Wavemaker Timing Patterns

[up north hermit]

Anyone have opinions on what is the best pattern (s) for a wavemaker? Assume 4 powerheads. Two on left (one upper back, one upper front), one in the center, and one on the right.
How would you run it? I was thinking on/off 45 second intervals. Should they all come on? One at a time?
Helppppppppp
Hermit

 

[slowest is fastest]

Wavemakers are good for simulating natural ocean surge. That is a gentle (sometimes very strong) back and forth motion. To accomplish this the current needs to be redirected at regular intervals and with enough force as to change the direction of flow in your tank 180 degrees. Having
powerheads at either end is a good idea but I would set the intervals a little longer than 45 sec. so that you don't end up with a random whipping motion instead of a swaying from one side to the other. Mine are set at 90 sec. with a 15 sec delay in between, works great. depending on how long your tank is and how strong the powerheads are this may need to be modified. Just try to alternate the current direction completely and at regular intervals. HTH
SiF

 

[up north hermit]

Thanks SiF!
My wavemaker arrives on Tuesday and my experimentation will begin!
Your advice sounds solid to me. Thanks again.
Hermit

 

[beth]

Hey, Hermit...I was looking at one of these myself! Keep me posted on how you like it. Also, what about the Solar? Did you get it yet?
I'm still waiting for canopy to get done, and then the lighting. Getting eager, too.
[ June 17, 2001: Message edited by: Beth ]

 

[slowest is fastest]

How are things going with the wavemaker? Good I hope...any problems?
SiF

 

[up north hermit]

Well it came late yesterday so I have had a chance now to tweak it all day. I love this thing!!
Yes, I am very happy with the purchase and it does make the tank much more natural. I have it set on 1 minute 45 second alternating currents from 5 powerheads. Two in one direction, three in the other. One pointed straight at the surface.
SiF thanks so much for the reply and advice. You really helped as I was brand new to this newfangeledcontraption............
Beth, no dimmer yet. I am awaiting the new models, yet to be re-released.
Hermit

 

[slowest is fastest]

My pleasure....I'm glad it is working for you.

 

[beth]

Hermit, are you aware of new models going to be released soon? Solars? Or another brand?

 

[up north hermit]

Beth,
I was advised about 3-4 months ago, that the mfgr. of the Solar Series, Niche Engineering, was "updating" this series. There are still some sources of the Solar Series, but I am awaiting the word that the "new" models are released, and that I purchase one of THESE.
So, I am waiting and saving!
HTH
Hermit

 

[droshi]

The X-10 system is said to work good for a dimmer...not sure on the policy of links on this board, but this article has been very helpful to me.

 

[fishman830]

hey do they same power much? i was htinka bo ut that.. that 15 seconds when it' s off will add up over ti me won't it??