Surge/Wave action without surge tanks?

[BrokenReefer]

Is there a way to create surging action without the use of overhead surge tanks? Merely using a vortech controller, without actually knowing how they work, seems like it wouldn't create the desired effect. I don't want it to be a simple on and off, creating "random" flow/wave action. Surges are an integral part of the reef kingdom and how life interacts down there, I want to try and recreate that if possible.

Let's talk ideas, products, threads of those who have already done this (searched google to no avail), etc...

 

[demonsp]

Your tank needs constant water flow that many wavemakers cant do right. You could add a controller but i would still use powerheads for proper water movement.

Im also curious on what semi reef means. 1 coral would make it a reef tank.

 

[sassafrass]

If you have a center overflow a Tunze wavebox works great The whole mass of water moves and the soft corals sway back and forth expensive but well worth it .
Regards , Lee

 

[BrokenReefer]

I'm not real sure what semi-reef was meant to imply, lol.

I understand the constant waterflow necessity, I was just thinking to myself that there had to be a way to create the constant flow without the use of a manifold, drilling, surge tanks, etc...

I guess in retrospect that is fundamentally wrong. In order to create the surging action desired, one would need a storage area/tank for that displaced water.

 

[Atomikk]

Doesn't the vortech controller already do a surge mode?

 

[demonsp]

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2007/1/aafeature/view


http://saltaquarium.about.com/cs/pumpssetup/a/aa082799_3.htm


http://saltaquarium.about.com/cs/bcorsettingup/a/aa121597waves.htm

 

[BrokenReefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12672294#post12672294 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Atomikk
Doesn't the vortech controller already do a surge mode?

I'm not familiar with the product at all, if it does, then I just learned something new. I believed it to have an on/off function only.

 

[DrBegalke]

I think Vortech's do an adequete job of creating surge/wave action, especially if you have more then one.

I am not sure that any pump or even surge box would exactly recreate the flows seen on a natural reef.

http://www.ecotechmarine.com/support/Manuals/MP40w_manual_1.2.pdf

 

[RichConley]

THe closest thing I've seen to actual surges (and the wavebox/vortech don't come close) is a pair of pumps/streams on swirlers (swirler steins, wavyseas, etc).

 

[kmckay]

I have seen a pretty impressive video of vortechs creating surge:

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2008/6/lines

Just make sure your tank is built to handle whatever surge your create.