Surge wave simulation .

[Rmckoy]

I have been reading about gas exchange and proper circulation and something came up I have always wanted to do and thought it looked amazing .
A surge system .
Essentially a 5 gallon bucket above your display that releases a surge of water when a desired volume is reached ,
Has anyone used this ?
What would you recommend as a DIY setup ?

 

[Gregcoyote]

My algae scrubber uses something like that. I have a two gallon dump bucket that unloads every 13 seconds. It creates a wave over the algae and causes it to grow very thick.

 

[Rmckoy]

My algae scrubber uses something like that. I have a two gallon dump bucket that unloads every 13 seconds. It creates a wave over the algae and causes it to grow very thick.

Did you make it or purchase it ?
I'm looking for ideas , I site with a few different sketched ideas ,
Keep in mind I only have a 70 gal

 

[Gregcoyote]

I had it made a long time ago.

 

[Rmckoy]

I had it made a long time ago.

Would this idea work for my 70 gal ?
How expensive is the initial set up ?

 

[Rmckoy]

I had it made a long time ago.

Do you have any pictures ?

 

[Gregcoyote]

Probably overkill on a 70, but sure, you can do it. There are several excellent ideas on YouTube. The video of mine is pretty crummy as this thing is over 20 years old.

 

[Rmckoy]

Probably overkill on a 70, but sure, you can do it. There are several excellent ideas on YouTube. The video of mine is pretty crummy as this thing is over 20 years old.

I saw a few that looked like a plumbing nightmare ,
The sump in a basement , the display on the next floor ,
And a tank that has the same idea as a toilet with a float and plug ,

 

[Gregcoyote]

My fish room is in the basement while the main reef is next floor up.

 

[Rmckoy]

My fish room is in the basement while the main reef is next floor up.

Ok .
It it your video I was lolking at with the big black float in a tank ?

 

[Gregcoyote]

Ok .
It it your video I was lolking at with the big black float in a tank ?

Not sure.

 

[Rmckoy]

Not sure.

I've seen a few but they all seam to use a 5gal bucket . A flap valve with a float .
Is this the easiest way ?
For my 70 gal is 5 gal of water too much to surge in ?

 

[Rmckoy]

Not sure.

I'm thinking maybe ill plan the sump with something for a surge wave maker .

 

[Gregcoyote]

Just remember they are noisy.

 

[jeffaquarius]

I have seen some wave makers in youtube that looks like the tank is being swing from side to side. The wave is too large and unproportionate to the tank. I think smaller but more ripples at the surface is more effective and pleasing to the eyes.

 

[Rmckoy]

I have seen some wave makers in youtube that looks like the tank is being swing from side to side. The wave is too large and unproportionate to the tank. I think smaller but more ripples at the surface is more effective and pleasing to the eyes.

I saw one that was a huge square on top that when filled with water it would fall and spill into the tank .

That's where I originally got this idea .
I think buckets hanging above the display would look kinda ghetto ,

 

[jeffaquarius]

If I have to make a DIY wave maker, I would just use a paddle partially submerged at one end of tank driven by a very slow and adjustable speed motor with a crankshaft similar to the wheel of a train engine. The paddle would just sway back and forth creating ripples to the surface.

 

[Rmckoy]

If I have to make a DIY wave maker, I would just use a paddle partially submerged at one end of tank driven by a very slow and adjustable speed motor with a crankshaft similar to the wheel of a train engine. The paddle would just sway back and forth creating ripples to the surface.

Wouldn't water spilling or dumping in be more realistic ?

 

[jeffaquarius]

Wouldn't water spilling or dumping in be more realistic ?

If you can recreate a beach in your tank, yes.

 

[Gregcoyote]

A wave maker will create a surge without all the mechanical issues, but a proper dump system does more than just create a surge.