Squid alternating current

[kidder]

Was wanting some opinions on the Squid from people who have used them. My experience consists of a couple of flops. I had one on my previous tank (20 long) on the return from the sump and over the course of 6 months or so I had at least 2 failures. They would just stop alternating. Well, I now have my third one sitting in the box (a warranty replacement from the 2nd one) and am wondering if I should place it on my 90. Also wondering how much water they restrict, i.o.w. will I need to go up a pump size on the return? Thanks!

 

[returnofsid]

I've had a SQWD on my 75 running for 3 years without fail. I've never done any maintenance to it or anything. It was used when I got it, so I don't know how long it's actually been in use.

 

[SU#!]

I had three of them hooked up on my 270g reef for over four years until i broke the tank down. I am now using one on my 65g cube and the other 2 are on another persons 120g tank. I thought they worked very well.

 

[kgross]

A sqwd can create a lot of friction loss. The 3/4 inch version is terrible in stock form. But they do work very well when clean. I have no idea how returnofsid has been able to keep his running, since most people have to clean them out about every 3 to 6 months. To clean them, I normally soak in bleach water, then vinegar water, then they work great again. Now the 1 inch version is much much better than the 3/4 inch. The 3/4 inch version has barb connecters with about a 3/8 inch opening in them, the 1 inch is female threaded. Plus the 1 inch you can open up the top to clean it out.



Kim

 

[returnofsid]

Probably the same way someone else in this thread used 2 of them for 4 years...lol. I don't have any tricks. Mine was used and already hooked up with1 supply hose, 2 pieces of exit hose and the outlet nozzles. All I did was hook it up to my pump and hang the outlet nozzles over the rim of my tank. Haven't touched them since.

 

[Myteemouse]

I used one for months till I got my SEA swirls!
No problems!
They constrict flow a bit but you can dremmel out the inside a bit for that if your REALLY worried!!

 

[trido]

Here is a step by step thread on how to mod the 3/4" version to make it work much better. In most cases, the SCWD gets detritous or debris (sand or LR shed) in the gears causing them to seize up.

 

[addocdreefer]

scwd

thanks for the DIY link Trido. i have had the 3/4" version for about a year and a half with no problems until just recently. it was my fault though, i was cleaning out my sump and some sand or rocky debris got sucked in and jammed it. i should have turned off the pump while servicing!

 

[addocdreefer]

SCWD follow up

I modded my SCWD similar to the mods on the last page of this link:

http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=76847

I used a 2" ABS cleanout adapter cut shorter for the top. I used a tapered reamer to open up the outlets to 9/16". My outlets were a little off center so 5/8" would have broken thru I think. On the inlet I used a 3/4" FPT x 1-1/2" slip reducer bushing and a 3/4" hose x 3/4" MPT adapter. Glued everthing with PVC cement (except the threads). Works better than new with more flow now and is servicable thru the top.

Saved $35 for a new one plus had fun!

 

[windwaterwaves]

How noisy are these, i want an Oceans Motions but if I can get by for a little while with one of these i'd do it..

 

[returnofsid]

Mine is silent. Even though it's still working just fine, I am thinking about replacing it with a new one. Although I don't see any problems with mine, I've never taken it off the system and it could be constricting, due to build up. If I get a new one, I'll mod it before putting it into use.

 

[kgross]

Sqwd's are pretty much silent. You can hear a slight noise from the spinning gears but that is very very hard to hear.

Kim

 

[gas4544]

I am running a 3/4" SQWD on an internal closed loop in my 30 gallon AIO tank. I have it plumbed to an older Eheim 1060 and it has been working well since September with no cleaning yet.

Gary