Wave Box and Tank Stress

[Psyire]

Hello,

I have a question regarding the wavebox. Would a wavebox cause extra stress on the silicone joints in an aquarium? I'm basically wondering if you are increasing your chance of a tank failure by using the wavebox in your tank. Thanks!

 

[Craig Borowski]

A Wavebox (or a wave generated by other means) will increase the stress on the seams of an aquarium. With a relatively new, professionally assembled aquarium, sitting on a level and solid stand, this extra stress is not cause for concern. If however the tank is over ten years old, has been moved many times, was poorly constructed or sits on a less-than-perfect stand, then the wave could prove to be the straw that break's the camel's back.

That said, tank failures directly attributable to a Wavebox are very rare, and most of the cases I've heard about involved DIY aquariums.

 

[rvitko]

Just to expand on this, any device which creates a wave or surge where the water weight shifts or changes, in fact even repeated filling and draining of a tank, will increase the stress on the seams.

 

[Psyire]

Ok, thanks guys.

 

[reefdude135]

Just to expand on this, any device which creates a wave or surge where the water weight shifts or changes, in fact even repeated filling and draining of a tank, will increase the stress on the seams.

What about Streams in general?

 

[rvitko]

If you used Streams or any other pump to produce an actual wave, the same risks apply, it is the wave and shifting of water weight that causes the damage, a 1" wave on a 180 gallon tank is 3.6 gallons, about 28lbs.