another wave box question...

[abraham]

So I set up my wave box yesterday, I love the motion in the tank, but I am disappointed in the very small wave generated. I feel that I'm probably doing something wrong, but I don't know what. I set it up like the manual said and made very small adjustments. I did seem to find a "sweet spot", but the wave action is probably only 1/2" I was worried that it might splash out, but it's not even close. I realize that this is vague at best, but what could be causing such small wave action? It has a clear shot across the tank, I don't know. When I watch some of the videos on-line, people are getting amazing action out of these things....what there secret???

 

[cjgalante]

I think i saw yesterday you were outting it in a 4ft tank! I've read thats all you get is 1/2" to 3/4" wave.

Chris

 

[abraham]

Well if that's the case, then I guess I've got it dialed in. In the videos I've seen the tanks were 6ft and the waves were larger. but maybe because those tanks were narrower than my 120?

 

[rvitko]

You should be able to get at least 3/4". Check a few things-

First, the sponge in the box is not a prefilter, it is to dampen vibration and it should not cover the pump inlet. Also, turn the slotted part of the pump outlet/inlet upwards and the solid side down.

Make sure you installed the screws in the back. Even with a mag holder you want to plug these holes.

These two changes alone can add about 1/4"

I would also suggest tuning it further, try turning it very slowly, the wave is correct when it is constant in height and the crest is on one side, trough on the other.

3/4"-1.5" are possible depending on overflow position and tank layout. Center overflows and an unobstructed shot to the other side of the tank give the best results.

 

[abraham]

OK, thanks. I'll check them out tonight!

 

[Sullyman]

Abraham, I'm going through the same thing. Setting up a wavebox in a tank 48x32x24 and having bad results. From what Roger told you, I know I have to double check that blue sponge.
I have euro bracing that didn't allow me to have the wavebox out of the water to the blue line, what does that affect?
At one point had about a 1/4" wave, does it have to run long for a wave to get larger? Tried it for approx 10 minutes in a few different spots

 

[rvitko]

It has to be out of the water to the blue line, that is critical for the surgeing to work as it needs to empty the box and displace that volume of water with air.