SCWD.. friend or foe?

[Woodstock]

I was thinking about installing a SCWD to my return plumbing... yay or nay??

SCWD - Squid - Wavemaker

The SCWD (pronounced "squid") Wavemaker is a revolutionary device designed to provide alternating currents without the use of electricty. The SCWD mounts inline with 3/4" tubing, the two ports alternate the output, the bottom port is the input. A great alternative to expensive electronic ball valves. The SCWD will run on any pump with a minimum output of 50 GPH and a maximum output of 1400. The switching speed and current duration is dependent on the volume of water flowing through the SCWD. You can control the duration by controlling the flow going through the SCWD. Can be submersed for use with large power heads or used externally.

Warranty: 90 days from date of purchase.

[pmac90]

I was going to try one too, doni. I'm guessing it's like anything else with moving parts and salt. keep it clean... keep it working. I think it adds some head pressure to the pump. but can't be too much, a LFS has one on a mag 2 in a display and it just keeps going....

[Woodstock]

Pete, I added another option

[Scouter Steve]

Some don't like them because they decrease flow quite a bit. I use one and like it. Had it set up on a 1200gph pump first pushing through my chiller then to tank with two outlets on both sides. My new setup will be without the chiller in this line. Supoedly you lose about 20% to the squid.

[pmac90]

thanks, Doni, I voted now!

[BrothaWolf]

I was considering one but I wasnt going to run it off the return. I may still do it at some point in the future.

[pmac90]

I wanted to run one on a closed loop with a UV inbetween.

[Woodstock]

Per Marine Depot:

[lcstorc]

Very useful info.
Thanks Woodstock!

[boozeman]

I was going to go with the larger version of them (OM) on a closed loop, but in the end decided in favor of conceled powerheads for the currents instead of drilling the bottom of the tank...less chance of something going wrong while I wasn't home

[Dragon Wrasse]

I have two SCWD's on my SPS tank one between my Sump and main display feeding two returns made from linelock and one between the Sump and Refugium, feeding two linelock returns. The head highth is aprox. 3 feet to the main display and 4.5 feet to the refugium....I have good flow in both tanks they have been installed for over a year with no malfunctions. I think they work great and I like the alternating current I get with them.

[Witfull]

i have one hooked to a mag 7, its on a multi-timer. on at 1pm off at 2, on at 3 off at four, on at 5 off at 6, on at 7 off at 1030om for the night.

poor mans tidal surges~

[Frankie]

I wanted on of these things way back in the begging. My lfs owner in NY told me not to mess with things that have moving parts on a salt water tank. That the salt would jamb it up over time. That was then this is now. I see some good reviews from people over the last few years and still happening. So it must have proven itself. I personally would not cement anything like that into my PVC plumbing but am thinking about using it for a split on my UV return just at the end and use lock line coming off it to the tank.

[chads29]

edit

[lgerold]

I've had mine for almost a year. No problems ever with it. It's quite, and very dependable.

If mine quite tomorrow, I'd install another.