Hidden Tunze Stream

High tide · #1 03-23-2009, 05:09 PM

I like that idea, personally! I have been thinking of doing the same...an external wavebox! I like this design because you still get the flow only a tunze can provide (Vortechs can't replicate) and there is nothing taking up space in your tank. As long as the box is large enough and has a wave interval, it won't run dry. I don't think you should be concerned about moving your flow if it is properly placed in the first place, if coral growth is impeding flow....time to frag or upgrade the size of your Tunze.

Delphinus · #2 03-23-2009, 05:30 PM

This wouldn't be an external wavebox. A wavebox has to be enclosed so that the only way water gets in or out is through the pump. An external wavebox is a great idea because it doesn't really matter where you put it, the idea is you're just displacing water in and out of the tank.

An external stream just because we don't like the looks of them isn't the same beast at all. The whole advantage a Stream has over a Vortech is that you can aim the Stream. Otherwise the Vortech wins out in terms of controllability, and in fact they are so controllable that for some people they trump the aimability of Streams. If you think they cannot replicate the flow of a Stream then I think something is wrong with the way it's setup. So to me this idea is saying, well, I like the Tunze better but I will never ever ever want to change the way it's pointed or where it's physically located. And sure, you could size it up but sometimes it's not a volume issue but a location issue. AND you're taking a chance that the future of Stream design will always be compatible with the size of hole you've got. Say for example you want to sell the tank in a couple of years, I myself wouldn't want to buy the tank if I had to look for 3 or 4 year old Streams to use for them because the current design has changed. Or looking at having to patch the hole or something.

Let's be clear, the idea will work just fine but it just seems strange to me to go to this extra effort to deliberately limit your future options with it just so you can say it looks a little better.

Pescador · #3 03-23-2009, 05:43 PM

Stream rocks are pretty unobtrusive, there's a big softy growing on the one on the left.

High tide · #4 03-23-2009, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delphinus

This wouldn't be an external wavebox. A wavebox has to be enclosed so that the only way water gets in or out is through the pump. An external wavebox is a great idea because it doesn't really matter where you put it, the idea is you're just displacing water in and out of the tank.

An external stream just because we don't like the looks of them isn't the same beast at all. The whole advantage a Stream has over a Vortech is that you can aim the Stream. Otherwise the Vortech wins out in terms of controllability, and in fact they are so controllable that for some people they trump the aimability of Streams. If you think they cannot replicate the flow of a Stream then I think something is wrong with the way it's setup. So to me this idea is saying, well, I like the Tunze better but I will never ever ever want to change the way it's pointed or where it's physically located. And sure, you could size it up but sometimes it's not a volume issue but a location issue. AND you're taking a chance that the future of Stream design will always be compatible with the size of hole you've got. Say for example you want to sell the tank in a couple of years, I myself wouldn't want to buy the tank if I had to look for 3 or 4 year old Streams to use for them because the current design has changed. Or looking at having to patch the hole or something.

Let's be clear, the idea will work just fine but it just seems strange to me to go to this extra effort to deliberately limit your future options with it just so you can say it looks a little better.

Yes, not quite an external wavebox...I guess I should have said the overflow would be pointless and a logistical nightmare...other than that, an external wavebox. They are not sealed units though and are open to breathe.

Wave boxes do provide laminar flow as well as wave action, if you want the most out of your WB you place it where the flow can be utilized as well.

Tunze pumps are more powerful(comparing gph) and go further than Vortech pumps, in my opinion a superior pump.

The style of the Stream has changed but the diameter of the outflow hasn't, so that is a mute point.

Delphinus · #5 03-23-2009, 06:01 PM

Well, they're not sealed per se, just intended to be open to air. But water does get in through the slatted bottom and so on. The main idea is you have to empty the box and let it refill, but there's no "overflow" into the box. Good to know the hole size hasn't changed with the next gens. But it sort of sounds like we're in agreement here, so it's a "moot" (

) point. I think an external wavebox is a GREAT idea. I think an external Stream though, ie. not wavebox, is a .. not so great idea.

But it would work, just in a "not the most bang for the buck" kind of way. If that makes any sense.

Dez · #6 03-23-2009, 06:54 PM

Hmmm....I didn't even know that a stream rock even existed until now. That might be a great option for me. Thanks for the advice. This will really help me out.

mr_alberta · #7 03-23-2009, 09:30 PM

You should be able to get Tunze Rocks for pretty cheap now since I don't think they work with the newly redesigned Tunze streams.

Pescador · #8 03-23-2009, 09:46 PM

Stream rocks come with an adapter ring now that will fit every kind of stream pump except for the nano. - from the Tunze site.