Wavebox - Placement and Tank Design

[FijiScales]

I am in the midst of a tank upgrade and need to provide the final details to the tank manufacturer on Monday. The tank is 78 long 30 wide and 24 high, 3 sided viewing configuration with an external overflow (18 inches long) on one of the short ends. The tank will be barebottom with an emphasis on SPS.

In my current tank are two 6100's. I bought a Wavebox on Friday and will obtain two 6200's shortly. My "intention" is to run the Wavebox in the middle of the end with the overflow, with one of the 6100's in the corner of that short end "slaved" to the Wavebox. Now I know that to run the Wavebox off the 7095 controller, I have to use the slave slot in the Wavebox controller, so my first question is whether this simultaneous use of a 6100 can be accomplished another way, such as through a Y adapter?

A big question is whether the Wavebox is OK in the middle, or should it be placed elsewhere, such as the corner (like in the manual)?

I am also concerned about attachement of the Wavebox - the tank will be eurobraced and I anticipate the external overflow does not provide much space (because of the eurobracing above the slots) for the standard attachment hardware. My 6100's each use only the long plastice piece which is hung off hooks attached to my hood. Does anyone with a eurobraced tank have holes in the euroibracing for attaching things?

I believe the external overflow will run the water level quite high in the tank. Will the "wave action" causing splashing unless the space between the water level and the top (eurobracing) is increased? The Wavebox manual suggests a 5cm space requirement, which I suspect I don't have unless I change to an internal overflow.

The remaining 6100 will be placed low in the tank (maybe even on the bottom) on the short end opposite the overflow/Wavebox, with the two 6200's in the corners above, controlled with the 7095.

Any suggestions before I continue with this plan and order the tank???

Thanks.

Trevor

 

[rvitko]

You would need a branch adapter to accomplish the dual connection. The tank is wide so the wavebox would have to be slightly centered. I am concerned the wavebox will not work for you. It does have to be out of the water at least 5 cm. You will have a wave that is at least 3cm high. The wavebox requires a very secure mount and you have to clamp it very firmly or use two magnet holders, if you can't do this it isn't going to work. If you haven't ordered the tank and you don't live where their are earth quakes my advice is buy a glass tank without the eurobraces.

 

[FijiScales]

Thanks for the info.

I am going to delay the final decision on the tank for a week while I sort this out. Perhaps an internal overflow is the better choice...

 

[LHHFMF]

It does have to be out of the water at least 5 cm. You will have a wave that is at least 3cm high.

Hey Roger,

I think I'm reading this correct but just want to make sure. When the wavebox is sitting in the tank with no wave action it has to be sitting out of the water at least 5 cm?

I have an acrylic tank from Envision Acrylics and the overflow box goes right to the top bracing on the tank so the water level stays pretty high.

Doesn't sound like I can use a wavebox does it?

 

[rvitko]

It depends on the tank. I have a 75 and the wavebox is sticking out about 2.5cm but I can only generate a 2cm wave in a 75 so that is fine. In a 180 though you can get a 3-4cm wave so more clearance is needed as the wavebox has to breathe in air on the out stroke.

 

[LHHFMF]

I have a 120G tank now (4X2X2X) and I would guess I have 2CM of space. I'll have to get an accurate measurement tonight and go from there.

Thank you Roger

 

[rvitko]

Your wave height should be about the same as mine. I would think if you can just get another .5-1 cm in clearance you will be OK.

 

[TLowe]

Hi Roger. I have a 75 gal BB mixed reef and would like to increase my water flow. I currently am using a Wave 2K in one corner and two 3/4" Sea Swirls on my sump returns in the center of the tank. Would the Tunze Wave Box be too large for my tank? If not, what else would you suggest -- if anything -- in addition to the Wave Box and the Sea Swirl returns (I am planning to remove the Wave 2K).

Thanks.

 

[rvitko]

I have one in my 75. With 2 sea swirls you might not need anything else.