Herbie
Banned
In my next build I am interested in producing a very natural and realistic display with as few inorganic lines as possible (only the tank edge if possible). When I first saw the derKroon Mechanics Flowwolf in a quick blurb on Reefbuilders I was very interested because I recognized the advantage a digitally controlled diverter would provide in either a closed loop or a return-for-primary-flow setup (i.e. no power heads in the display tank). I am still considering both.
The first thing I have to say is that dealing with derKroon has been a pleasure. We aquarists often find ourselves trying to deal with international manufacturers to buy equipment and that can be a bit daunting when considering a major purchase. Sometimes small problems also help us clearly identify the real level of customer focus a company has. That is definitely the case here. After ordering the unit they had a bit of an issue with their international shipper and my unit was delayed about a week after the intended ship date (I had pre-ordered weeks in advance of the drop date). derKroon was in constant contact with me and when the unit actually went back to them instead of to me they upgraded me to the new v2.0 and had it to me right away. I never once doubted that my purchase would arrive which, for me, is rare in any online ordering (especially international). Even after receiving the unit I have been able to lob questions out and have received responses from at least three different employees there (Including Lucas van der Kroon himself).
Ok here is the actual thing in action:
[video=youtube_share;6EwFVva3Z6Y]http://youtu.be/6EwFVva3Z6Y[/video]
So far it's been running for about 12 hours without any impact to heat in the test tank. I'm running with an MJ1200 which is not ideal for max limit testing, but it handles that little flow with no problem. I will be interested to see how it responds with something much larger as well.
My initial Pro/Con list:
Pros:
Cons:
I'm going to run it this was for another 48 hurs and then will try to attach a much larger pump for a clearer display of the various modes, but so far this is definitely getting a :top: from me. Please feel free to post questions or comments.
More to come. . .
The first thing I have to say is that dealing with derKroon has been a pleasure. We aquarists often find ourselves trying to deal with international manufacturers to buy equipment and that can be a bit daunting when considering a major purchase. Sometimes small problems also help us clearly identify the real level of customer focus a company has. That is definitely the case here. After ordering the unit they had a bit of an issue with their international shipper and my unit was delayed about a week after the intended ship date (I had pre-ordered weeks in advance of the drop date). derKroon was in constant contact with me and when the unit actually went back to them instead of to me they upgraded me to the new v2.0 and had it to me right away. I never once doubted that my purchase would arrive which, for me, is rare in any online ordering (especially international). Even after receiving the unit I have been able to lob questions out and have received responses from at least three different employees there (Including Lucas van der Kroon himself).
Ok here is the actual thing in action:
[video=youtube_share;6EwFVva3Z6Y]http://youtu.be/6EwFVva3Z6Y[/video]
So far it's been running for about 12 hours without any impact to heat in the test tank. I'm running with an MJ1200 which is not ideal for max limit testing, but it handles that little flow with no problem. I will be interested to see how it responds with something much larger as well.
My initial Pro/Con list:
Pros:
- full control over 4 output ports
- completely silent
- no heat impact (after 12 hours)
- upgradeable firmware for additional modes/connectivity
- CNC milled from solid PVC rod (bulletproof)
- the manufacturer is reliable and easy to deal with
- the control interface is easy and intuitive
- flashing lights and digital readouts make you feel like a mad scientist (but you can also make it look zen by turning all that off)
Cons:
- The handheld control is a little bulky, but derKroon will be launching additional modules including a wireless interface so they have intentionally left room inside for upgradability
- the diverter itself is not waterproof and basically needs 3 dimensions of space for connections. It's sort of the nature of these things, but the optional mounting bracket is probably a must and working in tight spaces might be a bit of a challenge
- it is not inexpensive by any means at $545.39 for the 1/4 but it is hard to really list this as a con because assuming you add a pump with enough flow you are essentially eliminating the need for any additional power heads, so compared to 2 MP40s it's pretty dang cheap (but it also requires completely building around it so this stays a con because I need a few to be balanced((and because my wife is sitting behind me)))
I'm going to run it this was for another 48 hurs and then will try to attach a much larger pump for a clearer display of the various modes, but so far this is definitely getting a :top: from me. Please feel free to post questions or comments.
More to come. . .