Scwd opinions

I bought a used 125 and it has a scwd on it is there anything in particular I should know about it and how does it work or what do I need to do I don't know anything about them thanks

 

I started my current 100G reef years ago with a SCWD on my closed loop powered by a Quiet One 4000 soon replaed by an Ocean Runner 3500. First thing you notice is the SCWD robs about 30% or the flow due to the headloss created by turning the turbine wheel which causes the gate to move around and switch the flow back and forth. I used the SCWD for 2 years. They are very sensitive to dirty water and even a grain of sand or some food can jam the tiny gears and stop the switching. I installed mine with unions on each side so I could remove and clean it every 4-6 weeks in a vinegar bath and run a garden hose through it to flush it out well. They are a cool idea and do their job as long as you have a pump large enough to drive it and have enough left over for flow or circulation.

I eventually replaced it with a used Oceans Motions Squirt two way which has now been in operation almost 8 years. The Squirt does not restrict flows since it uses a small electric motor to drive magnets so you get the full capacity of the pump. I would keep and eye out for one if you want the wavemaer motion without addding powerheads or even in addition to powerheads. I have two Evolutions 1400's on a Reefkeeper Lite switching every 30 seconds plus the Squirt on my return powered by a WaterBlaster HY-5000 pump and love the random flows provided by the mix of devices and switching times.

 

Thanks for the info I'm going to check it out later I'm not sure if it comes off or not but if it does I will clean it real good and try to use it a while and maybe upgrade later if needed

 

I've used SCWDs for several years with no troubles at all...both the 3/4" and the 1" models. IME, SCWDs really don't lose much flow as long as you've got at least 500 gph or so behind them. I've never had one quit or go noisy, and I've probably got four of them running ATM.

I even have one on the same tank that I'm running an Ocean Motions four-way...the OM is on the closed-loop and the SCWD is on the main return.

JME with SCWDs.

 

Mine dosnt come completely off its tied into the plumbing but the top comes off so I can wipe it out occasionally and I have a 1000 gph pump

 

What is a SCWD?

 

It stands for Switching Current Water Director it's a type of wavemaker.
It's pronounced "Squid".

 

SCWD Wavemaker - Switching Current Water Director (Squid)

 

Ah...you have the 1" version then. Most of my experience is with the smaller model, but I did install the 1" version on our 210 gal FOWLR (along with the Ocean Motion 4-way).

 

Do I need to add more circulation or is this enough