wavemakers

kratos1028

kratos1028

Active member
So for the new tank, I am leaning in the wave maker direction since I don't want to drop 800$ on 2 mp40s. I am not familiar though with the wavemakers. What I am looking for is random flow like with the mps and able to dial up or dial down the flow too. What do you guys recommend? I was looking at the red sea wavemaker pro. Would I be able to have those functions with it? also, what powerheads do you recommend to go with this? Its going to be for my 125 soon to be reef.
 
closed loop system then is only other thing for random flow, but you wont be controlling the speed with a dial on your stand like a ecotech. im pretty sure there are variable speed utility pumps, but i dont think they have a remote, not sure
 
I would be getting one for 400$ so both would be 800$ on the spot and these are brand new. I don't like buying expensive equipment used because if it breaks on me, I would have no coverage. I just wanted to see if there was a cheaper option out there for flow with the wavemakers.
 
Closed loops +1, randomized flow without powerheads, but not directly controllable in terms of output strength.
 
Unfortunately, my tank isn't drilled for a closed loop system. I just have an over flow box and with one return pump from the sump.
 
I didn't want to drop 550 on two mp10's. I contemplated other options as well.
Tunzes are nice but just as $$ as Ecotech's and take up more room

"wavemakers" just switch the power on/off during set periods of time for power heads. I had one for 3 power heads but after only a month, i noticed all of them spinning backwards sometimes they turned on.

CLosed loops are hidden and work well the Ocean motion. But after buying another pump,ocean motion, plumbing, drilling. your still spending a lot of $. And +1 Yogoshio about changing the flow rate.

If i were you, save up and buy the mp's. Even after spending that money, you won't be disappointed. I love mine and don't regret it one bit.
 
I have a closed loop on my 110 build. You can do over the top, and just hide the PVC by spray painting it. It's very easy, and very clean looking, especially with a black background.
 
And compare a hammerhead, for $440. Oceans Motions $450. That's $950 for 6000gph of flow that can be placed right where you want it, and actually creates a circular flow pattern because it draws flow from one part and returns in another one, creating a much more full-system flow rate.

To get the kind of movement and power you'll spend $1400 on bulky powerheads and waveboxes that take up WAY too much space and have a higher fail rate than reeflo pumps.

I'd stay away from SCWDS. Because it's a basic gear and rotor it has a tendency to clog up FAST.
 
One more option that's doable if you're good with plumbing DIY and you have space for it is a Carlson Surge System. You could build one for under $100. Here's a link: http://reefbuilders.com/forums/diy-projects/14746-how-build-carlson-surge-device.html
Midwest Coral Farms had a good dual tank Carlson system on their SPS surge tank. IIRC, a local aquatics maintenance guy by the name of John built it.

If you have 75 gallons or less you could get away with 2xMP 10 with your return. I would not advice it for an all-SPS tank.

Additional benefits of the Vortech pumps: 1. Get them with the "ES" wireless master/slave system, you can have very dynamic flow patterns with one pump "pulling" and the other "pushing" in gyre, reef crest or lagoon pulse modes. This creates ALOT of hydraulic action in the tank's water column. I haven't seen this in any other system.
2. I have the Vortech battery backup. It kept both of my MP 10's going for over 24 hours on "backup" mode which saved my tank during the power outages last year. It pays for itself in time - you'll see. I think Tunze has a battery backup for the Turbelles but I could be wrong.
 
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