie to forums here if you couldn't tell). I posted in the filtration, equipment forum and it was suggested I re-post here

I have a 90 gallon Oceanic Bowfront reef tank, it's been established for almost a year. I have a 35 gal sump with refugium, the protein skimmer is in the sump. I have four power heads (2 Seio, 2 MaxiJets) in the tank. This creates good flow but I'd really like to do better; and I'm pretty sure the power heads are a big part of my electric bill and water heating woes not to mention having to constantly clean the mesh covering the intake that protects the slugs.

I've been trying to read about different setups. Tunze Wavemaker, Wavysea wavemaker, streams... I'm very confused. So I'm here to ask you very knowledgable folks what you would do if you were me. I have about an inch clearance from water level in tank to top of tank. I don't know that I could handle much higher of a wave. I should also mention that I only have about 3 1/2" clearance in the back of the tank and use an overflow box. The tank is not drilled.

I've also seen people just using controllers for their power heads. So I ask you all, what's the best set up for a reef tank with fish? Are there any parameters you need to know (like livestock, etc.?)

I appreciate your advice and help.

Lisa

 

[rvitko]

All of these systems work differently and it is not necessarily an either or. Some people use all 3. The wavy sea oscillates the powerhead to produce random flow. The electronic Stream pumps pulse, going between 2 speeds you set at short intervals to produce added turbulence. The Wavebox produces an actual wave. This is generally not sufficient flow on its own, the water rocks back and forth and gets flow to all areas and lifts and suspends detritus. It is usually used with a Stream pump. To use a wavebox you will really need to be able to accomodate a 1" wave so unless you change the setting of your overflow or use a different one that is probably not an option. In my opinion your best set up would be 2 6000 Streams and a 7095 multicontroller.

 

[lisalisa]

Thanks Roger. Should the streams be at opposite corners facing each other (diagonally) or..?

Lisa

 

[rvitko]

It is largely a trial and error process but I would probably start with one in each back corner aimed to the front center.

 

[lisalisa]

Thanks. I really appreciate the help.

Lisa

 

[Shnabbles]

Roger is it true wavemakers decrease the life of a glass tank?

 

[rvitko]

The wavebox will as will any sort of surge device as the weight of the water is shifting and stressing the seams. It is a pretty marginal risk unless a tank is poorly built the life is reduced only about 10-15%. Figuring a tank can last 20 years, most people will have replaced it due to scratches or for other reasons by that time.

 

[fisheebill]

I have 2 6000 streams with a multicontroller, and it is perfect.