return pump as wavemaker

keddre · Aug 8, 2017

I am out of ideas for this, but I was wondering how I could give my return pump a wave (stop and go) action..if it is even possible.
The other thing I thought of is an automatic switch like on train tracks. Where it routes water through pipe A then B...repeat. However, it seems that these don't exist. Thoughts?

saltyfilmfolks · Aug 8, 2017

In all honesty, it's because it doesn't work well, and is extremely complicated.

What your describing partly is a closed loop system. Where the return is providing water motion as well as flow to the filtration system in the sump.
Most commonly enductors and sea swirls are used to provide random current and varying intensities of laminar Flow.

What your proposing could work, however you would need to sequence several electronic valves in the plumbing system on a controller.

justingraham · Aug 8, 2017

Hey salty long time no talk
how about a surge device?

Like the return pump would pump into a surge container and when it was filled it would let go? The only thing I see a problem with would be a constant sump and still level.

If I were you I would just do a closed loop or two return pumps ramping up and down opposite of each other so that it is constantly having the same gph flowed but out of diffent outlets

saltyfilmfolks · Aug 8, 2017

Hey Justin. Yup. All those would work too.

Surge devices are OLD school. I'd def put on on my 500 gal dream tank.

justingraham · Aug 8, 2017

I would love a surge device as well but u need to plan that out perfect as water has a tendency to go wherever it wants

keddre · Aug 8, 2017

I was looking at surge devices and (while I could do it) it is not an option right now do to space limitations (and my mom looking for an excuse to kick me out because living at home for two more years of college is too much for her).

I was also looking at closed loop systems but the only problem is my whole tank is tempered so I can't plumb it. If what I'm asking for is impossible than oh well. I already have a job lined up after school so it shouldn't be long before I can build my almost-dream tank

Thanks y'all

justingraham · Aug 8, 2017

keddre said:
I was looking at surge devices and (while I could do it) it is not an option right now do to space limitations (and my mom looking for an excuse to kick me out because living at home for two more years of college is too much for her).

I was also looking at closed loop systems but the only problem is my whole tank is tempered so I can't plumb it. If what I'm asking for is impossible than oh well. I already have a job lined up after school so it shouldn't be long before I can build my almost-dream tank

Thanks y'all

Look into melv website he ran a closed loop without any holes and inalso did it on my last tank

keddre · Aug 8, 2017

justingraham said:
Look into melv website he ran a closed loop without any holes and inalso did it on my last tank

Sorry but who is Melv?

justingraham · Aug 8, 2017

Google melv and closed loop

keddre · Aug 8, 2017

justingraham said:
Google melv and closed loop

Found it and it looks like a nice alternative. Thanks

Ligershark · Aug 8, 2017

keddre said:
I am out of ideas for this, but I was wondering how I could give my return pump a wave (stop and go) action..if it is even possible.
The other thing I thought of is an automatic switch like on train tracks. Where it routes water through pipe A then B...repeat. However, it seems that these don't exist. Thoughts?

you need 3 things

1. oceans motions (not entireley necessary if using varios or vectra pump)
2. circulation pump (preferably reef octopus varios pump or ecotech vectra)
3. empty tank -

Drill a 1 1/2 drain bulkhead located at your choosing (center back wall or in overflow box will work)

Drill 2 or 4 1"1 return bulkheads equally spaced out on the back glass. Reduce the 1" bulkhead down to 3/4" or 1/2" if you like using reducer bushings.

Greybeard · Aug 8, 2017

Saw an old SCWD unit at a LFS recently... Didn't know they still made those things, but Marine Depot is showing them in stock. It's basically a plumbing 'Y' with a water driven switching system in it. They work great... for a while... Had one on one of my old tanks when they were new to the market.... probably 1998

Sea Swirl is about the only EFFECTIVE method I'm familiar with for this purpose.

What with wavemakers being so efficient, with many variations on the theme available, they're getting much less popular these days. Same with Closed Loop systems. They're still around, but not as common as they used to be.

OnlyTono · Aug 8, 2017

What about the Random Flow Generator Nozzle by VCA?
They can randomly vary the direction and intensity of the flow as it exits the nozzle and have no moving parts.

With a couple of those paired with a strong return pump, you can create some interesting flow patterns.

wwhite · Aug 8, 2017

Vivid has their oceans motion system.

primo21 · Aug 8, 2017

salty...were you thinking a solenoid on each branch of a "Y" alternating open/closed? each branch of the "Y" out of the return pump could go up to opposite ends of the tank.

Apotack · Aug 8, 2017

I've been using the large scwd for many years. It stopped working once or twice just needed a cleaning which takes just few minutes. Its about as close to maintenance free as you can get.

Greybeard · Aug 8, 2017

Apotack said:
I've been using the large scwd for many years. It stopped working once or twice just needed a cleaning which takes just few minutes. Its about as close to maintenance free as you can get.

Glad you had a good experience with yours. I suspect the reason I had trouble was that I ran clear hose in/out of the SCWD I had, and it was run in an area that was fairly well lit. Constant algae growth in the tubes kept it clogged most of the time. I eventually pulled it out and just put in a 'T'.

I'm guessing your return lines are opaque, or at least unlit.