Question about Tunze Streams

[Len]

Do you need the controller to make adjust speed, or is there a basic speed control or oscillating function. I know there are two types of Streams ... I'm just not clear what is needed to adjust speeds and make them oscillate.

 

[SnowManSnow]

there is one that has the speed ON its OWN controller, but I think to make them work in conjunction with each other you have to have the central control unit thinggi

 

[Ben1]

Tunzes? I thought you were a vortech guy!

 

[Len]

I am. Weighing my options though. The only reason I'd try Tunze is because they can be mounted on my rear glass.

 

[Anonymous]

Do you need the controller to make adjust speed, or is there a basic speed control or oscillating function. I know there are two types of Streams ... I'm just not clear what is needed to adjust speeds and make them oscillate.

There are two types of Tunze powerheads, controllable and non-controllable. The controllable ones have a transformer that changes the power from AC to DC, as only DC powered pumps can be controlled. (AC can only be turned on and off. Doing this frequently, as with one of those power-strip wavemakers, will burn out the pumps). All of the Tunze DC pumps have a sliding selector on the transformer that can change the pump's output from 50% up to 100% power. But this is a set-and-forget switch, and would only be used if 100% power was too much.

So the controllable pumps need a controller to get the full effect. The new 7096 controller is quite amazing, and cheap by Tunze standards ($160). It hooks up to a computer for the programming and has tons of options for controlling the pumps. It can easily make a wave, if desired, and IMHO it makes the Tunze wavebox somewhat obsolete. It has also an intermittent Storm Mode and quite a few other neat features. I love mine, LMK if you have any questions about it.

 

[Len]

Thanks! I doubt I'd do a full wave effect as I'm afraid it would kill the seams of my glass tank. I got my Vortechs to do it, but I got freaked out after 10 minutes of watching the action.