Tunze Stream users - need input (1 Viewer)

[Guest]

I had never really looked at Tunze Streams before, because I hate powerheads. But after struggling to figure out how to add a closed loop to my new tank (with that builtin filter along the back), I decided to look at them more closely. Now I understand - these aren't ordinary powerheads.

So, I'm thinking about changing my plan (surprise!) to use a pair of 6000's on a multicontroller, instead of a closed loop. The cost will be about the same, when you factor in the OM 4 way I bought (they said I can return it), the pump, and all the plumbing parts I will need. With the streams, I will get a little more flow, less power usage, and probably better dispersion, and it will be a LOT easier to setup.

So that brings me to the questions:

1) I saw a post from Kevin that he had a multicontroller fail. Anyone else had problems? I don't want to spend the money on the multicontroller if they are unreliable.

2) I've also read that some people prefer to use individual single controllers instead of the multicontroller - you have more control over the flow from each stream, but you can't coordinate them like the multicontroller will. Any thoughts?

3) If I go with a multicontroller, is the new one really worth waiting for, and worth the extra 25% in cost? From what I read, it has that moonlight deal on the photosensor, and different buttons. I don't care about either of those - are there other features I'm missing?

4) Anyone planning on upgrading to the new multicontroller and want to sell me their old one cheap?

5) Where did you buy your Tunze stuff from? It looks like the prices are pretty fixed on these things, so maybe I can get it locally for the same as mailorder?

Thanks.

 

[Guest]

1) I saw a post from Kevin that he had a multicontroller fail. Anyone else had problems? I don't want to spend the money on the multicontroller if they are unreliable.

I have only had mine for about 8 months now, but I love my Tunzes and have never had a single problem with them (except for the mounting --- I had to do a customized mount since the provided parts just did not work out). I went with two single controllers, so I don't know about the reliability of the multicontrollers. My controllers are working great though.

2) I've also read that some people prefer to use individual single controllers instead of the multicontroller - you have more control over the flow from each stream, but you can't coordinate them like the multicontroller will. Any thoughts?

I like the independent nature of the two single controllers. If I thought I would ever need more Streams, I would have purchased the multicontroller. But Since I only needed two Streams it actually worked out cheaper to get the two single controllers.

3) If I go with a multicontroller, is the new one really worth waiting for, and worth the extra 25% in cost? From what I read, it has that moonlight deal on the photosensor, and different buttons. I don't care about either of those - are there other features I'm missing?

I have no experience with the new multicontrollers, although I know someone that has them. I don't know what the real difference is, though.

4) Anyone planning on upgrading to the new multicontroller and want to sell me their old one cheap?

Sorry. I have only had mine for about 8 months, but I would not go without them.

5) Where did you buy your Tunze stuff from? It looks like the prices are pretty fixed on these things, so maybe I can get it locally for the same as mailorder?

I got mine through John at Global. He ordered them for me and, although it took a few weeks for them to come in (they are always on backorder) he called me as soon as they arrived and everything worked out great.

Jim

 

[Andy]

I had never really looked at Tunze Streams before, because I hate powerheads. But after struggling to figure out how to add a closed loop to my new tank (with that builtin filter along the back), I decided to look at them more closely. Now I understand - these aren't ordinary powerheads.

So, I'm thinking about changing my plan (surprise!) to use a pair of 6000's on a multicontroller, instead of a closed loop. The cost will be about the same, when you factor in the OM 4 way I bought (they said I can return it), the pump, and all the plumbing parts I will need. With the streams, I will get a little more flow, less power usage, and probably better dispersion, and it will be a LOT easier to setup.

So that brings me to the questions:

1) I saw a post from Kevin that he had a multicontroller fail. Anyone else had problems? I don't want to spend the money on the multicontroller if they are unreliable.


Had mine almost 2 yrs & no problem.
What size tank are you using it on??

2) I've also read that some people prefer to use individual single controllers instead of the multicontroller - you have more control over the flow from each stream, but you can't coordinate them like the multicontroller will. Any thoughts?

3) If I go with a multicontroller, is the new one really worth waiting for, and worth the extra 25% in cost? From what I read, it has that moonlight deal on the photosensor, and different buttons. I don't care about either of those - are there other features I'm missing?
I'll have to look I do not remember if there is a photosensor on mine?? that would be good to quieten it down at night.


