Noisy Wavebox

[Floridiot]

I received my new wavebox today from my LFS (who ordered it from Champion). I set it up as per the directions, and everything appears to be working fine with the exception of it being extremely noisy. I read in a recent thread here on RC: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=634716&highlight=wavebox - that the noisiest part of operating a wavebox is the splashing heard in the overflows.

Mine makes a very noticable moaning sound during each cycle that can easily be heard into the next room. It does create a nice 3/4" wave which does cause splashing in the overflows, but nothing like the noise coming from the pump in the wvaebox. I have an open topped aquarium too, so the noise from the overflows should be louder than that of most others.

Will this noise dissipate after the pump is worn in, or is there something wrong?

 

[Floridiot]

This morning I removed the 6260 pump from the wavebox. I removed the suction housing and the drive unit to see if there was anything in there that is not supposed to be. After verifying that the drive unit was clean, I reassembled the pump and had my wife plug the unit in while I was holding the 6260 pump in my hand in the water. The pump works like a charm, but the noise is still there.

Are these pumps supposed to make noise?

 

[rvitko]

They are noisy at first because the parts need to wear in, give it two weeks. I would make sure everything is properly fitted. The only mechanical issue I can think of is that the bush bearing (collar inserted around hole for the rotor) is sticking up slightly. They also make more noise at first because they have some air inside them.

 

[Floridiot]

I checked the bush bearing, and it is seated completely. I'll give it a couple weeks and see how it goes. Right now it is way too noisy for my wife, which means it is too noisy for me. I'm hoping it quiets down, as it really is a nice piece of equipment.

I read another thread: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=520000&highlight=loud+wavebox where ronc98 mentions his wavebox makes zero noise. Hopefully mine will get to this stage too.

 

[Highlander]

Mine was silent right out of the box, can't imagine why is shouldn't be ???

 

[rvitko]

They tend to make a humming/clicking noise when new. Mine did. It took about 2 weeks to get rid of the home and about a month to get rid of the clicking. The tolerances are very tight so the parts need to wear in, this is normal.

 

[Floridiot]

Humming and clicking noise! You describe it pretty well. Each cycle starts with a clicking noise followed by a variated humming noise. Every once in a while it will start with a double clicking noise, but normally just a single clicking noise. I guess I'll just have to wait it out until it wears in.

Thanks for replying.

 

[Floridiot]

Here's the two week update:

The clicking noise has almost disappeared. Right now it only clicks on about every fourth or fifth cycle and nowhere near as loud as it used to.

I believe the humming noise may have gotten quieter, or maybe I'm starting to get used to it. I really hope the humming does quiet, because it is still too noisy for our liking. It can still be heard into the next room.

Since it appears to be getting better, I will give it another week or two. If it doesn't quiet down, what can I do? I'm not sure Champion would be willing to take this unit back after it has 3+ weeks of use on it.

 

[rvitko]

I don't know that I can ever get it dead silent so if that is what you are after it would be best to sell it but I think it should be no more noisy then an aquarium in general. I will do what I can, likely the pump would have to be sent in so I could try to find the noise source but your experience sounds normal so far. In general we say 70-80% of the noise is gone within 2 weeks, the rest disappears over the next few months, it will always have some hum though and an occasional click.

 

[delta]

just a thought not sure if it applies here.
my wavebox was very loud until realized my mounting bracket was touching my hood and like a speaker box amplified the pump humming. after changing the mounting to magnets it quieted right down

HTH

 

[chadfarmer]

delta thanks for the info

i am getting a wavebox friday and this is some useful info

i just ordered the magnets

 

[Floridiot]

I'm using the rail, but I have an open topped aquarium. My light fixture hangs from the ceiling and definitely is not touching the wavebox rail.

I think I will still try the magnet mounting system though. I plan on getting a pair of magnets for some 6080s, so I could put them on the wavebox to see if it helps. If so, I could just order 2 more.

 

[Floridiot]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=5625395#post5625395 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rvitko
I don't know that I can ever get it dead silent so if that is what you are after it would be best to sell it but I think it should be no more noisy then an aquarium in general. I will do what I can, likely the pump would have to be sent in so I could try to find the noise source but your experience sounds normal so far. In general we say 70-80% of the noise is gone within 2 weeks, the rest disappears over the next few months, it will always have some hum though and an occasional click.

Well, my wavebox has gotten quieter over the past 4 months, but it still makes quite a bit of noise.

A friend of mine just purchased a wavebox about a week ago, and his is much quieter than mine is. I now believe there is definitely something wrong with mine. Can you please email me with your address so I can send it in?

 

[Floridiot]

Thank you very much, Roger. My wavebox is much quieter now that you've fixed it.

It is nice to know that you provide such excellent customer service. Thanks again.

 

[Armando]

Roger,

I read this thread and other threads describing the level of noise on the wavebox and it looks like there's something wrong with the one i just bought.

It's very loud, making a noise each cycle. I am using magnets and it's firmly secured in place. I removed the pump from the box and it's silent *but* it has a strong vibration. My streams don't vibrate (although they are 6000s). When the pump is placed in the box, it amplifies the vibration and makes the sound.

What should I do?

 

[rvitko]

First make sure the bush bearing is fully inserted in the pump, if it is try prying it out turning 180 degrees and reinserting it. Make sure the rubber O ring around the pump outlet is in place behind the face of the wavebox and the foam sponge is wrapped around the pump. Some extra vibration on a new pump is normal because of air. Using the rubber feet on the magnet holder will help alot with the noise.

 

[Armando]

cool. everything you mentioned above was OK except the foam sponge. Since the manual didn't include it in the pictures I thought it was just something used for shipping.

I put the foam sponge, didn't help much with the noise but it is getting quieter each day. I am not at the "hummingbird" level yet but I'm getting there.