Tide Simulator?

When I eventually get lights; I am thinking about 3 Ecoxotic stunner strips.

 

If you use my idea you only need one return pump. Its the turning on and off of the sprinkler valve that controls the level of the water

 

Here is my simple drawing! The bigger the pump the bigger the pull and wave! IDK. I think my perception of a tide pool is different..... lol!

 

I have 48 inch Exotic stunners. I first got a 12k/445nm and it wasn't nearly bright enough for my 90 gal. So I got a 48 inch 8000 K and the pair makes a great look.

 

at low tide you'll need a small pump if you want to replicate a real tide pool ...

 

But how do I control (automate) the sprinkler valve? I do want some water movement at low tide.

 

I was thinking 2 of the 453nm 12.5" and 1 of the 445nm/12K 12.5" for the middle

 

I am very lost....lol! I think your perception of tide pool is very different from mine!

 

I might have some corals. lol. But yes I realize that will be too BLUE. haha..I should change that.

 

The sprinkler valve has an electric solenoid which when current is applied it opens the valve. You could probably wire this to a simple timer or even wire it up to a controller if you have one.
Orbit 1 in. NPT Green Jar Top Valve - 57461 at The Home Depot

As for water movements there are a few ways to accomplish this. You can run loc-line to the low water level, as long as it is plumbed from near the top of the tank through a bulkhead. You would have to have a siphon hole drilled in the line that prevents a siphon when your pump is off. This way you can use just one pump for all water movement. It would be the easiest idea I can come up with. Also you will want a larger sump to accommodate the extra water it will handle during low tide.