Coordinated Powerheads

[Kurt Copeland]

I've notice some posts and some Youtube videos with these alternating powerheads set up to emulate the ebb and flow of tidal pools and wave-laden ocean reefs.

1. How much more beneficial is such a set up versus the same number of regular, every-day powerheads?

2. How much more expensive is such a set up versus the same number of regular, every-day powerheads?

3. Provided the answer to #1 is "a whole lot" and the answer to #2 is "not much at all", what is your recommendation for a set of these wonderful detritus distributors?

 

[reefwiser]

Alternating powerheads give the water motion that corals need to in a sense breathe. They need the current to remove the slime and get oxygen to their system.
Cost many powerheads today have and accessory unit that one can purchase to control the pumps. As you go up in price this controller becomes included in the price of the pump.
I have use Tunze powerheads for 30 years. Built to last with excellent customer support. Ecotech powerheads are an other popular choice.

 

[Ed Menard]

another is the Jebao RW-15...each has a controller and linked together one can be set into slave mode...very programmable..cost me approx. 150 each in central Canada...so probably half that in the US ggiven our wonderful exchange rate)

 

[lysaer]

I recently went to an alternating controlled setup with 2 Hydor Evolution 1150 powerheads and a Hydor wave controller to run them. I picked up the controller from Amazon's warehouse deals for $36 and the powerheads were $31 each (Amazon).

 

[Kurt Copeland]

I saw the Hydors on Amazon and wondered if they were worth it. They definitely seem to be the least expensive option. I'm glad you mentioned them. I think they may be the route to go.

Thanks.

 

[lysaer]

If you go with the Hydor powerhead/controller combination, make SURE you get the Evolution model powerheads. They're designed to work with the controller. The ones I had on it before broke and kept coming on in reverse.

 

[Kurt Copeland]

A powerhead in reverse? That sucks. (Sorry. 'couldn't resist.)

 

[4FordFamily]

A powerhead in reverse? That sucks. (Sorry. 'couldn't resist.)

Many of my cheapos do this when they get clogged, or 1/6 times when shut off and back on. But 1300 gph for 9.99 shipped it's pretty well worth it! (Sun sun on Amazon)

I've had many high end wave makers that ended up clogging just as fast and put out DC in a year or two.

I am a cheapo with them now. 9.99 is a drop in the bucket. I have used these guys for about a year so far so good

 

[Kurt Copeland]

Based on the reviews and the costs, I tend to agree that the Hydors are a viable option. Even if they occasionally fall into reverse mode, that is not exactly detrimental. The ocean is a constantly fluctuating environment anyway.

 

[lysaer]

A powerhead in reverse? That sucks. (Sorry. 'couldn't resist.)

Nor should you!

 

[cu455]

The cheap sun sun powerheads are great if you leave them continually running. I wouldn't recommend it if you plan on hooking it up to a controller. Here is my puffer. I can't say for sure what happened but I am leaning towards the powerhead starting in reverse.

 

[lysaer]

Many of my cheapos do this when they get clogged, or 1/6 times when shut off and back on. But 1300 gph for 9.99 shipped it's pretty well worth it! (Sun sun on Amazon)

I've had many high end wave makers that ended up clogging just as fast and put out DC in a year or two.

I am a cheapo with them now. 9.99 is a drop in the bucket. I have used these guys for about a year so far so good

I had the 1350gph sunsuns and one of them still works, but the problem with the other one was that everytime it came on, it came on in reverse, and the little plastic bit at the front that's designed to make it go back the other way broke off after only a couple days with the controller running it.

 

[4FordFamily]

I had the 1350gph sunsuns and one of them still works, but the problem with the other one was that everytime it came on, it came on in reverse, and the little plastic bit at the front that's designed to make it go back the other way broke off after only a couple days with the controller running it.

Yeah I can't imagine they would be a good fit for a controller application.

 

[Kurt Copeland]

Now, as Lysaer mentioned, this shouldn't be an issue with the Evolution models. Has anyone experienced the reversal using the Evolution models?

 

[reefwiser]

Hydors are a good way to get shocked. Just had to club members have Hydors shocking them while working on their tanks. [emoji3]

 

[jd371]

I have the Sun Sun (cheapo) PH from Amazon. I was going to use 2 of these for my DT. If you have a wavemaker alternating the PH you will hear a click each time one of the PH's turn on, it can get really annoying if they alternate a couple of seconds apart. Another reason to go with DC powered PH's, no clicking or starting in reverse. I use the Sun Sun now for mixing salt water.

 

[Cooper123]

that picture you have posted here i didn't like at all