How do I set the 7095 to do different patterns?

[Doubledown]

I have 2 x 6100s and the 7095 multicontroller in a 72x24x24 tank and I am having difficulty with getting a setting I want. The pumps are on each side pane.

What I want is a low, constant flow for about 5 minutes interrupted by 10 seconds of high flow and then drop back to the low constant flow for 5 minutes. Ultimately the pumps would do this at the same time so that for those 10 seconds of high flow the entire tank would be turning over followed by a break for the corals to rest.

Is this possible and how do I set the controller to do this?

Thanks

 

[Doubledown]

I read through the manual again - Does Interval 1 actually turn one of the pumps off for a set period while the other is working?

If so, how does the "pulse" function work with this?

Can I set channel 1 to go on for 20 seconds and then stay off for 5 minutes? If so, I could plug both streams into the 1a and 1b channels so they would do the same thing at the same time.

 

[rvitko]

On times and off times are always equal so, you can't set that. Pumps are turned off and on by channel so if both are on channel one, both would be off or on. Interval1 does turn one channel off while one is on for the interval duration. The pump that is on pulses between the settings of the top and bottom knob on each channel.

There is not a program that would do what you are trying to do. Sequence would probably be the closest option.

 

[Doubledown]

Ok , thank you.

In sequence mode, the controller turns on channel 1a, then 1b, then 2a and then 2b correct? Does it turn off all the other channels while one of them is on?

If so, I could use a "Y" adapter to connect both pumps to channel 1a, turn them on for 30 seconds and then they would be off for 90 seconds - sound right?

Thanks again, I guess what I am trying to accomplish is similar to a surge device (without the noise/mess/ugly equiptment). One rush of flow for waste removal/cleaning with a rest time in between for the corals to extend their polyps and breathe/feed.

 

[rvitko]

The Y adapter would not accomplish this. 1a is always on in sequence, then 1b, 2a and 2b turn on in series and then they turn off leaving only 1a on.

 

[Doubledown]

Then if the time for each sequence is 30 seconds:

1a is always on (1a only)
1b comes on 30 secs later - stays on for 90 (1a and 1b only)
2a comes on 60 secs later - stays on for 60 (1a, 1b and 2a only)
2b comes on 90 seconds later - stays on for 30 (all on)

1b, 2a and 2b shut then off for 30 seconds, leaving only 1a on.

If the "Y" adapter was connected to 2b and no pumps attached to 1a, 1b and 2a, then would the 2 pumps only be on for 30 seconds?

Thanks again

 

[rvitko]

Probably but I have never tested that and have no info on how that would work. My suggestion is use sockets 1a and 1b and then you would have a 2 pump on surge.

 

[Doubledown]

Thank you very much for your help.

One last question - How well do the streams handle being turned on and off multiple times on the sequence profile? Everyone I have spoken to has always run theirs on interval 2 with a 30%-100%.

I'll try to test the pattern tonight to see if it will work out.

 

[rvitko]

Off and on tends to foul the pumps faster with calcium deposits but beyond that not a big deal.

 

[Doubledown]

So with regular cleaning, the stream should last it's full life regardless of on/off or constant on use? Quality comes through again.

What about connecting them to another type of controller, such as an X10 that will turn the pumps on/off at a set time multiple times pey day (no limit to these set points with the X10). We lose the ability to fluctuate the pumps output (pulse), but could effectively turn on the pump for 1 minute and then off for 9, 6 times per hour 24 hrs per day. In theory this sounds right, but I worry about the long term effects on the pump and it's parts (burned out motors/transformers, etc.)

Thank you

 

[rvitko]

Yes.

I think the Tunze controller is the best, I would expect no problems with another but the manual does specify only Tunze controllers be used under warranty and I know that the controller has a special way to start the pumps where it throttles up to full power in jumps to ease the starting. IIRC it does 10%, the 100% and then whatever the setting is and these are in fractions of a second so you can't percieve it but it makes it start reliably and without wear.

 

[Doubledown]

That is what I thought - engineered and designed ramp up speeds to ease the motor starts.

I will try out the Sequence setting to see if I can get the desired effects.

As always your speed of answers is greatly appreciated.

 

[Doubledown]

FWIW - I tried this out last night by connecting only 1 pump to outlet 2b and set the controller for sequence with 30 second intervals.

I believe it worked as thought. The controller powers each chanel in the sequence, when it came to 2b the pump went on for 30 seconds then off completely. Controller went through the cycle again and the pump started and stopped like before.

Now I just need to try it with a y-adapter for the 2 pumps and have the nerve to let it run for a few days.

Thanks again for your help.