My 6100's with the stock swivel arm on the magnetic holders. I stand back from the tank and see a noticable "droop" downward. Also, can you do anything about them changing direction on their own? I can set an angle and by the next day they have shifted slightly, as if the teeth aren't staying locked in on the swivel arm. Would the new extension swivel arms cure any of these problems and when should they be available? Does anyone know what angle your capable of achieving with the new arms? I'm wanting to move my 6100's to the back wall (in the corners) and angle them approx. 45-60 degrees across the rock work and use the deflection off the front glass of the bowfront, but with the stock arms I can't get close to these angles. TIA, Tim
Are they supposed to droop?
- Thread starter TankMan
- Start date
The new swicel arm will give the same angles on the magnet holder that are possible with the rail, it basically just overcomes hitting the magnet. Their is a slight droop to the pumps but it shouldn't be very much. You could shim this by putting a thin piece of plastic between the clip and the tabs. This slack was left because it is necessary so corralline algae doesn't lock the pieces together over time. The swivel arm should lock down if you have the pieces firmly meshed. I would do the assembly of the arm to the post of water so you can confirm they are properly meshed. Sometimes I see people put the arm on upside down so the pump is above the arm and not below and this would certainly exaggerate a problem.
Roger, I'm able to feel the arm mesh or drop into place as I swivel the pump around, so I believe it's locking, only it pops out occasionally. I thought maybe the droop factor contributed to it's popping out. Since I never used the rail method I'm not familier with the angles that can be acheived. What is your estimate as to how much swing I can get with the new arm on the magnetic holder? Thanks, Tim
johnnstacy
Premium Member
I have the identical problem. They are seated correctly. I can feel the friction in the grooves when I move them to the correct position but shortly after running they have somehow shifted and are pointing in a direction I did not want.
I think what contributes to this problem is the drooping down. With the powerhead hanging out on the arm, due to it's weight, it causes the arm to angle slightly downward thus not allowing the full circumference of teeth to engage, possible only the front portion of the circumference, in reference to looking down the top of the power head in the direction it is aimed. Then if you have the powerhead at an angle, the thrust produced causes it to shift. This has been my experiance. I suppose one could fix the desired angle into place by dropping a nylon bolt and nut through the hole in the arm and secure the teeth in place. Tim
I will ask Tunze next Tuesday if they have any suggestions for this. I am out of ideas accept for trying some thin slips of plastic like an old credit card to shim it level on the mount. For the 6200 Stream the hole in the post is threaded 8mm and an 8mm nylon screw is used to clamp it down, if you have a tap set you might try this, I am sure a standard size would work as well and Home Depot and Lowes carry Nylon screws.
Flighty
Premium Member
I wonder if a batch went out that are prone to this problem because I'm experiencing the same issue (2 6000s ). Both of them shift to the right over time. I do have them running at 100% with a very short interval to get the most chaotic flow that I can, so this probably increases the problem.
comatose
Active member
I had the same problem on mine also, it seems the little grooves in the swing arm and the holder are not deep enough and any vibration or strong water turbulance will make them move a few notches to the right.
One solution i had to this was putting a 1 1/2" nylon screw and bolt thru the existing arm and holder worked fine. now even if i bump them with my hand or with my cleaner magnet they dont even budge.
One solution i had to this was putting a 1 1/2" nylon screw and bolt thru the existing arm and holder worked fine. now even if i bump them with my hand or with my cleaner magnet they dont even budge.
I asked about this problem today. I was told that it is a potential problem at sharp angles and is partially the result of the droop. The unfortunate thing is some slack has to be present on the hanger to account for lime deposits and coralline algae. Axel insisted that unless the angle of the pump was sharp if the pieces are firmly meshed this should not occur. He suggested the same fix Comatose has done if it is a problem for anyone. A zip tie would also work.
