Wavebox vs Closed Loop

[scbauer]

So ideally I would like to do both a closed loop and a wavebox in my tank, but alas, I don't have the room for a wavebox in my tank and I'm considering using my closed-loop intakes as a connection for an external wavebox. This will probably be a temporary thing just to see if it works, but for a long term solution, assuming the wavebox works, I have the following question:

If you could only have one or the other, which would you (and your tank inhabitants) prefer on your tank, a wavebox or a closed loop.

Thanks!

-Scott

P.S. - for reference, my wavebox is going to be using a Tunze 6100 and my closed loop currently uses an Iwaki MD-40 (~1,200 GPH) on an OceansMotion 4-way.

 

[scbauer]

Nobody? Perhaps somebody out there has switched from a closed loop to a wavebox and can throw in their 2 cents?

-Scott

 

[PSU REEFER]

Never had a wavebox---sorry, I'm just more for the closed-loop

 

[BASA]

Im curious to see what people have to say on this subject also.

I am currently in the beginning stages of transfering my 90G set up to a 120G and considering using a wavemaker with suplemental powerheads instead of only closed loop.

 

[scbauer]

Ok, I've got 5 votes for the closed loop, 0 for the wavebox, but no reason from any of the closed loop voters!

Anybody care to elaborate?

 

[troyman]

i have tunze wave box inside tank tank is 120 i love the natural effect it gives theres nothing like it i do have 4 other power heads moving the water

 

[BASA]

i have tunze wave box inside tank tank is 120 i love the natural effect it gives theres nothing like it i do have 4 other power heads moving the water

Do you have a DSB or BB?

 

[teesquare]

Ok, I've got 5 votes for the closed loop, 0 for the wavebox, but no reason from any of the closed loop voters!

Anybody care to elaborate?

1. Waveboxes will require more maintenancce, as there will be build up inside,( debris, algaes, etc to remove.) Typically this involves moving things - intentional, or otherwise in the aquarium.. I would be curious about an external box....why not just go with an OM -2 or OM- 4?

2. Check with the manufacturer of your tank - and ask them what happens to your warranty if you are using waveboxes, and you have a seam failure:eek2:

3. Need more?:wave:

T

 

[Fish_wiz2]

Im using a wavebox myself without the box :lol: (still a work in progress). I have to say, it would be best to use both or combine it with powerheads as you get the movement but thats it, theres no current it the tank.... I like it but in your footsteps i would say go CL as the wavebox is just a bonus to flow and can't be considered real flow. Wiz

 

[aquamn1999]

I say neither and go w/ vortech mp40's. They can do the same wave motion if that's what you want and take up a lot less real estate than a wave box. Comparing to a closed loop you will move more water with less power. Also depending on which pump you use for closed loop maintenance can become a pain. (replacing seals, etc.) just my 2cents.

 

[Toxiq reef]

I love the wavebox, the sway of my nems is soothing

 

[teesquare]

I say neither and go w/ vortech mp40's. They can do the same wave motion if that's what you want and take up a lot less real estate than a wave box. Comparing to a closed loop you will move more water with less power. Also depending on which pump you use for closed loop maintenance can become a pain. (replacing seals, etc.) just my 2cents.

I have Vortechs as well - and...I do love them.
But - they do not move water the same way as a CL.....The limitations for them are that - they sit flat on the glass, and cannot be "aimed". Because of the wide flow dispersion this is usually not a big deal, but there are times when you want/need to direct flow in a given direction.
Additionally, if you follow the manufacturers instructions for the Vortech pumps, you will be removing them, and cleaning much more often than the replacement of a pump seal. ( I think Vortech says monthly soaking/cleaning?) If they are placed to hide their location/appearance, this may require moving thingas around in the tank - which is always risky....
I have external pumps that have been running for 5 plus years without any maintenance.
There is no one perfect answer, IMHO. I usually find that a combination of devices is required to accomplish what I am after.
T

 

[RcToners]

I would say neither. I would go with tunze pumps and the tunze controller. Easily direct flow anywhere inside the tank, easily create waves of just about any size.

