wavemakers. Good, Bad, neither?

[kdblove_99]

I own one and use it

but also i have seen people on this board say that keeping the powerheads running non stop is better?

I have had it the wavemaker for about 2 months now and recently have come down with some red slime algae. Related? Not sure!

 

[Avalanche Wolf]

*bump * Interested as well

 

[norcal99]

If you want to look at it from an energy and electricity perspective, it takes more electricity to have powerheads turn on and off frequently using the wavemaker. In addition, I can imagine that by having them turn on and off frequently, it promotes more wear on the moving parts of the powerhead thus leading to a shorter lifespan as opposed to continuous running. In the end, it would seem that it's more expensive to have them on a wavemaker and also promotes accelerated wear on the internals of the powerhead. My .02....

 

[Avalanche Wolf]

Totally understand what you are saying. And if that is the case one would be better off with a system like SCWD Wavemaker - Switching Current Water Director (Squid) which

The SCWD (pronounced "squid") is a revolutionary device designed to provide alternating currents without the use of electricty. The SCWD mounts inline with 3/4" tubing, the two ports alternate the output, the bottom port is the input. A great alternative to expensive electronic ball valves. The SCWD will run on any pump with a minimum output of 50 GPH and a maximum output of 1400. The switching speed and current duration is dependent on the volume of water flowing through the SCWD. You can control the duration by controlling the flow going through the SCWD. Can be submersed for use with large power heads or used externally.

SCWD is regarded by industry experts as the most energy efficient wave-making product on the market. It replicates nature by generating alternating currents within a tank or pond. These currents stimulate coral, fish, and plant growth and keep other aquatic life healthy because of the tank or pond? increased water currents and oxygenation

A lot cheaper than the eletric ones also

 

[boviac]

I've used a SCWD and they do what they say. But plan on an oversized pump because they reduce the flow by my guess up to 40%. I used MELEV's design I was amazed to see the Mag 7's flow before and after the SCWD. Just be sure to somehow filter/screen the inlet as the introduction of detrius is the demise of any mechanical aquarium device. I've also used zoomed powersweeps but they only work for a couple of weeks before I need to clean them out again and even then after a while (read years) they simple become another powerhead by not rotating at all.

There are some very expensive pumps that with a controller (also $$$) do cycle on and off but they are better designed for that purpose. I want to say Tunze is their name. but don't quote me on that. Those items are way out of my league.

It seems we've got lighting down (for the most part)... now water flow seems to be the next great conquest. Clearly we cannot have enough but a constant stream blast from a powerhead nozzle is usually too much in one area and not enough elsewhere. Lots of gizmos out there that are trying to build a better mousetrap... there's the Wave2K, the MaxiJet mod - check the DIY forum, others that I don't even know of yet, and of course the high dollar items.

I've never tried an powerstrip type wavemaker but don't think I'd use one. I also agree norcal99 for the most part. Starting and stopping pumps tend to lower their life. I've got a two year old sump pump that i used to cycle for feeding. Now whenever I shut it off (usually only for waterchanges) I have to agitate it significantly to get it to restart. Some days are good, others....

Don't know about increased energy costs by starting and stopping. Starting current draw yes, but thats short lived. By having a pump OFF you are saving the 10-50W of nominal runtime current. However, again, if you have to buy a new one becuase of shortend lifetime then yes its more expensive.

Bottom line is what does it do for your tank and is it worth it to you.

 

[dots]

A design that is really cool that uses just a simple pump, some creative piping and an over head sump, (not the most attractive, but for people with floor to cieling dividers may work for)

Is the Carlson surge. I saw one at Atlantis Aquarium for the first time in and if a very simle and cool way to get surge.