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Opinions on new product - 1" SQWD

B

boontonbob

Anybody have an opinions they could share on this new product?I'm preparing to finally change over my plumbing to a new sump and skimmer and got an email from Something Fishy that this SQWD product is out (see the write up below). I used the 3/4" version for a couple years and it worked okay. (I had low requirements for flow in that tank) I would like to preserve more flow in my current 75G tank. (I paln to keep Montepora and other easy SPS, green hammer, etc) The cost has been hiked up to $90 from $30.

I think I am leaning towards going this route for the ease of it. I plan on using a Mag 9.5 or slightly stronger on my return
Thanks in advance


Text:
The 1” SCWD from 3iQ Ventures was designed and built to the highest standards of Quality and Reliability. Designed with large aquarium and pond applications in mind, this device will provide increased water movement at higher volume rates. With its 1” standard threaded inlet and outlets, the device can be hard plumbed with PVC fittings, or soft plumbed using barbed fittings. The cap is removable, which allows for easy maintenance. With the new drive design, the 1” SCWD will run with pump applications from 500 GPH to 3500 GPH. Besides the obvious physical differences, the design of the 1” SCWD is targeted toward higher water volume output, with a substantially increased switching duration. A longer interval between switching cycles means better water movement penetration to the extreme areas of larger aquariums, providing your corals, invertebrates, and plants with longer periods of time between shifting currents.

The 1” SCWD comes preassembled with the standard drive assembly installed. With its efficient new design, the 1” SCWD allows the hobbyist to switch out drive assemblies and diverters to customize the output flow and switching duration to meet their specific water movement needs. (Additional drive assembly and carrier packages will be available for purchase separately.)



1” SCWD, Standard Drive

Switching Rate GPH
30 seconds
3500

55 seconds
1800

80 seconds
1200

120 seconds
900

155 seconds
720
 
B

Brian

Officer Emeritus
Officer Emeritus
Well it certainly sounds like they worked out a lot of the bugs of the 3/4" model. Being able to dissassemble it for cleaning is a huge plus and the higher flow rates and ability to switch the patterns is sweet!

Buy one and tell us how it works! :D
 
S

Subliminal

NJRC Member
I don't know about the bigger model, but I'm currently using the 3/4 variety and, while I really like it, I think it seriously impedes the system's flow. I have a 880 GPH pump on my closed loop setup for a 29g and I would REALLY like more flow. Tank definitely isn't living up to its 30x turnover rate.
 
K

KillaGoby

The older 3/4" model worked in my old 29 gallon, but not up to the specs that they listed on their website. I would not buy one again.

Bob, if this is going in to the 75 gallon I sold to you, you would be better off with a Tunze 6101 on a singlecontroller, or a Vortech for SPS's in that tank...
 
Phyl

Phyl

Officer Emeritus
Officer Emeritus
I agree. Get a SeaSwirl. Or win one at the Frag Swap. They usually donate. :)
 
B

Brian

Officer Emeritus
Officer Emeritus
I have 2 sea swirls as well...got them used over on our remote for sale forum.
 
MikeNapoli

MikeNapoli

KillaGoby said:
Beats $420.00 for a Vortech or $420 for the Tunze. (I'd rather have the Tunze though)
Click to expand...

I just picked up a Vortech from BillyR and put it in my 58gallon Frag tank (in the works) and the flow is ridiculous. I'm gonna have to put it in my main tank because it's too nice for a coral tank.

__________________________________________________________________________

Hey Bob, let us know how it works if you get one.

And like Rich said .. use the review section.
 
magic

magic

Officer Emeritus
Officer Emeritus
I have the 3/4" and it works well (for $30). At $90 the 1" is worth a shot. I also just bought a Vortech for my 46. If I turn it up I can blow the coraline off the lr ;D

Bob
 
B

boontonbob

Thanks everyone.
So many bleeping decisions to make, especially when the budget is stretched thin!

I will put some more research into it. Seeing that the cost will be $100 with shipping, it is not much of a stretch to go with the sea swirl. I also want to think down the road when I upgrade to a 180 or so.

I am still intrigued about it and will read up the reviews on it. (I haven't yet) I like the fact that it is simply plumbed into the return line.

In fact, I can easily modify the flex. pvc line that I am going to use and add it soon if I can be convinced on the improvements
 
M

mott768

I've been using the 3/4 model now for 3 years with no troubles, it's on a mag 7 and although it does cut the flow it works great on my 40 gal breeder tank. I do run vortech's and tunze's on my other tanks. But I will say the scwd is something you can get now that's affordable till you can save up for some tunze nano's or a vortech. If you do decide to use a scwd make sure to run a screen on you pump to stop snails and other stuff from getting stuck in it.
 
K

KillaGoby

I'd go with something other than the SCWD in that 75 gallon. I just don't think a SCWD would cut it in that size tank with SPS's. Plus, if that is going to be your return pump for your sump too you'd have to take in to account how your skimmer and sump would react to all of that flow going through them. Usually slower flows run through sumps because of skimmer designs.
 
D

DaveK

Rather that the SQWD, you might want to consider the various powerhead mod kits available. They are inexpensive, and will give you a lot better flow than you'll ever get out of a SQWD, simply because th SQWD is limited to the amount of flow from your return pump.

Here are a couple of offsite links. I haven't used either product myself, so I can't recommend one over the other.

http://www.petstore.com/ps_ViewItem-idProduct-AF1551.html

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewI..._Supplies_Powerheads_Accessories&vendor=.html
 
B

boontonbob

I'm right with you there Dave. In fact, I'm leaning towards doing both for some cross current action, since the SQWD uses noooo electricity. I am thinking about ordering both in the next group buy if Prem Aquatics picks up the SQWD product
The only with the mod. device is that it will look obstructive in my humble 75
Thanks
 
Baxreefs

Baxreefs

I used the 3/4" on my 26 and again on my 75 (as one of two CLs) for $30 they were great at low flow I kept two so I could soak one very so often and they are still in my spare parts box. At $90 they set the price point to be below SS & OM products. If the cost is the driver, look at the OM squirt products a little more money, but will allow more flow. You may like the 1" , as it sounds like a much improved prodcut, but I think you'll want a bigger pump and that'll mean more heat.

I thought the 3/4 SCWD was great in my 26, but in my 75, even with two CLs, I eventually got a Tunze, and later a VorTech before I was happy with my flow for SPS.

Keep in mind, I am addicted to flow 8)
 
blange3

blange3

Sounds like some good imporvements, but I don't think they justify the amount of the price increase unless the amount of flow reduction has decreased dramatically as well.

They have a good chart for flow losses with the 3/4" model on their site, but I couldn't even find a mention of the 1" model. Even though you can find them for sale with no problems.
 
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