Wave2k/Tunze Wavebox vs. Carlson Surge Device

[acurro]

Does anyone have experience with one of the wavebox devices (Wave2K or Tunze Wavebox) and also have experience and a Carlson or Borneman Surge Device, to compare them all?

At the moment I am leaning towards a Borneman surge device (toilet bowl flush valve in a bucket), since it is simple, cheaper, fun to make, and does not force my fish to swim in current constantly, as the wavebox and wave2k do. I intend to turn my seawater toilet off at night by a timer, to have a quieter night time for my fish and me.

Any advice? I have not seen any posts on this topic in the wonderfully reactivated search function.

 

[Hammercoral]

Surges work well, only downside is the noise.

 

[acurro]

How are the bubbles from a Borneman surge device?

 

[jmchzn]

Wave Box

Wave Box

Just hooked wave box up an I like it. Press a button and it shuts down for 9 min to feed then auto turns back on. Has photo cell I mounted on tank edge under light so it shuts down at nite and turns back up when light comes on again. The wave is adjustable and it absolutely moves the volume of tank. In fact it does make waves very cool. The noise is ok sounds like waves on the beach. Well almost. There is one small issue I get a little splash up so I cut some Phospad and put it on top. I'm sure it reduces effectiveness but in a 90 gal it moves plenty of water. It is adjustable so I change up the wave when I'm in the mood for a storm.

 

[cbl]

wave2k is somewhat noisy and takes some fiddlin with to tune it in. I think closed loop beats them all if possible to set up in your system.

 

[howie1]

jmchzn, do you have a center unit or a corner unit? I am very interested in it. I am setting up a 150 48x24x30 and I was wondering if I should get two centers. BTW, putting a photo cell on it is a great idea.

 

[anative]

I have two of the Wave2K center units in my 220 for a while. I ended up replacing them with a Tunze Wavebox. My issue with the Wave2K was the noise and the amount of time I had to spend messing with them.

The Wavebox has worked perfectly for over a year and I haven't touched it once.

Jon

 

[howie1]

was the noise from the motors or the water splashing?

 

[jamesdawson]

I used to run a small surge device. It was pretty cool, downside was it put bubbles into the tank and was somewhat noisy if that bothers you--I kind of liked the sound. It was to small to do much real water movement

I have the wavebox now and love it. Nothing compares IMHO and its only downside is it takes up some room. I will probably reinstall the surger at some point to go with the WB.

James

 

[acurro]

Thanks for the input. I have heard about the bubbles and the sound before, but I like the waves crashing too! It seems like not many people have tried surge devices. . . . Which kind did you true, bornemen, carleson, or reverse carleson.

 

[jamesdawson]

It was carlson style unit made by the now extinct MMFI company.

James

 

[dj9264]

acurro,
My CSD makes very little noise once I modified a siphon break line at the very top of the inside elbow.

The toilet flapper and float designs are complicated and moving parts wear over time.

But it is also alot of fun to get so much water moving and display your ingenuity. Good Luck.

 

[dj9264]

james,

I read the Wavebox can be used for tanks as small as 200 litres.
What do you think? For a 90g 48" x 18"?
What is your wave height?
And how big is your tank?
Thanks.

 

[jamesdawson]

I have a 45"x18"-22"x29" bowfront.

wave is about 3/4"

James

 

[jmchzn]

WaveBox

WaveBox

Howie
It's in the corner behind rock work. The primary pulse actually comes out a cave I created. I also have it obstructed a little by the center overflow. But I'll tell you this puppy moves some water regardless. It REALLY moves the water w/o anything in the way but if I put it on high it does the job. I get a little splash but the phos pad I cut for the top lets all the air in and out but stops the splash. I don't know about the noise I play drums so to me it's not that loud. If you have it in a quiet livingroom or a bed room it may be a little loud but the wave 2k is definitely a noticable volume my buddy hates it. Keep in mind the tunze is 500.00 the k2 is 1/2 that.

 

[howie1]

thanks jmchzn! I appreciate your response.