"Wavemaking" with Rio's?

[DaChrisDude]

I'm thinking of making a simple wavemaking-ish device by putting a couple of rio 600's at either end of the tank and having them on timers to come on/off alternitively. My question is whether rio's will be ok to use. Can they take the constant on/off? I would greatly like to avoid spending a bunch of money on powerheads if possible..

[brandon0350]

id use maxi jets. ive never had it happen but i hear the rios can be faulty and leak oil into the tank

[roworld]

A guy on ReefCentral contacted the company that makes Rio's. The company rep. told him that their powerheads were not made for constant on/off use. So go with maxi-jets.

[Dakota]

Yeah, those rios will bust with on/off features. In fact, my rios broke after turning them off once a week for skimmer cleaning.

[pk-sd]

I really like aquaclear PHs. I turned them off 3 times a day on my planted tank for CO2 injection. Never had any problem. They never airlock and have flow control. Price very nicely too.

[DaChrisDude]

Thanks all...

[crstjohn]

Why not use a SCWD "squid" unit? It does the same thing with one pump running continuously.

[DaChrisDude]

Don't have the money. :) Also don't want to bother getting additional holes drilled.

[brandon0350]

even thought a scwd is only like $25 used it cuts down an incredible amount of flow. my mag 9.5 on the scwd had less power than my mag 5 return

[pk-sd]

Don't have the money. :) Also don't want to bother getting additional holes drilled.


Chris, You can get one from ebay for about $30.

http://cgi.ebay.com/SCWD-SQUID-MECHANICAL-AQUARIUM-WAVEMAKER_W0QQitemZ7747550672QQcategoryZ20758QQtcZ photoQQcmdZViewItem

You can install it on undrilled tank also:

http://www.melevsreef.com/closedloop.html

My first SCWD did not work. Sent it manufacturer in LA. The replacement works just fine. As long as it does not stop. I will be happy with it.

[DaChrisDude]

PK -interesting. I'll look into that. Although I was really hoping to not have anything hanging over the side of the tank...we shall see.

[pk-sd]

PK -interesting. I'll look into that. Although I was really hoping to not have anything hanging over the side of the tank...we shall see.

If you get the right size pump. It can eliminate or reduce the number of PH in your display. A big plus ! On my 50g I have it connected to my 1000gph pump. Its like having 2 powerheads in the tank minus the heat generated by PH. SCWD does reduce the flow a bit. Mine is connected thru the sump.

[phishphood]

If you feel like it, you can drill out the i/o ports on the scwd and that allows tons more water to flow through...