return pumps - wave maker?

[PPBlimpy]

Sitting at work pondering my next tank build and came across this idea

Thoughts on running dual return pumps on a Hydor smart wave switch.
It has multiple setting for length of on/off time.

example :
pump 1 returns on the left side of tank
pump 2 returns on the right side of tank

set to 1 minutes or

left pumps runs 1 minute while right pump is off and then vice a versa?

SMART WAVE

SMART WAVE helps recreate the natural currents that promote a healthy aquarium by controlling 1 or more pumps. Easy to use, SMART WAVE has 2 different movement programs with exchange times between 5 seconds and 6 hours and 2 different feeding programs. Compact, SMART WAVE is easy to conceal by...

hydor.com

i wish there was more time settings, i think 3 minutes would be better. it jump from 1 minute to 15 minute.

I would have to run 1 way valves in the return instead of syphon break to reduce back flow and bubbling.

I am currently running 2 12000lph DC pumps on my 125G ,turned down to less then 50% @ 5ft head. I could turn the returns up higher % and maybe use more nozzles to help spread flow better and get wave like action going?

not sure how well dc pumps would react to the on/off all day long.

thank you
ken

 

[exnisstech]

Not sure I would want return pumps cycling on and off. I think it would cause fluctuations in the water level along with wear and tear on the pump. My DC pumps take a few seconds to wind up not instant full power like an AC pump. I just use returns for filtration and flow through the sump fuge. I use power heads for my in tank flow.

 

[PPBlimpy]

Not sure I would want return pumps cycling on and off. I think it would cause fluctuations in the water level along with wear and tear on the pump. My DC pumps take a few seconds to wind up not instant full power like an AC pump. I just use returns for filtration and flow through the sump fuge. I use power heads for my in tank flow.

Yea I think I have gotten away from this idea with more thought.