Switching Current Water Director (SCWD)

[Scoobaman17]

What you all think of this? I was given one and I am considering using it on my double returns on my 240 gallon display. ???

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produ...-Wave_Makers&ref=3969&subref=AA&N=2004+113782

Also which out of these two pumps would you use as the main return pump from the sump to tank?

1: RIO 26 hyper flow with about 1550 GPH and 100W "I'll have to get the exact type and gph later when I dig the pump out of storage"

OR

2: Sedra with 90 watts doing 900 gph. I'll have more internal pumps in the main tank for circulation.

 

[datablitz]

you should probably use the sedra, as the max flow for scwd is about 1400gph. it may get stuck if you put too much flow through it, or it will switch very fast.

 

[OnlyCrimson]

I think you should probably use the sedra. The scwd cuts down the flow rate some, so you may have to check that.

 

[Justin James]

I use a SCWD and love it. I have a 150 gallon reef with a 75 gallon sump. I use a Mag 12,000 attached to my SCWD for my return and all is well. Be sure to use a prefilter over your pump intake though or your SCWD could jam up.

 

[Scoobaman17]

Thanks, does it work pretty good creating differences in flows and such? Like basically whats it like?

 

[Rovert]

The SCWD is a mechanically self-powered wavemaker. Basically, the idea is to more closely replicate natural reef waves and random water currents.

My understanding of how it works is that water flow over an impeller causes a series of gears to turn a baffle to alternate between one of the two outputs. The switching is gradual... it's not 100% on and off like a light switch, it increases one side as it decreases the other, more like a dimmer.

As noted, a stronger pump will create not only more flow, but faster switching, because it would be powering the internal impeller faster. I can't speak to the point about overpowering it, though.

Be aware that these types of self-powered alternating current wavemakers will reduce the flow to your tank, because there's hardware in there that slows down the velocity to drive the gearing.

I've been using mine for over 3 years now, and it's still running, with no cleaning or maintenance whatsoever.

 

[Scoobaman17]

I'll be using it on a 240 display with two returns. I'll be supplementing internal current with a few small pumps behind and to the sides of the lr. Thanks everyone!