wave machines

[marcoz]

I currently have 4 powerheads for water flow in my tank. Does anyone have or know anything about the wave machines you can get? Are they just simply a timer for your powerheads and do they accurately create the motion of waves? If so, what are the benefits as opposed to the standard powerheads? :?

[Dons1903]

I don't use an actual wave machines but I have PowerSweep powerheads to create a similar effect. They hae a mechanical mechanisim that uses the water flow through the head to sweep the output from side to side.

With the 3 of these around the tank all sweeping way it creates good random water movement :grin: (although it is onlt 10x the tank capacity at the moment until I upgrade shortly). :(

[Dons1903]

What you are aiming for is to not have any dead spots in the tank and also to stop constant flow areas that will make your corals bend over with the flow.

A set of power heads on timers would do the job pefectly. :grin:

[Wilfy]

I also have 4 x MJ1200 powerheads in my tank, two at each end. One at each end is permanently on and the other two are connected to an Algarde Wavemaker which switches them on/off in the following sequence at about 1 minute intervals.
PH1 Off PH2 Off
PH1 Off PH2 On
PH1 On PH2 On
PH1 On PH2 Off
PH1 Off PH2 Off
etc

With return from sump removes any dead spots.

[marcoz]

Do you have them all near the surface or at different depths?

[tonyponty]

do you get any probs with the powes heads sliding down ot falling off i keep renewing suckers but after a a couple of week there off again lol

[Simon]

I haven't any wave machines because my tank is too small, just one powerhead but my suckers are OK. :lol:

[flying Jock]

Hi

IMO powerheads on timers is asking for trouble!

Stopping and starting of impellers will wear them out as they are designed to run constantly.

Soft start wave machines will prolong impeller life.

I use the Tunze wave box which is a great bit of kit but it is a bit expensive not to mention its an ugly ******! :shock:

You soon forget that once you see it working :wink:

Cheers

FJ

[liquidlogic]

wave machines are ok if you have a small tank but anything over 4-5 ft i wud get a specilised one like a tunze wave box or have the streams on controllers :shock: