Another powerhead question

[thegrandpoohbah]

I know I've read this somewhere before but I searched and can't find it now. Is there any problem with hooking a couple powerheads (let's say a pair of Koralia 1's) to a couple of digital timers and set them to go on and off at different intervals to mimic wave action? I'm sure there must be something I'm missing otherwise people would do that instead of buying wavemakers. Does it somehow wear them out prematurely?

[jeremai]

Depends on the powerhead. Koralias, SEIOs, etc are generally a bad idea with on/off wavemakers; MaxiJets, etc are generally ok.

[thegrandpoohbah]

Why are they a bad idea?

[xenon]

Why are they a bad idea?

 

The a/c powered pumps will spin backwards sometimes when turned on and there is a stopper for the prop to correct itself. If this happens too often the power head will get damaged.

 

You need d/c powered pumps that will turn in the right direction every time.

 

With that being said there should be no problem having two a/c power heads alternate every 15mins, 30mins or 60mins. I have two Tunze 6025's that I alternate every hour with no problems.

[thegrandpoohbah]

Thanks xenon.