DIY wave maker?

jerry11901 · #1 01/27/2006, 08:19 AM

Here is my plan of a wave maker. Two pumps, each working for about one minute. But I am worrying abut these pumps, will they be able to handle on and of every one minute? May someone help me on this one?
Jerry

jerry11901 · #2 01/27/2006, 10:45 AM

Please advice me

trottman · #3 01/27/2006, 10:48 AM

the pump size depends on how much gph your overflow is rated for.

other than that, i don't think that you will get much of a wave effect. more like alternating flow, which would be great for corals and fish

pepsi69taste · #4 01/27/2006, 12:09 PM

turning these pumps on and off culd be bad for the long term life of the pumps. btw how were you planning to turn them on and off every minute?

doody · #5 01/27/2006, 01:10 PM

I would'nt do this with pumps. You could do it with powerheads.

trottman · #6 01/27/2006, 01:54 PM

just use power heads on timers, or use one pump and a SCWD to alternate flow between 2 different returns

jerry11901 · #7 01/27/2006, 06:21 PM

Use Power heads? hmmm... That is interesting but the sump is about 6feet below the tank, will they be able to push the water that high?

doody · #8 01/27/2006, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jerry11901
Use Power heads? hmmm... That is interesting but the sump is about 6feet below the tank, will they be able to push the water that high?

Use the powerheads in the tank.
If you don't like that idea then you need to look into a SCWD or an oceans motion unit

doody · #9 01/27/2006, 09:27 PM

Like pepsi69taste said, turning pumps on and off alot shortens it's life. Not to mention your trying to do this on return lines. If a return pump goes bad from the on/off switching, then you'll be left with no flow in the tank.

laverda · #10 01/27/2006, 11:33 PM

check out OceansMotions.com There 2way or 4way will do what you want without the heat and clutter of power heads in your tank.

jerry11901 · #11 01/28/2006, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by laverda
check out OceansMotions.com There 2way or 4way will do what you want without the heat and clutter of power heads in your tank.

WOW â€“ that is what I was looking for! Thank you Laverdaâ€¦

jerry11901 · #12 02/05/2006, 07:41 PM

Ok, here I am again with my plan modificated.
I wan to use 700 gph return pump and OM Squirt 2 Way version, here is link to it: http://www.oceansmotions.com/nanoC4.htm
This way I wan to have wave maker and sump return in one.
Comments please please pleaseâ€¦â€¦

jerry11901 · #13 02/06/2006, 09:49 AM

Please comment on my project...

chrismhaase · #14 02/06/2006, 11:33 AM

go with a SCWD, switch current water director. they are about 25 - 30 bucks and work pretty good. that way you dont burn out your pumps.

chrismhaase · #15 02/06/2006, 11:34 AM

the SCWD looks cheaper and easier to use. I have one, PM me if you have any questions.

jerry11901 · #16 02/08/2006, 08:48 PM

What pump to use?
I need one that can push up to about five feet high (head pressure pump) . 700or 800gph. And energy efficient â€¦

ScubaLuke · #17 02/08/2006, 10:17 PM

mag 9

ddenham · #18 02/08/2006, 10:20 PM

IMO the SCWD knocks the flow down way too much. OM devices are worth the extra money

titoreefs · #19 02/08/2006, 10:25 PM

they are rated to handle about 1200gph by the manufacturer.I have one running with a mag 1800gph and sence these pumps are not pressure rated at 6 feet they loose a lot of pressure and it works great with it.If youre running a pressure pump my personal opinion is not to exede 850gph because it will break the mecanism inside the scwd.Good luck.

BeanAnimal · #20 02/08/2006, 10:49 PM

An SCWD and an OCEANSMOTIONS are not even in the same class. The OM is light years ahead of the SCWD and worth every penny. I run a squirt on my 75 closed loop and am considering a second one for the return pump.

Bean

jerry11901 · #21 02/08/2006, 11:37 PM

Hmmm â€“yes looks like the mag 9 is going to bee the right choice. It has 3/4â€? outlet, just like the OM. According to the table at 5` high I am going to have about 750gph.No to mach left for my wavesâ€¦

EmergencyDpt · #22 02/09/2006, 12:37 AM

I've been using two of the cheapest powerheadsd I could find on a disco timer. Works great. 1 year so far.

diver_ua · #23 02/09/2006, 03:33 AM

Your powerhead must working constantly... if it will broken, water will drain into your sump, so surface level will definitely low

I think sump above your tank will be working better and will be safer.

jerry11901 · #24 02/09/2006, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by diver_ua
Your powerhead must working constantly... if it will broken, water will drain into your sump, so surface level will definitely low
I think sump above your tank will be working better and will be safer.

You are absolutely right!If the pump is off water will drain trough it back to sump and overflow .I think check valve need to bee added to this project.

BeanAnimal · #25 02/09/2006, 10:23 AM

Check valves are useless for ou purposes. You need to have the returns setup so that they are just below the water surface. You can add siphon break holes of needed. Check valves restrict flow, clog up, and most of them have metal in them that will rust or contaminate your tank water.