Newbie Question on the Wavebox

[Apparition]

I've never really investigated the Tunze wavebox aside from a few videos and brief info, but I'm going to be setting up a 125-180gallon in about a year and would love to use a wavebox on it. My question, I'll be definitely going with an acrylic tank which does create the problem of having the trim going around the side. The magnet seems to resolve the mounting issue, but I thought I heard that part of the wavebox has to be above the water line, is this true? If so, how much does it have to be above the water and is this on top of the space needed for the wave? Meaning that if the water is normally 1" from the top, how low does it have to be to put in the wavebox? Like the wave + plus how much it has to be exposed? Trying to figure this out so I can have the overflow teeth adjusted accordingly.

Thanks.

 

[rvitko]

It needs to stick out 3/4" from a flat water line, before it is turned on. I would figure on a 1.5" wave if the overflow is in the center back wall which is the ideal.

 

[Apparition]

I was thinking of placing it on the side with a clear line across the whole 6' of tank. Would it still be 1.5" of clearance?

 

[rvitko]

I would have the standing water line 1.5" from the top so you have plenty of room for a wave. 1.5" would be the biggest wave height you would likely achieve and only if you had a center overflow, end overflows will likely reduce the maximum to 1-1.25"

 

[Apparition]

Okay so I see. It needs 3/4" of clearance at flat and with the addition of a 1.5" wave the water line would need to be 2.25" from the top. I just want to make sure I set up the wavebox right. I don't want to go into it with the wrong ideas and then complain about it because I didn't thoroughly plan ahead. Thanks again!

 

[rvitko]

No, 1.5" total clearance is all you need. The wave box sticks out 3/4" but you don't add that to the wave height. Figure on having the overflow teeth 1.75-2" deep from the top of the tank to allow for how much the water backs up before spilling over.

 

[Apparition]

Alright! Thank you very much. I know I won't be able to start on this tank for another 6 months until I move, but I'm really looking forward to adding the wavebox.