Need help with choosing wavemaker pumps/system -Energy Effic

[1brent1]

Need input on adding more internal water flow and or wavemakers. Mostly Reef.

I'm just finishing up my 180 gal (72x31x18 "http://www.partydamage.com/fishtank/09.jpg" not 72x24x24)

I currently have 4 Hydor Flo's "http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_wavemakers_filters_hydor_bioflo_bio_flo_aerobic.asp?ast=&key=" spread across the top of the tank attached to my returns with about 235 gph going through each. Inside the tank I would like to add some type of pump on each end of the tank to help with the water current/waves. Maybe put them on some type of timed intervoles gadget?

What should I go with?? I was hoping 2 Tunze 6060's "http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=TZ1313", one on each end of the tank toward the bottom pointing upwards. REALLY like the idea of them being only 11 watts. But don't like this part "designed to run continuously and cannot be used with a controller or wavemaker". Would it be ok to just have them run continuously? Or would it be a 100 times better to have 2 pumps on a timed wavemaker?

What to do?? What do you have running in your tank??

 

[tecwzrd]

Your son is too cute sitting in the tank Sounds like you have great surface action going on, now for lower currents. The same site has Tunze Wavemakers in link with the Tunze Turbelle Pumps

Of course if money is no object than that would be an excellent setup. It would kind of be overkill for my 55 gal so I just use 2 Maxi-Jet 1200 and 1 Penguin 1140 hooked up to a Coralife Power Center which cycles them on and off every 15 minutes. I also have a Powersweep 228 that stays on all the time but don’t recommend them due to the low gph flow you get.

If you’re just looking to increase flow you could also go with a couple of Seio Super Flow pumps but these can’t be put on a controller.

 

[austinsdad]

I like the Red Sea Wavemaster Pro for reef. Controls 3 PHs intermittently to simulate the natural flows of the ocean. Got a feed button that turns'm all off for 10 minutes or so. The internal timer creates a more subtle flow at nite time for sleeping. Runs about $110.

 

[MT79]

If your a DIY'er you could build a "closed loop" system using a Mag 12 or 18(or something similar) with a SCWD. Here is an example of a smaller closed loop- http://www.melevsreef.com/closedloop.html

I added a SCWD to the return from my sump, I'm using a Mag 9.5, and I really like the effect the SCWD has. And better yet it doesn't use any electricity.