DIY Wavebox Tutorial from start to finish!

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13058800#post13058800 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kirsto71
I am in the process of buying the parts for this project. I just want some feedback on the list of items i require. I hve the following list

From top to bottom:
(C2) 10uF electrolytic cap (polarized.. but it wouldn't matter)
(IC1) 555 timer IC + socket (easier to solder)
(R1) 1KΩ resistor
(C3) .1 uF ceramic cap
(R2) 20KΩ resistor
(C1) .47uF capacitor
(P1) 500kΩ pot

Is C1 a ceramic capacitor or electrolytic. I am unsure the difference between the two. I also noticed in the photo from the first page of the thread the 1K resistor looks very different from the 20K resistor. Is there anything important i need to ask for when i go to the electronics shop.

Thanks and sorry about the dumb questions. I am very new to all of this.
Click to expand...

I believe we used a .47uF ceramic capacitor.
 
Even with your youtube username, I didn't grock that that video was yours xtm. I've watched that video previously.
I love this thread.
I have a question, which is probably a ignorant one, but can something like this be used for a smaller, say 24x24, tank?
Your instructions are so good, I know I could build this with one of my friends, he has all the supplies listed! However, my tank will not be a large one like yours which is why I was wondering.
Thank you.
 
Lily,

I'm not sure if the "seesaw" motion is possible on a 24x24 cube. Also if you decide to make one, you'll have to use a Nanostream pump.
 
Yeah, you might get the slopping in the corners... Finding a good frequency for that might be tough.

And the nanostream does OK with start/stop? It doesn't reverse?
 
You'll need to use a 6055. The 6025 and 6045's sometimes need time to self correct. Using either the 6025/45 in this application would result in a burnt out pump.
 
I'm planning on getting a 55 gallon tank that 36" long and about 18" deep. Would using the 6055 work well with this tank in a wavebox? And would I get the nice seesaw movement?
 
XTM,
Gotcha. I'm thinkin' it's probably not too feasible. Thanks. I need to go read up more on the nanostream pump just in general.
Thanks zibba and CaptainQuirk also.
 
Thanks to everyone who voted for this thread! I am glad know I've contributed to the RC community, and the hobby as a whole :D
 
My recommendation to anyone who is going to take on this project is to first make the DIY controller and see if you're happy with the wave that is created simply by finding the correct frequency. I, like xtm and others, ended up taking out the actual box and just started running the 6100 and DIY controller. The wave isn't as big, about 1"-1.5" vs. the 1.5"-2" I was getting with the box, but it takes up much less room in the tank and performs the same function. It's also a bit quieter because when the 6100 was turning on and off in the box, it was making a slight vibration noise. Not that big of a deal, but it bothered me enough to take it out.

HTH
 
Do you think there is a way to DIY a ramp-up/ramp-down controller? If you are not going to use the box, there is no need for completely stopping the pump...something like a 30%-100% controller would be nice :D
 
Without the box, the wave is not as smooth. But I still get some great swaying from the polyp extension from my sps. I wish I could figure out a way to have a pair of Tunzes alternate the on/ off cycle.
 
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