1 Wavebox or 2?

[baldgeek]

How many waveboxes are needed to effectively generate wave action in an 8ft 210G tank?

 

[USC-fan]

2

 

[baldgeek]

Kinda thinking the same thing. I just don't seem to get much action off the one. The docs all seem to talk in terms of gallons, but I also remember several references to 6 ft tanks.

 

[baldgeek]

One other thing. Should they been directly opposite each other or a front right, rear left setup?

 

[USC-fan]

opposite and its really important to have a clear shot across the tank.

 

[rvitko]

You should only need one, it all comes down to tuning, the only time you need two is if a tank is very wide or above 320gallons. For an 8ft by 2ft tank a fairly large wave should be possible if the driver is at full power and the frequency is properly tuned. You need to find the single wave frequency, one crest and one trough and the wave should be nearly 2" tall.

 

[baldgeek]

I think the current opinion of people more learned than me is the placement of the overflow boxes may be the issue. The tank is not drilled so I have to use 2 overflow boxes which are currently located in the rear left corner. I will move them as close to the center as I can given the center brace of the tank, or put one on either side if possible. This will interfere pretty badly with the close loop setup I had planned. Will putting the overflows on either the same or opposite end of the wavebox have any effect?

 

[rvitko]

The main problem is the overflows on the tank will absorb some of the wave energy in the corners and reduce wave height, they also can run dry due to the wave trough. The center is the fulcrum of the wave and the surface changes very little, the closer the overflows are to the center the better.

 

[baldgeek]

Someone tried to explain that to me yesterday and for some reason it did not sink in. Makes perfect sense now though. Gotta see if I can muster up enough energy to swap stuff around. Thanks for the explanation.

 

[pjgriffin]

I have an 80" 225g tank with an external horizontal overflow and a single wavebox creates a single 1.5" wave with no problem.

 

[baldgeek]

I am going to borrow a Tunze 6100 to see what kind of difference it makes.

 

[SERVO]

I have a 380 gallon 8 foot long 2.5 deep tank. I can get a wave generated with one box, but with an extension.......it gives me a true wave motion 2 inches plus!

 

[bbehring]

so one wave box in the center of a 210 AGA with 2 overflows at each side wouldn't work? Side overflows will run dry?

 

[shawnz28]

Noise is typically the problem as the wave throws water over them

 

[baldgeek]

OK, think I have it sorted now. Since this thread started, I added a 6100 and have the controller now set to alternated b/w the two. When I fed the corals last night, I turned off the main return and watched it. The wave was quite noticeable. I think I can rearrange one of the overflows to have it closer the center of the tank. I have another 6100 and a 7095 on the way, so I think that combo along with moving the outside of the two overflows will satisfy the waveaholic in me. I would move the boxes to have one on either side of the brace, but I can't because of the way to main return is done. I might be able to do it, but it would require a bit more plumbing. Knowing this all now, I would have just gone with a second wavebox, but I did not want to give up that real estate.