wavemaker

[adamRS80]

I'm about to set up som sort of wavemaker in my tank and I just wanted to get a few ideas. I have a 46 gallon tank so it's not real large. I'll be running 3 powerheads, 4 at most. Has anybody used the NaturalWave, the one that looks like a surge protector. It seems to be the most reasonable. Also does anybody use Rio pumps with their wavemaker? I've heard that they aren't suited for on/off usage. Any suggestions on which system works best. I've also heard some things about the ReefFanatic system. Thanks.

[Tim Marvin]

I have a wavemaker pro and surge units. I much prefer the surge and Bill could probably build a small unit that could fit on top of the tank. Rio pumps are barely suited for water circulation in the make up water bucket! Run from anyone trying to sell you one of these substandard pumps! Nothing but problems.

[matt]

Yeah, I have an old rio in my box of leftover stuff and I don't even like it there!

[Tim Marvin]

They should have to put warnings on them like McDonalds cups.... (Warning: contents may be VERY hot and melt, or often not even work at all...) LOL.........

[SuperXdude]

i've got a rio in my tank. It's worked fine so far, but we'll see how long it does last.

It does kick out water like crazy though. Tank seems to be doing better with it.


SuperXdude

[JimD]

Tim, gimmee some more details if you will, regarding the surge unit that Bill could probably build. That sounds interesting.

[Tim Marvin]

Well, you've see the ones I have. They could be built in a smaller scale and put on top of the tank.

[JimD]

Tim, the last time I was at your house was like two years ago, I dont recall any such devises. Are they typical Carlsons, or something differnt?

[MikeP]

Tim - I'm also interested in seeing what your surge device is like. Might be a neat idea to implement now before I get my new tank set up. I looked into doing an air displaced one but it takes up too much room in the tank - probably go with a borneman type just don't want to have a juge tank above display.

[Tim Marvin]

It is the Carlson type. With the top covered it makes very little noise, and has only stopped working once on the last couple years.

[Tim Marvin]

no, it didn't over flow. I did a big water change and somehow it stopped dumping like a surge, rather just a slow siphon. I held my hand over the bottom to let the water fill a little higher and it started dumping as usual.

[Tim Marvin]

I love them! They dump a lot of water fast, and with the lid on they are pretty quiet. I am going to try out some small versions for tank tops.