Problem with wave box

[virginiadiver69]

I'm also using the extension.
The "master" pump run continuous. It doesn't cycle on or off. I've switched connections, cleaned them and anything else I can think of. What's going on?

 

[rvitko]

Was this bought new or used? New the controller should come preset to run both pumps, but if it was used it is possible someone opened it and set the controller internally to extern and reversed the cables.

The other likely culprit is that the master cable has an internal break, if the cable is tugged hard or kinked or pinched the internal wires can break. To confirm this I would verify that the extension also won't run when connected to the master cable and the main wavebox will run when connected to the slave, basically reverse the cables.

 

[virginiadiver69]

The extension was bought new less than a year old. The problem pump was used and a bad cable would not suprise me. It's been running fine for over a year so whatever it is... it's a new problem.
Since the cables are hard wired to the pumps, I assume your talking about just switching at the controller? I'll try that when the lights come on and report back.

 

[rvitko]

The cables from the controller to the pump connectors are what you need to switch, these are hard wired at the controller and plug into the pump connectors. It is possible it is the pump but the most common scenario is the controller is mounted on a cabinet door and at some point is pinched or stretched when the door is open, there are 6 very small wires inside this cable and they can be broken with less force than you would think looking at the thick exterior of the cable. You just want to reverse which is master and which is slave, this will give us the answer as to whether it is the pump or the controller.

 

[virginiadiver69]

Okay... I had some time to mess with it. It appears that I may have multiple things going on so I hope you can help me figure it out because these wave boxes are what keep my tank looking good.

I plugged both master and slave wires into the pump in question. No matter which one it was, the pump would not cycle on and off... just steady on. The red and green lights don't light at all either when only the pump in question is plugged in. When the other pump is plugged in, the red and green lights do flash back and forth and the pump cycles the way it should other than an alarm (more on that later).
I also noticed that the white power control knob on the pump wire does not function.

On top of all of that I am getting an alarm when the other pump is plugged in. It started doing this a month or so after installing it so I took it apart and cleaned it according to directions. It's been about a month and just now doing it again.
I put my hand in front of it and it will stay off for multiple cycles every minute or so. Never on for multiple cycles. I guess maybe I'll need to do a better cleaning?

I think I've done all I can here. Let me know if I should pack this up and send it in to you.

 

[rvitko]

It is most likely the pump, however you mention an alarm, the wavebox pumps have not had an alarm, which was part of the external driver, since June 2007, was this an older unit? Do you have one of these with an alarm and one of the newer ones without?

 

[virginiadiver69]

Just to be clear:
I've had the unit that comes with the 6091 controller the longest (a couple of years at least). I bought it used from a local reefer.
I bought the extension brand new off of the shelf a my LFS when I upgraded from a 125 to an 8' tank.
It is the used pump that does not cycle on and off... it just flows constant like a non controllable pump.
It is the new extension that triggers the alarm that I assume emanates from the 6091 controller. Only by accident I noticed that when the alarm is triggered... the pump (extension) "sticks" off for a cycle or two.
I also mentioned that the white power control knob on the older (used) pumps cable does not function. Turning it high or low does not change the output of the pump at all. Please comment on this also.
What is the possibility that it is the controller itself that is the problem? Since I've been trying to figure this out I've notice that the plugs on the controller has some blue/green corrosion on the pins. Could this be causing problems and how would you suggest cleaning them?

 

[rvitko]

The controller is a distinct possibility, are all 5 pins present on each cable? It sounds like they may have gotten wet at some point, and possibly the connector box of the new one got wet as well, this would explain the symptoms since the controller and speed dial interface would be damaged. I would probably just send the pumps and controller in, typically cleaning won't be successful long term, you can try some emery cloth or steel wool if the corrosion is minor along with some 90% isopropyl alcohol from any pharmacy to rinse the pieces, once dry you can reconnect power. If the damage is more severe the cables and connector have to be replaced, in a worst case scenario the pump and controller may have to be replaced.

 

[virginiadiver69]

All the pins are intact.
It looks like I may have to send the whole thing to you.
What is the address it should go to?
Thank you for going back and forth on this with me.

 

[rvitko]

Send it to-

Tunze USA
305 Victor St
Austin, TX 78753

Do not send the boxes themselves, they just add bulk and are prone to breakage. Just send the pumps, any drivers, power supplies and controller.

Be sure to include a return address and your preferred method of contact (phone, email, RC username)

 

[virginiadiver69]

Thank you Roger... I'll get it out in the next day or two.