Tubing for SCWD

[manny]

For all you guys that are using SCWDs, what size tubing did you use? I've got 3/4" ID and it seems a little big...

[oceancube]

well that's what i used with some zipties from alamo aquatics,it never leaked, also i only had it on for a couple days, but still no leak!hth

[Henry]

I think the 5/8 id is what works.

[Ram_Puppy]

the insturctions that came with mine said 3/4 inch... I'll tell you though, I haven't set it up, and it is starting to seem like more trouble than it's worth... I thought it would be a cheap alternative to buying powerheads for flow change in my 30 hex, but with the realization I need to get a pressure rated pump to use it on my return, well, I think I am going to try and either return it for a full refund or sell it here, and buy some min-jets, and just put them at opposing angles put them on a wave timer power strip, and let-em rip. In the end, it will be less expensive than getting the pressure rated pump, and I can go back to something more economical as my return pump.

[ratboy]

I run my SCWD on a mag12 and it does great on my 90 for the return. I still have powerheads but a a mag should be plenty for a 30.

[dan]

yes it is 5/8 ID hose. kelly and i just put one on alex's tank and we use 5/8 hose. bought it at home depot.

[prof]

5/8 will work but should be tight. I used 3/4 ID with hose clamps. The SCWD is supposed to use 3/4.

I have mine connected to a mag5 handling the return from my sump to my 58. I would like more flow but that is all that my overflow will handle and all my corals are happy, so why change.

[JeffCo]

I used the 3/4 inch hose as well. Make sure you use the vinyl hose and not the flex pvc. I tried to use that before but it does not seal well, (even with a hose clamp), but the vinyl hose works great with a hose clamp.

[Henry]

If the 5/8id is too tight just heat the end of the tubing to make it pliable and then slip it over the end of the scwd.

[manny]

I got some 3/4 that's already cut up and hooked up. All the other connections seem fine except for this one. Should I just heat it up and see if it'll mold to the fitting?

[JeffCo]

Yes, what I usually do is heat up a cup of water in the microwave until it's boiling, then stick the end you want to connect in the cup for a few minutes, then it should slide pretty easy over the scwd. But I would also put a hose clamp on it as well.

[manny]

This stupid #$%#^# thing is leaking and I can't get it to stop. I've removed it, cut it, heated it up, and tried to get it to stop but it won't. Anybody see anything wrong with what I'm doin? Maybe I'm missin somethin. All my other connections are ok except for this one...

[kaiser]

Replace the 3/4ID with some 5/8 ID hose. warm it upon the end to help You get it over the barb.

[manny]

Yeah, guess I'm gonna have to do that. Headin over to Home Depot...AGAIN...

[manny]

Found the problem. Seems that there's a small crack in the side of the SCWD. If it's not one thing, it's another...

[REEFAHOLIC]

Speaking of the scwd, for the ones using it, how is it working. Do you like it??

[Markster]

I have been using the scwd for several months and now the darn thing stopped on one side and no longer switches back and forth. I took the input hose off and inserted a wire brush but looks clean. Do I need to take off completely and soak in water/vinegar?

[Instar]

You may get whatever is stuck inside it to flush if you back flush both sides with a garden hose.

As for the SQWD, I'm not all that wild about mine on a 1400 gallon pump. It gives a huge roiling burst that really aggitates the
corals too much that are near the head and then it cuts off too soon to develop any real wave that gets very far. With that huge
burst, it sucks air in from the surface and I have had to add fittings and tubing to the end trying to compensate and get some
kind of current out of it. I think folks with smaller pumps would make out better. I have mine on a 6 foot tank. It seems like it
would work better on a smaller tank and/or smaller pumps or a setup with less return than 1400 gallons. Or maybe if you could
get the nozzels farther under the water than my tank will allow for.

[manny]

Markster, I would try soaking it in pure vinegar and see what that does then back flush it like Larry says.

Reefaholic, since having my SCWD setup for the past couple of weeks I'd have to say that I like it a whole lot. I've got a pressure rated pump on it though and a smaller tank and I think thats helps. From all the reviews I've seen and from what Larry is sayin, the SCWD is suited more for smaller tanks or multiple SCWDs for larger. I actually like the output more with the SCWD on than with just a T going to my returns with no SCWD. Not much restriction in flow at all. My corals seem to like the SCWD too. Especially my toadstool. I dunno if it's from switchin tanks or from the switchin current but my toadstool is in full bloom like it never has been before. I need to post some pics of it from before switchin tanks and now. It's a MAJOR change.

[DeletedAccount]

I absolutely mine. It is on the 180 and is run by a Mag 12 or so....

[Instar]

I absolutely mine

Absolutely what? Hate - Love - want to discard - left for us to fill in the blanks: so....? :)

[Tim Marvin]

I love mine also! Used 3/4 inch