Trouble programming a 7095 for a single stream 6000

[johns]

I bought a stream 6000 and a multicontroller 7095 (for future upgrade) for my 75G. I'm having little trouble figuring out if/how this controller is going to do what I had in mind using the single stream.

My preference is for the stream to pulse between 30% and some other value (say 80%). It can do this either slowly or over and over again quickly (havent decided), but I'd like it to do this for a total of about 15 minutes. Then I'd like it to shut off for the next 15 minutes.

I have other powerheads on the other side of the tank (of course these are not being controlled by the controller) and I would let them run for the 15 minutes while the stream is off. Then start the cycle all over again. I just want the sort of random effect of some sides switching off and on at times. They wont necessarily be prefectly synchronized, but it'll be ok I think.

Can I get the stream to do this:

Pulse 30% to 80% 15 minutes
Off 15 minues
etc.
I'd like it to go to 30% for night mode

 

[crash519]

Put it on a timer. That is the only way you will get it to do what you want. The controller won't shut the pump off completely unless it thinks there is another pump hooked up for interval mode. There might be a way to fool the controller, but I'm not a Tunze technician, so I'll stay out of this one

 

[rvitko]

As Bret said, the pulse and night mode would be set up so that bottom knob is 30%, top knob is 80%, nightmode goes to the bottom knob. Be aware that turning the pump off has two potential problems, the pump gets fouled with calcium much faster when turned off frequently, the water staying inside the prop well, stagnant, gets hot from heat radiating out of the motor and deposits calcium. The other problem is fish entering the pump.

 

[johns]

Hmm. I'm not sure what to do. Doesn't the single controller do this (turn the pump on and off)? Also, I thought that this new driver rotated the the impeller once every 20 seconds or so while it was off anyway. Guess I'm getting confused.

 

[rvitko]

No, the single controller only pulses a pump, once you turn the pump off (with a timer) you defeat all the driver functions so fish care won't work. When you add a second pump you can alternate between them and then one will be off with fish care on.

 

[johns]

So I take it there is no way to 'fool' it into thinking there is another pump on? I was really under the impression that I would be able to turn the pump on and off through the multicontroller.


If I decide to put this on a timer, is 30 minutes on / 30 minutes off an acceptable interval? What happens with the controller commands when the stream pump is OFF at the timer. The controller has it's own ac plug, right? so it is always on. When the stream timer goes off and then comes back on, will the controllers commands (pulse, etc) reset themselves or what exactly happens?

 

[rvitko]

The controller is powered by the Stream so they both turn off when you use a timer. I have honestly never tried it, I am puzzled by why you would want the pump off honestly. The longer the interval the better but the pump will definitely need more maintanence if used this way.

 

[johns]

puzzled?

puzzled?

Reason why I would want it off shouldn't be all that puzzling - 2 pumps on opposite sides of tank, alternating on and off - a pretty common scenario

But anyway, I value your opinion. Here's the situation - I'm replacing one of my 2 SEIOs, and yes I was using them on a timer, alternating on and off every 15 minutes for the past 8 months or so without problems (but then those are cheaper pumps, so i wasn't as worried about it). The Streams are much more expensive, and I was aware that that aren't suggested to be turned on and off with a timer, which is why I wanted the multicontroller to do this for me. I dont want to get another Stream right now due to expense, and also I feel it's a bit too much for my application in this 75G mixed (but predominantly SPS) tank.

In light of all this, I have narrowed options and still have a few questions:

1) Put the Stream on a timer. I still dont know how dangerous this is and I dont want to burn a pump out that costs this much. The 15 minutes I have been using with the SEIOs might be too risky. Maybe 30, maybe 60, would be better. Maybe one of the other options is better...

2) Instead of turning it off completely, let it stay at the lowest setting for 15 minutes then at the high setting for 15 minutes, while the other SEIO continues to alternate on and off every 15 minutes (they wont be synchronized, but I dont care). Is this an option? How do i set the interval for both settings to be 15 minutes.

3) Remove both SEIOs and just use the one stream pulsing from one side of the tank only.

 

[rvitko]

Sorry, I wasn't trying to offend, I didn't know you had another pump.

1) It won't burn out the pump, longer is better for the reason I already mentioned.

2) This wouldn't be possible.

3) This is definitely feasible for a 75. I would propose this simple solution, run the Stream pulsing continuously at 3 second intervals. Turn the Seio on for 10-15 minutes every hour to create a surge.

 

[johns]

Sorry, I wasn't trying to offend, I didn't know you had another pump.

Roger, I know you weren't trying to offend. I tried to word my last post so as to not get that sort of response, but I guess it may not have worked 100% Just wanted to be as detailed about my setup as I could so you could help. Like I said, I value your opinion.

Could you please explain why 2 is not an option. I'm sorry, I still really dont know the ins and outs of this controller yet. I did read the instruction manual last night, but I havent even plugged it in yet. I'm guessing the 15 minute interval is too long for the controller? What are the ranges I can work with?

And I do like your idea for number 3. When I started this hobby, I was under the impression that very randomized flow, coming from all sorts of directions, was the way to go. I was afraid one stream back in one corner would be too unidirectional. But maybe it's not so important to have it switch back and forth so often.

 

[rvitko]

The pulses (from 30% to 80%) can only be from 1.5-7 seconds. The whole idea of pulsing is to simulate the action of wave- fast water colliding with slow water creating greater turbulence and wider flow. This doesn't work with longer pulse widths, 3 seconds is generally the ideal. When you add a second pump you can do many more things- switch a pump off while the other is on for anywhere from 1sec-12hrs. You can also have one idle at 30% while the other is pulsing at the same intervals.

 

[johns]

OK. I'm going to try some of these things. Thanks.

 

[johns]

Roger-

One more technicality that I am just curious about. When you pulse these pumps at say, 3 seconds, does that mean it is at the low setting for 3 seconds, then the high for 3 seconds, jumping back and forth. Or does it alternate between both settings within a single 3 second interval.

 

[rvitko]

It is on high for 3 seconds then on low for 3 seconds.