water movement and SCWD's

[steve569]

how much is enough for a 75g reef? I was told 10x system turn over but what about powerheads or is main pump enough? I was thinking about using a SCWD(Switching Current Wave Director) and hooking that up to a Lifeguard custom flow water system. Does anyone have any experience with this system?

[jman785]

I don't have any experience with that system personally, but I know a few friends that do...

What do you want to know about it Steve?

[MikeS]

I don't either

As far as GPH turnover in your tank, you want to shoot for 10-15x the volume of your tank, all pumps, powerheads and filters combined...

Mike

[steve569]

I want to know is it worth going this route with the scwd or is it best to just use a 1000gph pump and 2 125gph power sweep powerheads(75g w/20g sump+ref).this for a reef tank

[cich1]

i have a scwd but i am not familar with the lifeguard system, i have been playing with different sumps and one of the problems i've been fighting with is micro bubbles, the up side of the bubbles is that it really gives you a chance to see your water patterns and i have to say the scwd gives a nice water flow, i haven't experienced any down sides to the scwd but the ones i've read about are reduced flow and the valve may need to be cleaned now and then to keep it from sticking, as for reduced flow, if you have a big enough pump thats not an issuse and as far as cleaning goes imo everything requires maintinence now and then so its not a problem, i've only had mine for 2.5 months and i like it ask again in 6 months i might not but its only $35 to try it

[FishinInTheDark]

I advise against Powersweep powerheads. You will clean them and clean them and they will still stop ocillating. I had two, both of which began to work intermittently. Now, I use one of them for mixing fresh saltwater, and the other is a stationary powerhead in the tank. I don't know anything about scwds, but they have to be better than Powersweeps!

Good luck,

Conni

[cich1]

steve, are you building your on sump/refuge? if so can you share your plans with us, i can't tell you what will work but i might be able to tell you what won't, i know from my short experience that high flow through a small sump creates problems

[steve569]

Everything I read about sumps that have refuge in them is that the water flow is to much. I think if I use a big enough sump this won't be a problem??????? For the lack of space it has to fit under the tank so I think of just putting the biggest HOB refuge I can find and just use a 20-30g sump w/LR 4' LS and some macro; any ideas?(teacup, razor, etc.)I don't want the asexual spores that cloud the tank. Does anyone have a thought about the plastic in rubbermaid containers, I read on here that someone had a bad experience with nitrates and stuff in the plastic. While i'm at it, can anyone suggest a good quite and long lasting pump 1000gph?