sea swirl units

[andrewbrichards]

hey everyone! i have set up a 90 gallon tank that i intend to make a reef tank. currently, my set-up is as follows:

cpr cs90 overflow unit with aqualifter
30-gallon sump
trickle filter through live rock
berlin classic venturi skimmer driven by rio hf10 660 gph
return flow through 3/4" pvc
fluval 404 with foam inserts and polyfiber (should i add any carbon?)
coralife turbotwist 3x 9watt uv sterilizer
tronic 150watt heaters (2)
100 lbs. fiji live rock (will be adding 25-50 more lbs. at the end of this week)
100 lbs. caribsea west caribbean reef live sand

for circulation, i am using the return flow from the sump and the fluval (they run separately), and two powerheads:

aquaclear 50 (270 gph)
zoomed powersweep ps228 (270 gph)

ok my question is this- i am considering purchasing a sea swirl 3/4" unit, but i heard that they wear out somewhat easily, meaning that they do not complete their full range of motion after being used for awhile. is this true? i would really like to get as much rotating current as possible, as opposed to the constant current from the aquaclear powerhead and return flows. if the sea swirl is worth it, i will definitely get one, but if there is a chance of it wearing out, i don't want to spend that much money and maybe i should consider a scwd or something else along that line. what do you think?

-andy

 

[Ed Hahn]

I have had three Sea swirls. The only one that ever stop working on me was dropped into the water. They do not work under water but short circuit. If this happens the motor can be replaced by a distributor of Sea Swirls and you are ready to go again. Aquatic Dreams replaced the motor in my Sea Swirl for me for a very reasonable price. I think Sea Swirls are awesome and last a long time unless they are abused in some way. I have two 3/4 inch Sea Swirls on my 90 gallon IAP. As far as circulation you can add a adaptor for a dual outlet and put what ever type of nozzles for a 180 degree sweep of circulation. I love Sea Swirls.
Thats my two cents,
good luck,
Ed

 

[bc_slc]

i agree. they provide great, random flow and don't decrease the flowrate any more than regular pipe.

 

[CarlaW]

here's another ad for sea-swirls. I have 4 3/4" on my 300 and the only time one failed was becauseit got caught on a snail and burned out the motor. Got that replaced and it's working good as new now.

 

[wrightme43]

I have a 1" at home and a 1" on a customers tank. The LFS has some that are over 3 years old working fine. I like them and reccomened them. If it breaks its a abberation not the norm.

 

[Kensn]

I am another pro sea-swirl user. I have one in each front corner of my 90. I have them timed so that in the middle of each of their sweeps they are pointed at each other and creates some great random currents. I have not had any problems with either of them for the 18months I have had them.

Andy, welcome to Reef Frontiers, I believe you will find a wealth of knowledge, and very friendly folks here.

Ken

 

[andrewbrichards]

ok cool thanks alot for the info guys! i think i will go ahead and get one for my tank. thanks!