wanting opinion on SCWD

[igotsalt]

I need more circulation in my 125. A wavemaker is too pricey right now. Can you give me the pros and cons on using the SCWD? What size pump did you use with it? Does it clog like the "power sweep"? Thinking about using a strong pump and "Y" to split current into 2 SQWD. Mount each SQWD on opposite end of tank? Can I get a wave effect using 2?
thanks

 

[firefish2020]

You wont get a "wave effect" using anything but a true wave making device. You can however get more "random flow" by using a SCWD but there are maximum flow restrictions with the SCWD that make it useless for high flow tanks IMO. There is a misconception that waves and flow are the same and that just one device will provide all "the flow" you need, it wont IMO. You still need a few submersible pumps or inline pumps moving water around as the wave is produced from another device. WHY? Simple the wave kicks up debris and sends it into the water column where the other pumps blow it up and out of your system. The wave also produces more oxygen and gas exchange at the surface.

If you are after random flow just use a cheap 24 hour programmable lamp timer and plug a ViaAqua or any large submersible in. Have it switch current every 15 minutes, or better still use two and have them alternate. We used the Natural Wave timer and in fact I still use it on smaller tanks as a switching mechanism. It's not as cheap as the appliance timer but it allows alternate on off times from 35 sec-3 min (I think).

If you are good at DIY build a flush device they also produce high random turbulence but only when used in conjunction with other pumps and most designs will create lots of bubbles that equates to lots of salt creep.

There are many ways to break up flow in a tank but the best way by far IMO and many other is a wave box. Pricey, yep but they work and the results in a reef tank, especially and SPS dominant system are amazing and worth every cent as far as Im concerned.

 

[Reef4Fun]

Also, you could check into getting a Tunze 6100, not as pricey as a Wave Maker, but it does its job for sure. It does not use a pump that you need to submerse, so that would not affect the heat, which is a problem in the summer. With a SWID, you can plumb it up with the pump outside of the tank, but I have one and I submersed the pump. It adds heat to my tank, as soon as the Tunze comes in I am relpacing the SWID with it. I like the SWID, a lot, it does a great job. I have it in my 120. The problem was the extra heat from the pump because I have the MH lighting, and I am leary of using a pump on the outside of the tank. I will be using the SWID on my 45 gal tank, I do not have MH lighting so the heat will not be a problem. The pump I use on the SWID is a ViaAqua 2300.

 

[phljess]

I think they work well for the price. I think they are good to start out with on a budget. I also think it is a good idea to use an external pump when using them so you do not get as much heat transfer.

 

[igotsalt]

The first meeting I attended (January 06 I think) for the CVRC had a demo on the SCWD. It was described as a great new device for good circulation and everyone should look in to getting one! Is he still using it and did other's try it? Thanks phljess...I plan on using an external pump. Reef4fun...I don't know what a tunze 6100 is? I plan on using 2- scwd's on my 125 for a few months and then moving them into my frag tanks once funds are available. I was hoping others have tried this product and experimented on flow patterns for different sized tanks. Thanks!

 

[MattG]

I have said this before but i would not use a sqwd if it was given to me for free. They are horribly inefficient devices.

 

[igotsalt]

Sounds like you were not impressed! Would you mind elaborating on your experience? Please!!!

 

[firefish2020]

I don't know what a tunze 6100 is? I plan on using 2- scwd's on my 125 for a few months and then moving them into my frag tanks once funds are available.

http://www.tunze.com/149.html?&L=1&C=US&user_tunzeprod_pi1[predid]=-infoxunter025

If you want to get serious about flow in a tank there is no comparison IMO. Yes they are expensive but you get every penny worth. Not many pumps have as many features and failsafes as a Turbelle. If you want to see one look in the new 125 display we are setting up. We use a 6100 in it and will be eventually putting in a TUNZE wavebox as well.

Couldn't agree with you more on the sqwd Matt, they promise a lot but just can not deliver especially on a large system.

 

[sixliner6]

I agree I have 3 Tunzes in my tank and the flow is great!

 

[MattG]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8502312#post8502312 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by igotsalt
Sounds like you were not impressed! Would you mind elaborating on your experience? Please!!!

SQWD's cut your flow back a ton. For this reason alone i would not use one.

 

[coralreefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8505124#post8505124 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MattG
SQWD's cut your flow back a ton. For this reason alone i would not use one.

