Wave Possible with 1

[Poppy828]

Vortech in a 120g? 4'x2'x2'. Just curious really. Fuppet's was kind enough to allow me to borrow his pump to test this out while mine is being sent.

I have been running this alternating each day between the Purple and Yellow setting. (can't remember the names, reef crest and something)

Last night I played very briefly with the pulse mode, but noticed the pump was significantly louder in this setting than the others. I set the maximum speed to 100% and the pules width was changed every 20 minutes (faster/slower) and did not notice any changes. I did notice that the flow is not reaching the opposite end very well if at all. I am sure this is why I did not see a change in the pulse mode.

The rock structure was re-done this weekend to accommodate the pumps flow capabilities so I don't imagine it's the rocks interfering. Maybe I am wrong. Here is a pic of the new structure...

Am I wishfully thinking I can get a wave in this tank with one pump? Just curious is all. I did not plan to have a wave when purchasing, but would like to see if it's possible. I was more after a random flow for my tank.

Thanks,

Todd

 

[EcoTech Marine]

For a large wave in a 120 you will likely need two pumps. Also, the foam cover will inhibit the flow of the pump which could reduce the wave capabilities. EcoTech Marine does not feel that the VorTech is a risk to healthy fish.

-Tim

 

[JRaquatics]

I got a wave on mine last night on a 180gal with only 1 pump.

 

[Poppy828]

Tim,

I only have the foam on there because of my Baby Onyx clowns that are 3 months old. Rephrase, my wife's Babies....LOL They are tiny and not the strongest swimmers yet. So I was instructed by my wife to use it for now.

Is there a certain placement on the glass to get better results? I.E. Height of pump, distance from fron to back, etc?

 

[Poppy828]

JRaquatics,

That's impressive. What are your settings?

BTW...I am talking to Mike right now about the Lumen Brights for my tank. Your post on the other thread made me look into it more. Thanks for assisting in my pulling the debit card back out.

 

[JRaquatics]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11181204#post11181204 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Poppy828
JRaquatics,

That's impressive. What are your settings?

BTW...I am talking to Mike right now about the Lumen Brights for my tank. Your post on the other thread made me look into it more. Thanks for assisting in my pulling the debit card back out.

No problem, always glad to help fellow reefer spend money. I set the flow at high and pulse about 3/4 on high.

 

[Poppy828]

I will give it a try tonight if I have some time.

Thanks for the help in both areas.

How are you liking the Lumens after some use?

 

[JRaquatics]

Greatest reflector I have used to date. I can't image a better reflector. Did you get yours yet.

As for the pump I also don't have the sleeve on it, so I am not sure how that hinders the performance of a wave.

 

[Poppy828]

I have not. I just spoke to Mike last night. He gave me a call and we spoke for a half hour so about them and some other things. Maybe this weekend if time allows I can swing out to see Mike and pick them up.

I am sure as Tim and you have mentioned, the foam sleeve is hindering my capabilities somewhat. It's better than feeling wrath from my wife if her babies get sucked in and spit out in teeny tiny pieces.

 

[JRaquatics]

Have to Keep the wife happy! I know how that is.

 

[Poppy828]

She is the reason we do this right...I mean the reason we are able to do this

 

[JRaquatics]

Yep. Have to keep her happy, especially when she sees my credit card bill from Reef Specialty. In one week I bought 2 vortechs, 3 reflectors, 3 bulbs and 3 ballasts.

I would also try to place the pump on the back of the tank. I am going to try this position tonight myself.

 

[Poppy828]

Yeah mine is the debit card receipts. We try hard not to charge anything, especially reef related as we all know that can get crazy. So limiting it to the checking account somewhat helps.

I just bought the Vortech myself and also spent $2,000 on some custom braces for my mother in law who has MS and we take care of. Without them, she can not walk and medicare does not cover them and she needed a new walker which was $400. She is more expensinve than reefing...LOL

Are you talking about placing the pumps in the back corners? Fuppets had mentioned that also, but with 1 pump, I don't think that will do anything for me. Maybe with 2... I don't have easy enough access to the back middle to try that.

 

[JRaquatics]

I'll try it and let you know. I don't see too many tanks with their Vortech mounted in this fashion. But it could actually turn out better than mounting them on the sides.

 

[Poppy828]

Fuppets has a 180 and he has both his Vortechs in between the overflows and he likes it a lot he said. When I am able to justify the second vortech, they will be placed in the corners to see what I get.

Interested in hearing your feedback.

Any pics of your tank BTW? Would love to see the LB's on it so I have more ammo for the beautiful wife.

 

[JRaquatics]

These were taken last week. I have since placed sand and one of the vortech on it. It is in the begining stages of cycling. I have also decided on moving the two end lights in about 2 inches towards the center.

 

[JRaquatics]

Notice my stands ledge. no light is hitting it, all the light is contained within the tank. that light spot is from the flash.

If this helps, My wife loves these reflectors. She hates when the lights light up everything outside of the tank. She really hated the luminarc minis that I had up for a few days. She said it looked like a spaceship landed in our basement. And for once she was right.

 

[Poppy828]

Yes, my wife too says the whole room is lit up with our Mini Lums and does not like it. In fact, can't stand it. Plus I am being yelled at for loud drains in the sump... A man can only do so much you know...

Tank looks nice and the rock structures are cool as well. Will be a nice tank I am sure once it's all done. Does appear from the photos that the light is conentrated in the tank and not the room like the Lums do for me.

 

[JRaquatics]

I wish I had taken pics of the Lumenarcs over the tank before selling them. O-well. You will love these reflectors and your wife will love you for them. Did you slope your return drains? Do you have a pic of your plumbing.

 

[Poppy828]

We shall see. I just spoke to Mike. I think I am set for Saturday if everything goes as planned.

Here are a few pics of the plumbing...what you can't see, id below that glass lid, I have holes and slits cut in the drain going into the sump. I was thinking of Ting off the drains just before the tie into the bulkhead and running a vertical stack pipe with a cap and a hole or 2 drilled in it to relieve the air....