tunze wavebox question

[lukasnca]

I'm thinking about getting a wavebox for my new tank. The tank will only be 4ft long and will have an overflow in one corner. Are there any recommendations on placement of the wavebox wrt the overflow. Would either of the following options work?

 

[moonpod]

I don't think it really matters so much. As a wavebox user I'd say, just make sure you have a Durso in your overflow so it'll minimize the noise from the oscillating water levels in your overflow.

 

[rvitko]

I agree, Option B might be a little better because you could center it, the ideal is to center the overflow on the backwall since the level their stays fairly constant.

 

[lukasnca]

Ok ... I was hoping A would work but I'll go with B. So with the wavebox would I need any other powerheads for a tank this small? Water volume is about 125g.

I'm also thinking about getting the tank built 1" higher but leaving the overflow at the same height to give the "wave" some more room (and to make cleaning salt creep easier -- does this make sense?

From what I remember the magnets work with the wavebox as well right?

 

[moonpod]

I'm using the magnets to hold up my wavebox. Those things are awesome.

You still need "something" for current. The wavebox sort of "rocks" the water back and forth, but it's not the same as "current". I use my streams for "current/flow" and the wavebox for the rocking motion and detritus suspension. They compliment each other. It's sweet.

 

[rvitko]

As Chuck said.

 

[lukasnca]

So for a tank that's 48x24x24 what should I get in terms of streams & controllers if I get the wavebox? And can the streams and the wavebox be located on the same side of the tank? (ie the same wall that the overflow is on?)

Thanks for all the info so far

 

[Tagareef]

lukasnca,

I would go with a pair of 6000's and the new 7095 controller. As far as placement goes, you can put them anywhere that benefits your tank. I personally think that one on each end of the tank (standard configuration) is still the best. In my experience, the Wavebox doesn't care how you have the Streams set up (via the controller or placement) The wave generation is strong enough to overcome any configuration I've been able to throw at it. Some configurations just make the current and wave action more chaotic than others.

As far as your overflow is concerned, a durso, as Chuck mentioned is a must. Just remember to set the durso so that the water level in your overflow is on the high side so that when the wave crests to that side, the water doesn't have as far to fall. This will reduce the overflow noise considerably.

Luis

 

[ShadowViper]

Rodger even though an overflow box in the center of the lenght of the tank may be a bit more optimal due to the most stable part of the wave, wouldnt the overflow box obstruct the wave created on the far side from the wave box, creating an area of little or no disturbance?

 

[lukasnca]

I'm now thinking about one of these options ... decided to go for a bigger tank. Any thoughts?

 

[rvitko]

The wavebox cannot go in the corner in a tank that wide. It won't work. You have to center it, Option D is always preferred but the wavebbox would have to be in front of the overflow.

 

[Frisco]

Roger - Why wouldn't D work if the wavebox was just moved down to the center of the 3' side of the tank? Why would it need to be in front of the overflow?

 

[rvitko]

That would work too, I don't think the wavebox could be back in the corner though on a tank that wide. I just meant in relation to that drawing with it on the 4ft wall it would have to come forward.

 

[lukasnca]

So the basic point is that it doesn't matter as much where the overflow is but the wavebox needs to be centered -- is that right?

Is there a good explanation anywhere on how the wavebox actually works (ie waterflow through it?)... I've seen the videos but can't tell much from them.

Is there basically a pump in the bottom of the box that sucks up the water from the tank into the box and once it fills up reverses direction and pushes the water out (or lets gravity do the work)?

Just curious...

 

[rvitko]

It just turns a pump on and off and uses the principile of resonance frequency. When the pump surge timing totally syncs up, the pulses overlap and the energy builds. This is the same frequency that makes balconies collapse when people jump up and down in time to music or bridges collapse. If the frequency is just right it has an additive effect and a very small amount of energy builds into a massive force.

It doesn't need to be centered, but your tank is so wide that it needs to be at least a foot in from either side. A centered overflow like you have it in your drawing is ideal because that would be the mosts stable point on the surface, that would be basically the fulcrum point so the water would not splash much and the level is fairly constant.

 

[lukasnca]

Ok makes sense. Thanks...

Luke.