Same here. They are also known to stop switching, clog for no reason and they can only handle 1400 gph.

It was described as a great new device for good circulation and everyone should look in to getting one! Is he still using it and did other's try it

fwiw they've been around for several years.
I was always under impressed by them because of the flow loss and their inability to handle a large pump.
Besides Lisa (snowstar) I don't know many experienced people that use them. I agree with Phil I'd run them on a closed loop if you do decide to try them. Then again I run all my pumps externally.

Also, you could check into getting a Tunze 6100, not as pricey as a Wave Maker, but it does its job for sure. It does not use a pump that you need to submerse, so that would not affect the heat, which is a problem in the summer.

Just so nobody gets confused. The tunze is run submersed. However it consumes much less electricity than a regular powerhead or pump so it runs cooler.

 

[Makeumyne]

I've had a SCWD for two years now, and it is true that it cuts back on the flow from the pump - a noticeable amount.

I use a 4500l/h return pump through my SCWD. It enters the tank through a left manifold, and a right manifold. (The tank is a 300L corner pentagon, so this works very well).

The soft corals sway back and forth nicely, it looks very attractive, the fish play in the currents sometimes. Generally, I'm really happy.

It was cheap, and low (no) maintenance for me, silent, and did not leak as I've read they often do.

Given more money, I'll upgrade to a Tunze Stream system or Vortech with a wave controller - mainly because I like getting new toys for my tank, but right now I'm very happy with my SCWD.

Matthew.

 

[firefish2020]

For softies it would be fine but if you are considering SPS don't waste you time.

 

[phljess]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8507314#post8507314 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by firefish2020
For softies it would be fine but if you are considering SPS don't waste you time.

I dont know, I use two of them on my tank and run three closed loops. They seem to be able to do the job, but flow could be better. As far as money is concerned, I think the Tunze give you more bang for your buck. However, I think closed loops are easier to hide.

If you are going to run closed loops on a 125 you will need about three so it would not be cost effective. On a smaller tank I think a closed loop could do the job.

 

[igotsalt]

Thank you ALL very much for the great information!

 

[Nathan4Wvu]

I would get a wavy sea's, http://www.wavysea.com/

If you want some thats not going to cut back on flow and that makes great movment i would get one of these!! if you watch the selling forum they are posted on there like every day you can get one use pretty cheap!

 

[firefish2020]

Well if you go that route why not a sea swirl they can be found pretty cheap in sellers forums as well. But these are not true wave makers IMO just randomizers.

 

[sixliner6]

I also have 2 wavyseas and they do not provide much flow. I think you would need to be using a powerful pump and penductors to get much from them. For the cost of 1 you could just buy a Tunze 6000 and get far better flow.

 

[1package]

I have a sea swirl and I like it alot.

I think you just have to realize what you are getting. Any device that introduces a 90 such as a sea swirl, wavvy sea or blocks the flow such as the oceansmotions or SCWD is going to present significant flow loss. You just have to compensate for it with a more powerful source or go a different route.

 

[igotsalt]

I am very surprised on sixliner's comment:
"I also have 2 wavyseas and they do not provide much flow. I think you would need to be using a powerful pump and penductors to get much from them. For the cost of 1 you could just buy a Tunze 6000 and get far better flow".

Question Sixliner? what size pumps are you using on your wavy seas? Looking at the adverting, it says you control the flow rate by increasing/decreasing the pump. I realize you can't believe everthing you read but was giving them the benefit of the doubt! Have you experimented with a larger pump to increase the flow rate?

The wavey seas are $250, Their claim to fame is they "can't clog". It seemed logical to me that the flow wouldn't be cut down since it flowed from one outlet and the 360* allowed flow constantly instead of switching back and forth. I have 2 maxijet power heads on my 75g that rotate back and forth. They stop piviting within 3 days after cleaning them out.

You mentioned the sea swirl. How often do you need to clean the sea swirl? Are you running it on a external pump?

What's a penductor?

Hey Ron & Phillip....you wanted a thread on hardware questions so people would not have to answer the same questions over and over! I think this one could qualify! We learn more by experience. Several people are sharing their experience with the different products relating to flow. I would like to see a thread at the top of forum named "water flow issues". We have a lot of DIY folks in the group that upgrade and twek equipment. It would be great if people would drop a line when they hooked up new equip. designed for flow or how they tweked older equip. to get more flow. Just a suggestion. I appreciate all the input..thanks everyone for sharing!