Mounting the Wavemaker on a 180 AGA

[jksites]

Okay, so I've been waiting and waiting to get my hands on a Tunze wavemaker and the wife just bought it for my birthday. Once I get it installed, it will be the final step in my new in wall 180 AGA.

The issue now is figuring out how to install it. According to the instruction booklet, it looks like the recommended approach is to buy two magnets, due to the fact that my AGA has a horizontal glass top. I am hoping there is a less costly solution. Is it possible to trim out the plastic lip with a dremel or something? My tank is built in the wall, so any change won't impact the appearance.

I also have read about the issue w/ corner overflows, which my tank has two of... No idea that the "older" technology for overflow box location would impact my ability to use the wavemaker.

Is this still worth installing or is my best bet to invest in additional Stream pumps? I have one 6100.

Any insight on installation would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Josh

 

[reef_doug]

I believe the stock mounting brackets will fit an AGA, but without the glass lid. Are you using the lid anyway? The magnets might be a cleaner look, but if they are not visible, then who cares. If you do opt for magnets you might need the stronger ones if your glass is over 1/2" thick.

A center overflow box is ideal because that's where there will be less variation in water height when the waves are moving.

Corner overflows can work also but you might just need to lower your display water height a bit (maybe 1/2-1").

I think it's still worthwhile.

 

[rvitko]

The corner overflows are not an impossible obstacle, the problem is that there will be splashing as water surges into the overflow and this surging will also reduce the wave height. I would expect a 3/4"-1" wave, a much bigger wave is possible with a center overflow.

The stock holder with the stainless steel screws that are provided will work on an AGA tank with plastic trim. Is the horizontal brace you refer to just the plastic trim or is it a glass brace?

 

[jksites]

Is the horizontal brace you refer to just the plastic trim or is it a glass brace?

No, it's just the normal plastic brace with a small lip for the glass tops.

the problem is that there will be splashing as water surges into the overflow and this surging will also reduce the wave height.

So, I am already getting some gurgling and fluctuation in my overflows. Would this be from not enough flow in my return? I have an iwaki70, but it is possible from all of my plumbing and the fact that I am running my sump in the basement that I may have reduced the flow from too much head pressure. I obviously need to correct this or the splashing of the wave machine is sure to make this worse.

Are you using the lid anyway?

I was planning on using the lids. My tank is built into a small room and with my halides, I was afraid that I would get too much evaporation without them. The tank drains into a basement sump that should facilitate plenty of air exchange and maintain an appropriate temp for the tank. Is there any particular reason other than the pain to keep them clean, not to use the glass lids?

Thanks for the responses!
josh

 

[wooglin]

Not really my place, but you lose alot of your halides intensity with glass lid, and it can shift the color spectrum. You also have to clean the glass almost daily to keep it clean enough to for the light to have a semi clear path.

Why not setup an auto-topoff using a rubbermaid container, especially since your sump is in the basement where the container would not look bad. I have a 25 gallon one setup on my tank, and I use a auto-topoff switch. It also gives me a good way to dose kalkwasser. I dont use the Tunze switch, but if I had my choice that would be my choice for auto-top off, the osmolator (sp?) is an incredible piece of equipment.

 

[rvitko]

I agree with wooglin- halides and glass tops are usually a bad idea, it traps in a ton of heat and you loose a lot of light.

Replace your standard downpipes in the overflow with a homemade durso pipe and you will be much happier, the AGA "durso" is not very good in my opinion.

 

[jksites]

Why not setup an auto-topoff using a rubbermaid container, especially since your sump is in the basement where the container would not look bad.

Yep have everything to do that on the basement sump. My concern was actually humidity, not evaporation. This room is not well vented and I thought keeping the glass on might prevent some of the evaporation that would lead to excessive humidity...

I have plans to install a vent, just not sure where to vent it.

Thanks for the feedback on the glass, I wish my LFS would have mentioned that before I dropped $70 on the glass lid... Never occured to me on my 90 gal. and PCs.

I'll be giving the standard Wavemaker mount a shot tomorrow.

Should I try to tune in the waves while it is empty or once I have all my live rock and corals moved over? I'd assume after, but wanted to ask anyway.

Thanks again!
Josh

 

[jksites]

The stock holder with the stainless steel screws that are provided will work on an AGA tank with plastic trim

Have you seen this actually done? Has anyone here installed on a 180 All Glass Aquarium?

I tried tonight and it does not appear to be possible. The book explicity saws to use the magnets, I was just hoping that this would not be the case or that there would be a slight modification that I could make.

I'll probably breakdown and buy the magnets...

Ouch, there went another $110

Thanks!
Josh

 

[rvitko]

Read the instructions for installation on Oceanic, I have only done this personally on Oceanic and Oceanic was the only manufacturer at the time that was willing to give us samples of the trim material they use, that is the only type we have tested in Germany. However, based on feedback from customers we lengthened the screws many years ago to accomodate AGA trim which is wider, it should be possible unless AGA changed the trim.

 

[jksites]

Is there a place to downlaod additional installation instructions? There are no references to the Oceanic installations in the booklet I received with the wavebox.

The screws are wide enough, but it does not appear that the box will be level or very securely fastened. I may try one more time

Thanks for your help!
Josh

 

[rvitko]

You are correct, they don't include that in the wavebox instructions for some reason, I just double checked. You could download the instructions for the 6100 Stream for an illustration. The key is to use the suction cup at the bottom for a spacer, tighten the bottom screws firmly and then tighten the top screws to "bite in". It should work but do not run it if the device does not feel secure as when it empties on a pulse it will float up.

 

[jksites]

I had one magnet for my stream and purchased another today. Installed in 5 minutes and was tuned in another 10 minutes. This thing rocks, literally... It is amazing what a fraction of a turn will do. Wave height is good enough. Can't wait to get everything switched to my tank tomorrow and see it in action w/ the corals.

Thanks for your help
Josh

 

[rvitko]

Thanks!