Need some alternating flow...SWCD or SeaSwirl???

stunreefer · 05/15/2008, 11:34 PM

I'm in need of some alternating flow in my frag tank because the SPS are getting thicker and thicker, and I'm curious on opinions people have of the SCWD VS. the SeaSwirls. They would be for a 50 gal breeder frag tank, connected to the return pump. I was going to plumb the SCWD to have the inlets on opposite sides of the tank, or the SeaSwirl would be mounted in the corner. There is a powerhead mounted in the other corner to maintain a linear flow towards the overflow box as well. LMK what you guys think!

TIA!

BigAirHarper · 05/16/2008, 12:35 AM

I am interested too.

stunreefer · 05/16/2008, 09:24 AM

I've got local reefers who have both for sale right now... LMK what you guys think so I can pick them up this weekend!

Thanks!

riosrios · 05/16/2008, 09:48 PM

I will suggest SCWD

GQuinn · 05/16/2008, 10:33 PM

I have used both and I prefer Seaswirls (2 one in each corner of tank). The Seaswirls are very dependable as far as durability. I can't say the same for Squids as mine seemed to last a few months and would seize up and I couldn't free them. It also seemed the Squids reduced the pump output .

Gary

tangreefkeeper · 05/17/2008, 01:22 AM

what size and how many would you suggest for a 220 .. im running a reeflo snapper and two return .. one on each side with an enductor .. i want more flow basically

mattiej · 05/17/2008, 06:56 AM

I would highly recommend against the SQWD as the one I had lasted all of two months before finally seizing up. Repeated vinegar baths were not enough to keep the thing working and yes it also reduced pump flow drastically.

reefnut2790 · 05/17/2008, 08:59 AM

have had a SQWD on my 120 for almost a year and a half without issue. Always loved the alternating flow. you will lose some flow to its internal workings but most sumps are not high flow anyways

j7x7 · 05/17/2008, 11:43 AM

The first question would be if you are refering to the 3/4" or 1" SCWD. I have used both SCWDs and they do reduce flow by a fair amount. The 1" can be disassembled and cleaned, and is a much better product than the 3/4" which I have also used. I also have and still use 3/4" sea swirls with no issues for several years. If only using one of the products I would select the sea swirl. On the size of tank you are using it on I believe it will benefit you far better than either SCWD would for your application.

stunreefer · 05/17/2008, 03:41 PM

Thanks for all the replies guys!

I think I'm going to go with te SeaSwirl, I can find one for my tank for about the same price as a SCWD.

fishnut321 · 05/18/2008, 11:12 AM

wow, let me know if you find one that cheap!

05/15/2008, 11:34 PM	#1
stunreefer Reef Hugger Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Submerged Posts: 3,253	Need some alternating flow...SWCD or SeaSwirl??? I'm in need of some alternating flow in my frag tank because the SPS are getting thicker and thicker, and I'm curious on opinions people have of the SCWD VS. the SeaSwirls. They would be for a 50 gal breeder frag tank, connected to the return pump. I was going to plumb the SCWD to have the inlets on opposite sides of the tank, or the SeaSwirl would be mounted in the corner. There is a powerhead mounted in the other corner to maintain a linear flow towards the overflow box as well. LMK what you guys think! TIA!

05/16/2008, 09:24 AM	#3
stunreefer Reef Hugger Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Submerged Posts: 3,253	I've got local reefers who have both for sale right now... LMK what you guys think so I can pick them up this weekend! Thanks! __________________ -Austin Make your animals Thrive, not just Survive.

05/16/2008, 09:48 PM	#4
riosrios Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 73	I will suggest SCWD __________________ HK Reef Community http://reef.hk Current Tank Info: 48"x34"x24" 880L

05/17/2008, 06:56 AM	#7
mattiej Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Thorndale, PA Posts: 495	I would highly recommend against the SQWD as the one I had lasted all of two months before finally seizing up. Repeated vinegar baths were not enough to keep the thing working and yes it also reduced pump flow drastically. __________________ I don't need to eat as long as my tanks look good! Current Tank Info: 200 SPS, 1200 Scyliorhinus retifer and S. canicula, Shark Lagoon

05/17/2008, 03:41 PM	#10
stunreefer Reef Hugger Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Submerged Posts: 3,253	Thanks for all the replies guys! I think I'm going to go with te SeaSwirl, I can find one for my tank for about the same price as a SCWD. __________________ -Austin Make your animals Thrive, not just Survive.

05/16/2008, 12:35 AM	#2
BigAirHarper Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Destin, Florida Posts: 513	I am interested too.

05/16/2008, 10:33 PM	#5
GQuinn Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 982	I have used both and I prefer Seaswirls (2 one in each corner of tank). The Seaswirls are very dependable as far as durability. I can't say the same for Squids as mine seemed to last a few months and would seize up and I couldn't free them. It also seemed the Squids reduced the pump output . Gary

05/17/2008, 01:22 AM	#6
tangreefkeeper Moved On Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Fontana, CA Posts: 2,746	what size and how many would you suggest for a 220 .. im running a reeflo snapper and two return .. one on each side with an enductor .. i want more flow basically

05/17/2008, 08:59 AM	#8
reefnut2790 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: cincy, ohio Posts: 123	have had a SQWD on my 120 for almost a year and a half without issue. Always loved the alternating flow. you will lose some flow to its internal workings but most sumps are not high flow anyways

05/17/2008, 11:43 AM	#9
j7x7 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 91	The first question would be if you are refering to the 3/4" or 1" SCWD. I have used both SCWDs and they do reduce flow by a fair amount. The 1" can be disassembled and cleaned, and is a much better product than the 3/4" which I have also used. I also have and still use 3/4" sea swirls with no issues for several years. If only using one of the products I would select the sea swirl. On the size of tank you are using it on I believe it will benefit you far better than either SCWD would for your application.

05/18/2008, 11:12 AM	#11
fishnut321 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Warrensburg, Mo Posts: 763	wow, let me know if you find one that cheap!