 

[teesquare]

Well, Tunze or Vortech....some of the same considerations: It is an electro-mechanical device, located inside the aquarium.....Maintenance - and on a regular (usually) monthly basis ie required/recommended by the manufacturer. I use 'em too, and they run for years - as long as they are maintained

I think the O.P. needs to create a list of priorities, an put them in order of importance for HIM....

This way, he can compare features and benefits of each method of prviding water movement/motion in his aquarium...

Make sense?

T

 

[scbauer]

Hey everyone, thanks for the input! Just to clarify, I already have my tank running with a closed loop. My closed loop has 2 x 1" inputs in the back of my tank (2 for redundancy in case one gets clogged), goes through an Oceans Motion 4-way, then exits into the tank two at a time. I think I have some really good flow, but I just love the look of the wave in the tank and the fish just bouncing up and down!

So, as a temporary test, I'm going to build an external wavebox, disconnect my closed loop, and use the closed loop inputs (the 2 x 1" bulkheads) as the connection for the external wavebox. If the test is successful I will figure out what I want to do, but I will likely setup the closed loop with a single 1" intake and use the second 1" bulkhead for the wavebox.

I just got my Tunze 6100 last night so I'm hoping to build the wavebox in the next few days (nothing like a DIY Christmas! ). I'll update the thread and let everyone know how it goes.

Thanks again!

-Scott

 

[scbauer]

Oh yea, took a short video the other day and uploaded to youtube. Unfortunately youtube didn't let me upload HD video because I wasn't on WiFi () but hopefully you can still get the idea of my current flow by looking at the movement of my anemone.

<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/cJtxTGr9VeA?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/cJtxTGr9VeA?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>

-Scott

 

[rsaha]

I have never run a closed loop so take anything I say with a grain of salt. I run a Tunze nano wavebox plus a 6101 with the 6201 shroud and a 6055 all controlled by a 7196 in my 120G 4x2x2 and I am very happy with it. Someday I will replace the 6055 with a 6105 but I'm on no rush. I am running an SPS dominated mixed reef that has been up for a few years.

I can't imagine how 1200GPH could come close to the flow coverage this setup provides.

For sure you will need powerheads to supplement the wavebox if you go that route.

 

[one clownfish]

I've done the CL and WB and will never do CL again. My new tank is a 220, 72Lx24Wx30H. Old tank with CL 180, 72x 24x24. I bought the WB used from RC for $250. The wave was disappointing (at 1st) maybe 1/2" or so, I could never adjust it right. I bought a round magnet holder (got tired of looking at the black box)from Tunze and centered it on the end near the top and now I'm getting a 2" wave across my entire tank (only 30watts of energy use). I upgraded the same pump again with a new Tunze power supply. Now I have a 6305 pump(8000 gph @60W). Then I hooked it to the multi controller which I already had and all I can say is WOW! I love it and its awesome. I set the controller to interval 100% both knobs with a 1-3sec time. Its a title wave in there. All together maybe $500. The CL will cost around $800 when you add the plumbing, Amp master or dart Pump, OM, bulk heads , loc line, drilling, time, whatever else I'm forgetting and around 225watts. My WB pump is the newer round style type. This is just my opinion tho, take it for what it is. If you want I could get some video in a day or 2. Good Luck

 

[atreis]

Wavebox - Lower power consumption and I love the effect.

Better yet would be a pair of Vortech pumps.

 

[cjcmcheek]

ive used both a wavebox and a closed loop. i am currently running dual mp40's because they work the best!! problem with the OM with the closed loop is it will not produce the back and forth quick enough for my liking. the wavebox does not make enough water flow as the mp40's. i use the closed loop right now to stir up detritus a few times a day. if i could go back i would have never dealt with a closed loop.