Using the return pump as a wavemaker

[Ardeus]

I am upgrading my tank from a 100 gallon to a 225 gallon and I got a Jebao DCP-10000 that is supposed to have a flow of 2642gph - almost 12 times the tank volume per hour.

Is there any problem in using it in pulse mode as a wavemaker?

I want to reduce the amount of stuff in the tank, so I am planning on having only a Jebao CP-150 in random mode for circulation, pointed from one corner to the opposite corner of the tank. The tank is a 55x36x24.

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

People are going to say no, you can’t do this, but it’s not true. There are some considerations. If possible, it would be better to control the pump from a separate controller like apex. This would let you run at a certain percent and occasionally ramp up for a certain amount of time, instead of just constant pulsing. I have done this for several years and think it’s a great way to replicate surge tank type flow without all the bubbles, noise, and extra plumbing.

Depending on the difference in pump speed and your sump size, you might give your skimmer some trouble by changing the sump water level during the surge, but there are ways around this. You will also need to set up an ATO based on a dosing pump strategy, adding a set amount every so often, and shut off when sump is full - but this is actually a more robust and failsafe strategy to use for ATO regardless of varying your return pump speed.

 

[jda]

Can your sump handle the surge of water coming back through it?

 

[Ardeus]

People are going to say no, you can’t do this, but it’s not true. There are some considerations. If possible, it would be better to control the pump from a separate controller like apex. This would let you run at a certain percent and occasionally ramp up for a certain amount of time, instead of just constant pulsing. I have done this for several years and think it’s a great way to replicate surge tank type flow without all the bubbles, noise, and extra plumbing.

Depending on the difference in pump speed and your sump size, you might give your skimmer some trouble by changing the sump water level during the surge, but there are ways around this. You will also need to set up an ATO based on a dosing pump strategy, adding a set amount every so often, and shut off when sump is full - but this is actually a more robust and failsafe strategy to use for ATO regardless of varying your return pump speed.

The extra controller that I ordered with the pump doesn't allow it to do that. It goes down to 0 in true pulse mode.

Can your sump handle the surge of water coming back through it?

The tank is not long, so to create a wave, the pump will be pulsing fast, possibly every 2 seconds. There will be no noticeable impact on the sump level other than on the return pump chamber.

In a tank with 3 islands in which 2 of them are covered with anemones, you need to get a wave going.

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

I’m not sure it will ramp fast enough to create a standing wave, I was thinking move about a pulsing surge motion, which should be possible.

 

[Ardeus]

I hadn't thought about that. The only possibility is to test it.

It just ocurred to me: won't a wave create noise in a Herbie style overflow?

 

[Ardeus]

With a gentler wave maybe there will be no problem with noise.

 

[ca1ore]

Pulsing the return will almost certainly mess with the siphon drain. Natural wave isn't really achievable anyhow. T'were me, I'd use something like a sea swirl (as long as it could handle the flow).

 

[Ardeus]

This is the kind of wave I normally have using a regular pump inside the tank.


It's not much but I like the effect.

A beananimal overflow would be more adequate to this situation?