Tunze Stream Noise

[glang]

I have a question about my stream pumps. I have noticed that they have gotten very loud recently, so I cleaned them today. One seems to have quieted down, but the other is still very loud. It is particularly loud when at 30% power. 100% is a bit quieter. So, the noise goes up and down as the pumps cycle. Is there anything in particular I should be doing other than cleaning the moving parts with water and such? Could there be a problem? These pumps are only about 4-5 months old so I am hoping that they aren't breaking.
Any help would be appreciated.
thanks

 

[rvitko]

What model Streams do you have? If they are 6060's or 6080's and they have been run on a wavemaker they are breaking. The instructions forbid wavemakers and damage has likely occured to the brakes. Otherwise if they are 6000 or 6100 or 6060 or 6080 not used on a wavemaker I would clean the drive unit throroughly with vinegar and water per the manual- witha complete dissassembly as likely some debris is in the brakes.

 

[glang]

It is the 6100 ran on a multicontroller. Everything is set up as suggested. I will do the vinegar. I did notice that the plastic piece( I think it is plastic) at the end of the drive rotor appears to be cracked in a few places. If I were to need a new piece, who should I send it to. I noticed you are in Austin. Houston here. I certainly wouldn't mind a short trip to Austin one day.
Thanks for the advice.

 

[rvitko]

Unfortunately, I'm not set up for public visits. I could certainly repair it for you or meet you at AquaTek and do it on the spot.

 

[glang]

I will try cleaning and get back with ya.

 

[JonL]

How load was the pump when you first got it Im trying to have an extra quit tank but still would like streams.

 

[glang]

I have always had a vibration that can be heard resonating from the tank. From day 1. I hear people saying that the pumps are silent, so it makes me wonder if I have some defective aspect in my setup. I am cleaning and trying different setups right now. So far, after cleaning one thoroughly, I can still hear it. By this I mean that the sound is loud enough that it is an obvious sound when standing next to the tank. I will post when I have a final verdict.

 

[rvitko]

Well, they do make a slight hum. Some people can hear better than others. It may be possible to make it quieter, it may not. I don't have the greatest hearing but when I am right up on my tank I can here a slight droning noise as the pump throttles up and down. If it is a vibration issue, this can be eliminated with the rubber isolating pads that came with the holder or the suction cup that came with the extension.

 

[glang]

I use the stream rock for both of mine, so I was thinking of placing some foam or something underneath the rock to cushion it. How would I know if one of the bushings or the magnetic rotor is defective?? Any obvious things to look for?
thanks

 

[rvitko]

The only possibilities are the pieces aren't pressed in all the way- particularly the lower bushing (collar piece). Or debris is accumulated in the break shoes. Or the red oring that dampens vibration on the bottom of the drive unit is out of place. Other than that a nick or damage to the prop could cause an imbalance and make some noise. You could also check that the prop is screwed down firmly but be careful if you overtighten the screw will snap. Just check that it doesn't have alot of play- don't torque it down. I would slso check it is firmly inserted in the rock and turn the pump so the slim profile is at top and bottom and be sure the pump isn't touching the rock below it.

 

[JonL]

Are there any stream pumps in the wood work that could have the motor out of the tank cause my fish don't come out much with load noises. I mean somthing like a sea swirl or those other super expensive german power heads.

 

[rvitko]

ATK makes such a pump it is called the Black Jet. Last I saw they were only available in 230V 50Hz and sold for about 650 Euro. Usually top mounted pumps make more noise as the fan noise is more audible to us anyway.