Guest snapper February 13, 2003 February 13, 2003 My inclination is to build my own return manifold using a couple of "T" fittings to make a manifold to split one pump return into two jets. Do sea-swirls or gizmos like SCWDs really make a big enough difference to be worht the cash?
Aquariareview February 13, 2003 February 13, 2003 Yes they do The scwd is awsome,, I just installed two of them for a friend on his 125. He has a 2400 gph pump on a closed loop. We came off of the pump to a split, then 2 of the scwd then to 4 returns. In 3 weeks his tank looks better. Coral is more extended, and the tank is cleaner. I am going to do my tank in the next few weeks. This system cost a lot less than the swirl and seems to work well, so far.
michaelg February 14, 2003 February 14, 2003 Yeah- those scwds are real attractive. Inexpensive and likely the only maintanance they would need is a vinegar soak- though with a high volume going through it, it would probably take a while to clog. While sea swirl seems good about fixing the broken units- fact is they do break down- provide a different "wave pattern". I like the way a scwd can give real back and forth motion by opposing the return lines.
Guest reefnut February 15, 2003 February 15, 2003 I have been running a SCWD for over a month in my 90 with a Mag 9.5. I love the thing. I wouldn't even think about another wavemaker when you can one of these for under $45. Grimm still has plenty down at TRT. Bill
michaelg September 12, 2003 September 12, 2003 Just thought I'd give this a bump. My sqwd has been running flawlessly since March- almost 6 months now and no signs of clogging up- I have had several sandstorms and kalk clouds on top of it. Has anyone heard if there has been progress on the 1" sqwd? Michael
Larry Grenier September 12, 2003 September 12, 2003 Hey sqwd folks. I have a 75 gal oceanic with the return line coming up through the overflow box. No closed-loop holes in back of tank. Sen 700 return. How would you suggest I set-up a sqwd if I went that route?
michaelg September 12, 2003 September 12, 2003 Larry- put the sqwd under the tank . I used some pipe strapping to secure it to the stand, and hose clamps on all connections. Some people recommended using only non reinforced tubing, but I found both worked fine with out any problems. Plumb into the return pump, then run a flex line from one output to the built in return- you may need a hose barb. On the other side of the sqwd, use flex line to a hose barb rigged to PVC and go over the back of the tank. Remember to drill a siphon break. This is exactly what I did with the 58. I have both on opposite sides, pointing to the middle. Michael
AquariaUSA September 13, 2003 September 13, 2003 I just ordered a few more scwds for smaller systems, and was told it will be another few months for the larger model. The price is unbeatable, and so far everyone has had good luck with them! *I still like the seaswirls though, don't get me wrong
Guest Kimo September 13, 2003 September 13, 2003 Michael - Why would you need a siphon break for a closed loop? There's nowhere for the water to go if the power goes out. Jamie
michaelg September 13, 2003 September 13, 2003 A closed loop you wouldn't. My return that I have the sqwd hooked up to comes from the sump. It is my main return, not an additional hook up. BTW, I got a great deal on a tunze 7310/2- complete with light sensor for night time current. Was from someone who switched over to the streams. Anyhow, it should be here next week. I will report back with how this thing performs.
Sph2sail September 13, 2003 September 13, 2003 Googling around, I found the home page for the manufacturer of the SCWD. For the record, SCWD is: Switching Current Water Director 3iQ Ventures LLC home page In the FAQ they say a larger model is "in the works" but nothing more. Excellent info about the SCWD in that FAQ tho... s
copps September 26, 2003 September 26, 2003 There's a cool thread over on RC where you can see the guts of these. Here's the link... SCWD guts I have two on my new 65 gallon system, one on a closed loop on a MAK4, and the other on the 20 gallon frag tank that receives partial flow off of the return pump, which is also a MAK4. Did a freshwater run this week and it looks good. I'll post a thread when I fill it this weekend. Incidentally the return to the main tank is through a 3/4" SS (with the remainder going to the SCWD on the 20.
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