Scwd

[chr15_8]

Im thinking about using one on my tank build but didn't know how i should set it up. Im going to be having 3 returns from the sump to the tank(this will be my only water movent)

I'm going to use a 2000lph pump (will probably only give out 1600 lph after pipe work/SCWD)

This is where the holes/returns will be in the tank

what 2 holes would the SCWD best best on?

i was thinking the top right hole and the bottom left hole would be best.

their will be a pile of LR next to the weir in front of the 2 low down holes

thanks
chris

 

[TigerIssey]

Not sure about your holes, however I looked into using one of these myself, the principle is fantastic.

Out of 4 replys on this board it was a 50/50 split as to whether to use one or not. I am still undecided really, they seem a little unreliable.

 

[chr15_8]

ive only seen good things about them tbh!

im going to give one a try and see how it goes

 

[TigerIssey]

In that case my decision to add one to my plumbing may well reside on what your experience of them is!!

 

[BigC]

What way have you configured this setup.
Tell me if you've got a sump and what way do you envisage running this system.
Is it closed loop. If it isn't then you'll need to fit non return valves in the plumbing to those holes in case something fails.
Regards

 

[chr15_8]

Below is if the power fails.

As ive got 3 returns which are all below water level if the power was to fail i would have about 75% (15 UK Gallons) of the tank water drain into the sump which has been designed to handle an extra 4 gallons.

So as non return valves arn't really an option i have decided to try this (picture below makes it easier to explain)

As you can see i plan on looping the pipe work above the tanks water level and drill 2 holes with 4mm airline into the 1 inch pipework.

The reason i went for 2x 4mm airline was in case 1 got blocked. These would then get returned to the tank a few mm above normal water level.

The tank is about 20 uk gallons and the sump is roughly the same size.

Its going to be FOWLR to begin with but will get some easy corals once it matures.

It will have 2 pumps, 1 will be feeding one hole and the other pump will feed the other 2 holes with the SCWD fitted.

Thanks
Chris

 

[ben1987]

they are unreliable...

 

[chr15_8]

they are unreliable...

what makes you say that? past experience?

ive only read one thing about them breaking and that was because he put way to much flow though it (thats he's words not mine)
thanks
chris

 

[ben1987]

no i have read loads of peoples threads saying they are unreliable. I sort of read up on stuff like that for my old tank. Il see if i can find some.

 

[SkiFletch]

Can I be honest? I wouldn't go with the SCWD. They tend to foul up and need cleaning on a somewhat regular basis so that it doesn't sieze up.

 

[chr15_8]

thanks for the suggestion.

tbh i am having doubts now 2/2 people

however £40 for a wavemaker sounds good. so im thinking about giving it a go if i get problems wont use it (some might say waste of money but the amount of happy people ive seen outweigh the unhappy)

The way my pipework will be will remain the same but will just have to switch a t for a scwd


thanks
chris

btw ski im taking your advice on and am not doubting you knowledge but hopefully you can understand ive only seen 2 unhappy comments and 10+ happy

 

[SkiFletch]

No worries, everyone's entitled to their own experiences . If I may suggest, running a foam filter on the inlet of your return pump will decrease your likelihood of needing to clean it...

 

[chr15_8]

thanks ski. thats a good idea which i will do. im sure i read that foam would have to be replaced every few weeks due to nitrates/nitrites?

thanks again
chris

 

[rabbut]

Just blast it under the tap, does the same job

 

[SkiFletch]

Yup, blast it in tapwater and when you're done, give it a good wring out with your hands. A few drops won't kill anything

It's a good idea to have two foam covers (buy a spare from an LFS or online). That way when it's time to clean, you can take the old grimy one off, put the new one on, clean the old one, then leave it out to dry and have ready for the next time you need to clean