Wavebox

[jwildman]

I have a AGA 180 (6x2x2) and currently have 3 Streams 6100's on a 7095 controller, which I am very happy with them.

I have been thinking about getting a 4th stream for the final corner. I have also thought about getting a Wavebox. Would a Wavebox with 3 6100's be too much. Or am I better off just getting the 4th stream? I have mostly SPS in my tank

Also if I go the Wavebox route does that connect the 7095 controller?

Thanks in advance.

John

 

[rvitko]

The wavebox includes its own controller which you will need to run it.

The wavebox is a nice additive to existing flow but it works best with overflows that are centered or at least not in the corners and you must have room for a wave of at least 1" to get much use in a 6ft tank.

 

[jwildman]

Thanks Roger appreciate the post.

Anyone out there using a Wavebox on a AGA ReefReady 180? Any problems with a 1" wave or the overflows?

Thanks,

John

 

[sticky]

What are the issues with the corner overflows?

 

[xinumaster]

Good question sticky. I was just about to ask that too.

 

[GummyBear]

I run the wavebox with AGA 210 and I get about 3/4"wave and have had no issues. I also have 1 of my three other streams hooked to the same wavebox controller and the other 2 on the 7095.

 

[rvitko]

Corner overflows shorten the wave and result in splashing as the wave surges into the overflow, it works but it isn't ideal. For example on a 180 with a center overflow the wave can approach 2", with corner overflows 1.25" is probably the limit.

 

[jwildman]

Roger,

So does that mean that I if I go the Wavebox route I should lower my water level and let the waves push water into the overflows? Right now I have about 1" of room for a wave some it would be a close fit. I have 2 overflows about a foot off center on my 6 foot tank.

Also I was talking to folks at my local club (WAMAS) and they thought you would not run the streams and the wavebox at the same time. The thought being that it would be counter productive. What is the party line on that

Thank again in advance,

John

 

[rvitko]

Generally you need Streams to accompany the wavebox. The flow of the wavebox is what you see from waves in any large body of water. If you swim in the ocean or a large lake and kick up some sand, it rocks back and forth and slowly settles back down. A directional current is needed to sweep that away. With the wavebox a 3/4" wave is really the minimum to get effective flow from it. You can adjust wave height on the driver but I would try to get the biggest wave possible. The overflow position you describe is actually pretty good, use durso pipes to minimize the splash and consider lowering the water height by routering the teeth deeper.

 

[jwildman]

Thanks Roger .. very helpful

 

[jwildman]

Sorry 1 more question for you about the wave box ...

I currently have 3 6100's on a 7095 in a 180. Would suggest going to 2 6100's with the wavebox or keep all three with the wavebox OR would you just dump the wavebox idea and get the 4th 6100 for the last remaining corner?

Thanks again,

John

 

[rvitko]

I prefer the wavebox, I would probably run just 2 6100's but I have seen people run bare bottom 180s with 4 6200's and a wavebox so opinions vary in that regard.