Koralia Evolutions on EB8?

[therman]

Anyone using Koralia evos on the TRIAC outlets on the EB8? They are barely 5W, I was wondering if they are too low a current draw for them to work properly. Would suck to have to add something to reduce my electrical efficiency just to make the wavemaker function...

Thanks,
Tim

 

[aquamanic]

If they don't, use outlets 4 & 8 or purchase an EB4 for the purpose.

 

[ToLearn]

Pretty sure not all of the Hydor Evolutions use the same wattage. I used the largest ones they made on some of the outlets besides 4&8 and they worked well.(well the Neptune switched them well, wasn't really happy with the power heads, that is why I upgraded to Vortex)

What model to you have?

 

[therman]

I've got some 1400s and some 1050s. There's a total of 9 running in my various tanks. Having recurring freeze up issues with a couple of them, so I imagine some day I'll upgrade to Vortechs, but right now funds won't allow that...particularly if I drop the $$$ for an Apex setup.

 

[ToLearn]

Well keep in mind there is a good chance you'll need less pumps per tank running the EcoTech equipment. I'd invest in the Apex first though. Gives you piece of mind and cuts down on a lot of other misc equipment you may consider buying.

I am pretty sure you'll be fine with those on any outlet on the EB8. Take a look at what all you would like to controll and consider getting a package and adding an EB4 to it. Between my ATO dosers and my Calcium reactor a single EB8 just doesn't cut it.

 

[therman]

Yeah that was my thinking too. Both are a chunk of change but in terms of overall improvement to my tanks' health the Apex is a higher priority. Also seems likely to find a really good deal on used Vortechs if i keep my eyes open.

Thanks for the help!

 

[ToLearn]

Just a note on used Vortex. If they are not hooked up properly they will fall to the ground which can easily damage the pump making it heat up and become noisy. If this happens it is easy to sell a used Vortex on the forum. Also their warranty that comes with new pumps is very valuable because the US based company stands behind their product. Also if you have a real old pump you can upgrade it with newer parts for $100 to make it act like new, but if the used pump is only $100-$140 cheaper then a new one... might as well buy new.

Both LFS and online retailers will have the same price on Vortex due to map pricing, so consider supporting a good local store.

 

[swearint]

I am not advocating for one or other since I don't currently use either, but keep in mind that the full Apex comes equipped to control Tunze pumps. The Vortechs require an additional module.

Todd

 

[CalmSeasQuest]

I've got some 1400s and some 1050s. There's a total of 9 running in my various tanks. Having recurring freeze up issues with a couple of them, so I imagine some day I'll upgrade to Vortechs, but right now funds won't allow that...particularly if I drop the $$$ for an Apex setup.

+1

I had 2 EVO 1400s and both experienced seizing due to calcium buildup about every 7-10 days.

Replaced them with an MP40 and relegated the 1400s to stirring salt.

 

[Kahuna]

Just a note on used Vortex. If they are not hooked up properly they will fall to the ground which can easily damage the pump making it heat up and become noisy. If this happens it is easy to sell a used Vortex on the forum.

Umm... if you're advocating passing off a damaged Vortech in the classifieds, that's not a very ethical decision. If I misread your post, I apologize, but that's how it comes across.

Kev

 

[Kahuna]

I have two Koralia Evo 1050's. They've been working great for 6 months without calcium issues, clicking, and so forth. If you run them on outlets 4 and 8, no problems. I just switched to the Apex from another controller, and had the same requirement; otherwise, not enough load to switch the TRIAC. What you can do is wire a 5W 120V Christmas tree bulb or nite light across the wires in parallel with the wires to the Koralia, it will generally shut off the TRIACs without issues.

Kev

 

[ToLearn]

Wasn't advocating anything it was sarcasm. I have seen three year old Vortex being sold for $110 then the new models. You can upgrade to the new features for $100. After shipping you have paid for as much or more then a new model and got your self a dirty noisy pump. I was just explaining the downsides to buying used.

 

[therman]

Hmmm. Hopefully the 1400s will draw enough. The 1050s I can pair up on outlets but I'd really like to run the 1400s individually.

If I try it once and it works, am I golden, or are the TRIACS flakier than that and inconsistent?

 

[ToLearn]

1400 worked fine for me(as far as turning on and off), but I didn't run them too long before I upgraded. Good luck.