Tunze stream flow programming

[skyrye7]

Hi

I have two Tunze Streams and placed it at both end of the aquarium. I just want to know what is the 'best practice' for programming the flow?

I.e. how long do I switch on one end and then switch it off before I switch on the other end's pump and vice versa?

Or do I switch both end's powerhead on at the same time?

What is the recommended intensity?

I want to create a flow and wave for the aquarium

 

[rvitko]

Ideally you want to simulate natural flow patterns, so switching between sides is best kept to hours, 5-6 will roughly replicate the tides. You can run one side at lowest power when the other is at a higher power as an alternative.

The flow should pulse to roughly simulate wave lapping between 30% and the highest level your corals seem to enjoy, if they are closing up or seem beaten, I would turn the top speed down to accomodate them.

 

[skyrye7]

Thanks.

So just to clarify...the best option is to recommend alternating between both sides for 5 to 6 hours each?

i.e. Pump A on for 5 hours then Pump B kicks in for the next 5 hours then Pump A kicks back in for another 5 hours?


During night time, do I need to adjust the flow to make it stronger or turn it down?

 

[rvitko]

Yes, but A would be on for 5 hrs pulsing between 30-100 every few seconds for example and B would be off or idling at 30%. Night mode is a matter of personal preference, plankton does tend to rise at night, some people prefer to go to a 30% power at night, personally I prefer to just stop pulsing but stay at 100% to reduce the night time pH drop and I think ending the pulsing is enough of a calming.

 

[skyrye7]

For night time, won't 100% be a bit too much even if it's without pulsing?

DO I also have to alternate between A and B at night?

Sorry for the many questions...just want to be 100% sure I get what you mean

 

[rvitko]

It depends on the tank size and what voltage you have set on the power supply, this is really a matter of trial and error and seeing what works best for your tank, I can only give you some guidelines. If you do it wrong, no catastrophe will occur in a short term, at most some corals may not open and some detritus may accumulate so you shouldn't be afraid to try various programs and placement.

 

[bjm1287]

So I'm setting up 2 6095's right and trying to program them properly. So lets say the right pump for 5 hours varies between 30-100%? Then left pump should be idle at 30%? Then switch it out after 5 hours? Should I sync and divide by 10 on either pump

 

[rvitko]

I wouldn't be much help if it is a non Tunze controller as I am not familiar with the programming. I would say your general description is what I would do, but I am unfamiliar with what you mean by dividing by 10.