Using wavemakers to bring waste up to filter intake

[cpm6t]

Has anybody successfully used wave-makers to bring up the fish waste/left food at the bottom, so that it can go in to the external filter? To the extent that you don't need to clean the bottom regularly?
I am planning to have a sand substrate and was wondering whether this can be achieved without stirring up the sand too much. The inlet to the sump filter will be at the top level.

Please advice regarding the number of units required, their positioning etc and whether this is feasible at all, in a 220g.

Or are there any other methods to achieve the same thing?

 

[uncpmatt]

I've never tried it, but IME with sand you are likely to end up with a sand drift at the opposite end of your tank lol. I guess that would depend on what kind/weight of sand you have. Cool idea though, I'm interested to hear how it goes if you try it.

 

[COG Commando]

Yes. I never have to vacuum my tank. I use 4 circulation pumps and a JBJ oceanpulse wavemaker to keep my substrate almost perfectly clean. I have two aimed at the surface for agitation and two aimed downward for sand sweeping. Those along with my Fx5 and AC110 keep my tank almost perfectly clean all of the time.

 

[Zari]

I have a bare bottom in my 55 Gallon and use a 500 gph circulation pump right on the bottom pretty much and it works like a charm. Most goes into the hob filters and a little piles in one corner and takes 5-10 seconds to vacuum up. In my other tank I have a power head pointing down and it keeps the bottom fairly clean. Still have to vacuum every now and then but nowhere near as often.

 

[cpm6t]

Yes. I never have to vacuum my tank. I use 4 circulation pumps and a JBJ oceanpulse wavemaker to keep my substrate almost perfectly clean. I have two aimed at the surface for agitation and two aimed downward for sand sweeping. Those along with my Fx5 and AC110 keep my tank almost perfectly clean all of the time.

Hey Marcus, Can you please share some more info?
What is your substrate? Sand?
What is the tank size and position of these units? Any pictures of your tank? Appreciate it.

 

[Gage Zamrzla]

Hey Marcus, Can you please share some more info?
What is your substrate? Sand?
What is the tank size and position of these units? Any pictures of your tank? Appreciate it.

+1 I'm interested to hear as well.

 

[evilobster]

+1 i'm interested if this can be done efficiently.

i like COG commando's idea, i currently have 135 gallon tank with a rena canister filter and i'm experimenting with hydor koralia evolution 750's to try and kick up the detritus in my tank and provide water flow needed by my plants

 

[Dan F]

I never clean my substrate (CaribSea Sunset Gold sand). I have a couple Tunze Nanostream and one Koralia circulation pumps on my 210. They are hooked up to a Tsunami wave-maker. Between the pumps and my Eartheaters' sifting the sand stays very clean, the only time I syphon is when I change the aquascaping (stuff does still build up under the driftwood).

 

[COG Commando]

Hey Marcus, Can you please share some more info?
What is your substrate? Sand?
What is the tank size and position of these units? Any pictures of your tank? Appreciate it.

75G Mbuna Reef - Rocks and sand
Here's a terrible picture - You can see all of the powerheads on the right half of the tank. The two on the left side, of the right half, are alternating every 20 seconds. The other two are constant.
I have no buildup of waste in my tank... anywhere, even under the rocks... only escaped fry under there Ha!!
(and it's by no means a whirlpool in there) Although it does help slightly that my fish are constantly moving in and out of their caves - they push waste out of any spots deep in the rocks where the circulation doesn't move the water as well.

 

[Dupe]

I will update on my 620 gallon tank next week. I just ordered a ecotec mp60 because I'm having problems with debris building up in the bottom.


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