4) Anyone planning on upgrading to the new multicontroller and want to sell me their old one cheap?


5) Where did you buy your Tunze stuff from? It looks like the prices are pretty fixed on these things, so maybe I can get it locally for the same as mailorder?
Champion Lighting.
Global Fish


Thanks.

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the replies.

This will be going in a 145g tank, 48"x29"x24". Basically, it's a 120g with an extra 5" in the back for a built-in filtration system (which has been converted to a fuge and an overflow).

All the threads I read on RC recommended 2 6000's and the multicontroller for a 120g tank.

 

[Guest]

Also, how do you guys hide these things? Either of you using the rock they sell to hide them? I'm thinking about either buying the rocks, or just using the magnets to mount them in the back corners of the tank. I know I can't use the standard mounts, because it's an acrylic tank.

 

[Guest]

Also, how do you guys hide these things? Either of you using the rock they sell to hide them? I'm thinking about either buying the rocks, or just using the magnets to mount them in the back corners of the tank. I know I can't use the standard mounts, because it's an acrylic tank.

I just placed mine in my rockwork. I built a small "nest" out of contoured live rock and place the Tunze in the hollow of the "nest." You can still see them, but they are not very obtrusive, and there is easy access to clean off the screen.

 

[Andy]

2 of them in my 200 is almost too much. I had to find the sweet spot as not to blow the sand bed around. I am not sure what size I have but they were the first ones out. I think 6100s. = 3175 gal/hr.

Multicontroller instructions suck!!! You will have to play with it but it is nice!

Mine are hanging on side glass in plain view but most people do not even see them because they are so busy looking at corals.
Well worth the money in my opinion.

hope this helps

 

[Guest]

Yeah, the 6100 would be overkill for my system I think. The 6000's put out 1800 gph each, so that would be up to 3600 gph, which is a lot more than I would get from an Ampmaster 3000 on a closed loop (my original plan).

Jim - is cleaning the screens the only maintenance needed? They recommend that if you use their rocks, you put them near the top for easy access for maintenance. I was under the impression you needed to do a thorough cleaning every so often - is that not the case?

 

[Andy]

I clean once every 2-3 months

 

[Guest]

Mike:

I have two 6000's with a 7092 multi-controller on my 120 gallon tank. I have never experienced any problem and I love them !!!!

The controller gives you tremendous options on flow rates/duration and I was really impressed with the improvement in my tank once I put them in. The 7092 manual can be a bit painful to plow thru---but it is worth it.

One warning ---they will move the substrate around abit if you are not careful.

Mine are about 9 to 10 months old and I purchased them at Global.

Hope this helps.

 

[Guest]

Jim - is cleaning the screens the only maintenance needed? They recommend that if you use their rocks, you put them near the top for easy access for maintenance. I was under the impression you needed to do a thorough cleaning every so often - is that not the case?

I have not taken mine out of the tank yet. Then only cleaning I have really done it to clean off the screens ant that is it. I will probably take them out sometime in the nearish future just to give them all a good thorough once over, but it is not something that I am too worried about right now.

As the old saying goes...

If it ain't broke, keep your grubby mits off of it.

Jim

 

[Guest]

Tunze on a 150g

Hi. I have two 6000's and a multicontroller on my 150g. As advised by Tunze, I placed them in the back right and left corners facing towards the front glass hitting the front about 1/3rd from each right and left corner.

I have the controller set to alternate from one pump to the other on 1 minute intervals (only one pump on at a time). When the particular pump comes on, I have it set to go from about 30% to 80% and repeat about every 5 seconds. The combination of pulsing pump and alternating pumps really has made an improvement in my tank.

My algae growth is reduced on glass and inside Monti's, etc. My substrate is cleaner, and my softies extend greatly. At first the pumps were noticeable but have now encrusted over with coraline. John at Global is to be commended (again) for his service. My tank is acrylic and the mounts worked ok but I will be looking for the magnets if they are not too bulky.

I did rewire the awful setup Tunze has for the ballast, etc all into a single box which also houses the controller panel. It wasn't too bad a task and I would supply someone a pic to post if you wish. It cleans up the installation (and my cabinet) quite a bit.

I highly recommend these pumps if you have the bucks. It's all about the VOLUME they produce at their given flows.

Snailspace