SCWD

[dwdenny]

Anyone using these that could give some feed back on them. I have read that they will reduce you pump flow about 30%-50% and was wonder how load they were? I was looking at running one on the sump return just to add some random flow to the tank.

Thanks
Doug

[GeoB]

I used two SCWDs for awhile, they did okay. I have a fairly quiet system and I never noticed any noise from them. The SCWD inlet and outlets are 1/2", but I found that using larger diameter plumbing both going into the inlet and coming off the outlets increases the flow a lot. I used 1" flexible PVC. One of the drawbacks of the SCWD is that the switching rate increases as the flow increases, so the water never gets pushed very far in your tank. I was trying to get a back and forth motion in a 4 ft tank by having the outlets face each other on each end, but I couldn't achieve this.

[pilot_bell777]

My SCWD is 3/4" in and out and it is very quite. It does reduce the flow but I supplimented with a Tunze.

If I were to do it again....I would spend the money on an Oceans Motions.....way better and no matter how much flow you have the switching is the same amout of time. It dosn't increase with the flow increase. THey make them all the way from 2 to 8 outlets.

www.oceansmotions.com

[dwdenny]

Yeah I saw those and I was looking at the squirt but $125 for the sump return. Wife would kill me for sure(I think). I might try to find one used but I doubt there is anyone that will be selling one but I will keep a watch out for one. I will have some pumps in the tank so the return from the sump will just be supplemental flow anyway just thought that the a SCWD might make it a little more random. Thanks for the input GeoB and Pilot.

[captexas]

I've used two of them in the past on my old 75g tank, but took them off as they restricted the flow too much at the time. They sat for a long time after that and I'd thought I would hook one up on my holding tanks, but I guess the internal plastic parts get brittle after awhile and neither one would switch the current. I picked up a new one from CB Pets and have it on a GenX Mak 4 pump (1200gph). It does alright for my 100g holding tank. As stated by others, they do reduce the flow somewhat, but it's not anywhere near 50%. As far as noise, the unit itself isn't noisy, but my pump is. I can hear the pump's humming noise change every time the SCWD changes sides. Guess it creates more backflow at that point.

If you want an OceanMotions device, keep an eye out here and on RC. I've seen a couple for sale here over the past few months, even one recently that had a Sequence pump with it.

[JimD]

I use three scwd's and theyve all worked flawlessly for over three years now. The trick is to use a pre-filter so the gears dont get clogged. I also periodicly soak them in white vinegar then blow them out using a compressor. Mag18, Mag12 and a Mag3, all external on a closed loop.

[TheOtherGuy]

I have a SCWD on my 75. It works well. It is has been on my tank for about 7 or 8 months. I think it does restrict flow just not sure how much.

So I will attempt to do some math and figure it out. LOL.

I have a hang-on overflow (3 tuber) I run all three tubes. So I am estimating each tube can handle about 250gph so that is 750gph. I have an Iwake 40rlxt rated at 1200 gph @zero head. According to the flow chart at 5 feet this pump runs about 1000gph. So if I am getting 750gph and should be 1000gph SCWD is slowing the rate by 25% or so.

Anyway, I like it so far.

[Ram_Puppy]

I liked my SCWD quite a bit while I was using it. I did have it stop switching at one point, I soaked it in vinegar like Jim does, and got it all squared away. if I was still using one I would soak it in Muratic Acid rather than white veinegar, makes buildup sizzle off like alkeselter.