Poor Man Wave Maker

[Limpc]

Hi all,

Just an idea ....

Install 4 powerheads in the tank and with each of them individually controlled by timer switch. Set the timing on the switches to achieve different direction of waterflow according to your liking by manipulating with the on/off time.

Carrefour selling timer at good price.

Do you think this is as good as a wavemaker ?

Comments please.

Gong Xi Fa Cai.

LimPC

[sunny03]

den do u think of your 4 powerheads their live span will it be shorten ?? as u on off so often as ther are not made to do so

[dradttg]

Hi Limpc,

4 Powerhead and 4 timer will cost you at least 4 * 15 + 4 * 20 = 140.

You can spend a bit more to get a SCWD for $100 and a Weipro 3200l/hr pump for $60 - $70.

[Limpc]

Hi guys,

Thanks for feedback.

1. shortening of lifespan is true but if the on/off duration is like 3 hours, maybe still ok lah.

2. Cost against SCWD. Not so good comments from some reefers about the SCWD and also it has 2 outlets only

SCWD users --- need your comments.

BTW, timer sold in Carrefour for about $8.90 got one multiway adaptor free somemore.

Awaiting for more comments .....

LimPC

[dradttg]

$8.9??!!

Going to grab liao.

[ah wa!]

I've read from many sources that on/off cycles will reduce the lifespan of a pump. But how serious is the problem? Will it reduce the lifespan by 80% or just 5%? If it is only a slight reduction, I guess it is negligible. I am using a small powerhead with electronic water level sensor ( not those mechanical sensor with levels like those float switch) to top up water. It is precise to less than 1mm so the pump get activated once every few minutes for a few seconds each time. The pump have been running for 4yrs and still working fine. Perhap I am lucky.

[Limpc]

ah wa!,

a little out of this topic, can let me know about this "electronic water level sensor" thingy ?

Thanks,

LimPC

[ah wa!]

Hi Lim,

An electronic water level controller has two electrodes which are attached to the side wall of the sump tank. There are basically two main types.

First type - activate whenever water level drop below the electrode's lowest point and deactivate when it returns to the lowest point. very precise.

Second type - you can place the two electrodes at different level so that it activate only when water level drop below the lower electrode and deactivate when water level had restored to the upper electrode's height.

I am using both types, I got the first type from balestier sometimes back ( cost less than $100 then) but they're not selling anymore and the second type I DIYed.

Advantages of electronic water level controller is that it can control water level very precisely, it wouldn't be jammed or affected by snails, algae or other critters and you can set maximum and minimum level if you want to prolong the lifespan of your pump.