Short Pulse and Night Mode

[ataller]

Hi,

I recently set up my MP20 in my 30 gallon long tank, had a small (1inch) wave in no time using the short pulse mode. I set the speed to max (2000 GPH) and slowly ramped up the pulse intervals. The wave happens for me with an on / off cycle of around 1 sec on to 1 sec off. Love the pump, however, I have one question about the usefulness of the night mode.

With a 1 second on off program, the pump should on average push about 1000 GPH of water right? However, in the 1 second the pump is spinning I do not think it gets to maximum speed before it turns off again, so the actual average GPH would be less than 1000 GPH.

Here is my point; night mode is 50% power constant speed. 50% of 2000 GPH is still 1000 GPH and now it is in linear flow that isn't as friendly to coral polyps? (So in actuality night mode is pushing more flow than my wave program)

Am I missing something obvious, or is it not worth while to use night mode when using short pulse to make a wave?


Adam

 

[EcoTech Marine]

Hi Adam,

In truth I think you may be over thinking this one. At this time there is no real way to actually calculate the total effect of flow in a tank when using constant speed mode versus a wave mode. We are working on it but we're not there yet.

Many people use night mode because it creates a calmer environment during the night when fish are sleeping whereas the constant movement of a wave may be annoying for them. My recommendation is to try out the various modes and go with whatever your corals respond the best to.

-Tim