Canreef Aquatics Bulletin Board - creating a wave? novelty or important?

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- - creating a wave? novelty or important? (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=92483)

Quote:

Originally Posted by xenon (Post 772545)

There seems to be different definitions of a "wave" in an aquarium.

Post a video of your wave. Even two Vortech powerheads in anti-sync mode can produce a wave in the aquarium but its violent.

A Tunze wavebox creates a massive wave in a tank but does it effortlessly with a very small pump in a box.

You just cant compare the two. I've tried both and Tunze wavebox kills!

I've never used or seen a wavebox in action ... besides videos
Vortech waves are controllable, and don't need to be violent to be effective
I don't want to overly stress my tank seams, so my wave only travels less than 1/4" up and down, closer to 1/8" travel
The wave still has a very positive effect on all my corals with the back and forth motion

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delphinus (Post 772595)

I like the wave effect myself, it does create a nice back and forth whooshing effect that is neat to watch especially with tentacly things like anemones or softies, and seems to promote good polyp extension overall.

But the box takes a fair chunk-o-space in the tank.

Seen the waves produced by Vortechs and it's impressive that they can do that without the aid of a box to displace water in and out of (like how the Tunzes do it). Not sure but I think you need more than one though, to pull it off correctly.

In small tanks, a wave can be created with only one pump, but in doing so the pump has a much larger output force so it's hard on anything close to it

Quote:

Originally Posted by xenon (Post 772545)

Yes, the box does a better wave, but slightly. I get a 2 inch wave cresting in the center of the tank. Not quite the force a box generates, but still a wave by any definition.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquattro (Post 772600)

Yes, the box does a better wave, but slightly. I get a 2 inch wave cresting in the center of the tank. Not quite the force a box generates, but still a wave by any definition.

Wow :surprise:
I'd be nervous creating a wave that big
Besides it probably spilling out the top of my tank, I'd be worried about my seams letting go
Nevermind all the noise from the overflow box slurp slurp slurp :wink:

Greg, it's not that noisy. It gets bigger at 1:30 when then mid day cycle starts, and you can hear it then, but it's just background noise now :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquattro (Post 772605)

Greg, it's not that noisy. It gets bigger at 1:30 when then mid day cycle starts, and you can hear it then, but it's just background noise now :)

What are you making your waves with ?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delphinus (Post 772595)

But the box takes a fair chunk-o-space in the tank.

I found a way to hide it :) - external wave box!!!:biggrin:

Quote:

Originally Posted by gregzz4 (Post 772609)

What are you making your waves with ?

2 Tunze 6100s

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquattro (Post 772634)

2 Tunze 6100s

What are you controlling the tunze with? What size of tank and how do you have them placed? (Sorry, complete rookie. I have to ask lots of questions)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calgarynewtankguy (Post 772635)

What are you controlling the tunze with? What size of tank and how do you have them placed? (Sorry, complete rookie. I have to ask lots of questions)

I use an Apex controller, with specific profiles for a 6' tank. Cost of the pumps and controller are probably more than a box, so consider that. I had the stuff anyway, so for me it was the way to go.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquattro (Post 772636)

I already have the apex controller and probably only need 6095's (according to tunze) for my tank. Did you create the profile or find it some where?