Experiences with Hydor smart wave controller

Be102 · Jan 13, 2017

its currently on sale on amazon, but unsure based on all the mixed reviews I have read regarding being loud and whatnot. Anyone here have one? The thing that allows you to connect two hydors to one sort of controller.

MaiReef · Jan 13, 2017

They work well, but get the new Hydor pumps that are better designed to work with it. The older pumps click, but if you do a 3 minute circulation it really isn't noticable.

Be102 · Jan 13, 2017

MaiReef said:
They work well, but get the new Hydor pumps that are better designed to work with it. The older pumps click, but if you do a 3 minute circulation it really isn't noticable.

Which one are the new ones? Currently have an 850

MaiReef · Jan 13, 2017

Generation 3.
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/koralia-third-generation-1350-pump-hydor.html

I think is the smallest one.

I use them with an 1400 and an 1150 and it works fine, just clicks.

joseserrano · Jan 13, 2017

I think they are the gen 3's, the SMART wave shouldn't make any noise, its just a timer/relay. It turns power on and off on the outlet that the pump is connected to.

Be102 · Jan 13, 2017

MaiReef said:
Generation 3.
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/koralia-third-generation-1350-pump-hydor.html

I think is the smallest one.

I use them with an 1400 and an 1150 and it works fine, just clicks.

Is the clicking always noticeable? Or is it just on a specific mode?

Be102 · Jan 13, 2017

joseserrano said:
I think they are the gen 3's, the SMART wave shouldn't make any noise, its just a timer/relay. It turns power on and off on the outlet that the pump is connected to.

Don't seem to hear any noises with my 850; but not really sure..

MaiReef · Jan 13, 2017

Be102 said:
Is the clicking always noticeable? Or is it just on a specific mode?

The clicking is noticeable if your tank is pretty silent and there is no other noise in the room. It you have them switch every 10 minutes, I don't think you would notice. I only notice when I am specifically watching the tank with no other noise. It isn't the controller that clicks, but the pumps themselves. That is why I mentioned the new generation ones.

MaiReef · Jan 13, 2017

Be102 said:
Don't seem to hear any noises with my 850; but not really sure..

Turn it off and on a bunch of times in a minute and you probably will, but the 850 is lower powered. My 450 I cannot hear either.

MaiReef · Jan 13, 2017

I think I am picking up two 1350's this weekend. Good price on Amazon.

MaiReef · Jan 13, 2017

I am not picking up the 1350's this weekend. I read the reviews. I am looking at the Tunze pumps.

Be102 · Jan 13, 2017

MaiReef said:
I am not picking up the 1350's this weekend. I read the reviews. I am looking at the Tunze pumps.

I actually read the reviews and thought similar. I honestly had no problems with my 850, might add another one. Do you think the controller would still click if I ran them simultaneously rather than alternating?

MaiReef · Jan 17, 2017

It just clicks when you turn them on.

Be102 · Jan 17, 2017

MaiReef said:
It just clicks when you turn them on.

Do you think if my current one doesn't make any clicking, I could get lucky with a non clicking one? Or should I skip the controller and just plug another powerhead straight into the outlet?

MaiReef · Jan 17, 2017

How often do you want to change flow? Every 15 minutes and you will not notice it. Every 15 seconds and it will be a clicking nightmare. I was doing every 1 minute, but I change to 15 for pump life. I never lost a Hydor, but I read it is wear and tear so I changed. I will see how the coral does.

Be102 · Jan 17, 2017

MaiReef said:
How often do you want to change flow? Every 15 minutes and you will not notice it. Every 15 seconds and it will be a clicking nightmare. I was doing every 1 minute, but I change to 15 for pump life. I never lost a Hydor, but I read it is wear and tear so I changed. I will see how the coral does.

I guess I wasn't even really considering about using the changing flow part of the device but rather to just have them both going at once. I guess if you don't notice it, I probably wouldn't either.

Germ42 · Jan 17, 2017

I actually have a slightly used hydor controller, used for a little over 3 months! Changed to a more powerful set of pumps/WaveMakers

I'm willing to sell if anyone is needing one and doesn't want to pay full price