Trouble with ZooMed-PowerSweep wavemakers

[Francisco]

This is a question for somebody familiar with the Power Sweep wavemakers by Zoo Med, I got a couple of these units for my 50g semi-reef tank because it seemed like a good way to create internal currents but lately and after I did a routine maintenance to clean the units they are not working like they are supposed to, in another words they not longer rotate, I disassembled them again and cleaned with vinegar and water following the manufacturer recommendation and put them together but with not luck, the water flows all right but they rotate for a couple of minutes and then stop, does anybody have had any experience with those units?, help will be appreciated.:confused:

[OrionGirl]

I haven't had good luck with any of the rotating powerheads. Tried for a year or two, fiddling with them in different spots in the tank, cleaning weekly, cleaning every other day, and finally gave up--they just get clogged with coralline and sponges and stony tube worms to quickly. Too much hassle. I replaced each sweeper with 2 powerheads, set so the water crosses pathes and creates more current.

Sorry I can't provide any good advice.

[mogurnda]

Francisco,
I think you learned the same lesson that many of us have over the years. Zoo-Med powerheads fail. I have tinkered endlessly with the one I have, and it simply won't rotate anymore.

OrionGirl's suggestion is the simplest and most trouble-free. There are also switching devices (like this (http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=PA&Product_Code=RED-SEAWAVE&Category_Code=Wavemaking)) that will switch powerheads off and on at random times. I think there may be less expensive ones, but that was the first I found.

[Francisco]

Thanks for your suggestions, if I ultimately decide to replace the Zoo-Med powerheads and if I like to create good circulation with conventional powerheads would you give me any advice on what kind, how many units and good placement on a 40 gallon tall with rather live large rocks and sand as substrate?

[OrionGirl]

I would use 4--for placement, you just have to move them around until you find what works best. We re-arrange the powerheads in our tanks about once a month--just to keep things different.

[reefpicker]

Hi,

You have been given extremely good advice, as usual ;)

Anyway, I wanted to add that I have also had problems with the rotating powerheads from zoomed.

The mechanism they use is not good for a reeftank... They will fail, always....

Also, this powerheads are extremely large for their output...

I like OrionGirls idea of moving things around. 4 PH would be good for your tank if you want good circulation...

Also consider this:

You can place 2 (or 4 as OG suggested) PH in opposing sides.

You can place at least 1 PH under the rockwork, pointing to the front or top of the tank. I use this arrangement to prevent stagnant points inside my PVC skeleton rockwork.

Instead of buying an expensive wavemaker, buy a digital timer (you find them at Home Depot). I use two timers in my tank for the powerheads. I program them to be less active at night when fish are "sleeping". A digital timer can be program to turn on a device for 1 minute or several hours... They can turn a device on and off several times during the day, I believe up to 7... So the powerhead can be on for several hours, minutes etc.

I also have a timer that can turn a device on or off in 30minute increments. You can essentially have your PH turn on for 30minutes and off for 30minutes all day long!!! It is very cheap, just like 10 dollars but I cant remember where I got it... sorry


I also have at least one small powerhead on all day. My tank is 55g. I have 4 PH...

I hope I helped! ;)