Wavemakers

The wave generator delivers water by two alternating water inlets at flow rates far in excess of the pump capacity. (For a short time only.) A constant flow, as delivered by a pump, it not a natural condition, in fact it is more like an exception in nature. The wave generator, I designed, collects water from the pump over a time of say 30 seconds, and delivers it to the aquarium in about 5 seconds, reaching flowrates of up to 1,400 l/h during this short time. A flap inside the wave generator switches over and the next delivery goes to the other side of the aquarium, changing direction of the water flow every time. - [Details]

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The Wavemaker is to switch between two alternating power heads in the tank. It is possible to also add more power heads, but these will just be located on the same switch as the first two. Also could be used for one power head to turn on and off. Have to select a cycle time for the circuit which has two setting, one activated, one deactivated. Therefore it can be set such that a power head is on for one part of the cycle, then the other on is on for the remainder. Currently the cycle is set that one power head is on for 10 seconds, then the other for another 10 seconds, a cycle time of 20 seconds. It will have to be seen whether this is satisfactory when applied to a tank. The parts used for construction are as follows, all parts were purchases from Dick Smith Electronics - [Details]

The wavemaker circuit is based on the 555 timer, which is really a basic building block for anyone who does DIY electronics. There are about 20 different companies which make a 555 compatible timer, so feel free to buy which ever one you can find. You can also use the 556 timer, which is a dual version of the 555. - [Details]