How often can you have them cycle on and off?

[FutureInterest]

I have two vortechs on my controller and currently they cycle on and off at 30 minute intervals.

I would like to play with that interval though and was wondering if the manufacturer recommends a certain minimal time interval for turning the pump on/off. I know with tunzes its frowned upon, but they have a limit of 30 mins or so for their nanos, which is why I'm abiding by 30 mins for the vortechs at this time.

Thanks in advance.

[EcoTech Marine]

30 minutes is the minimum recommended cycle time. The new Wireless Wave Driver due out within days will take care of the cycle time issue because you will be able to pulse the unit using this new controller.

-Tim

[FutureInterest]

Fundamentally what is limiting the cycle time to 30 mins? With the tunzes the argument was that since they were AC they would start up in the wrong direction 50% of the time and this would wear out the prop.

[mrcrab]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10831711#post10831711 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by EcoTech Marine
The new Wireless Wave Driver due out within days

Tell us more!

[EcoTech Marine]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10831757#post10831757 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by FutureInterest
Fundamentally what is limiting the cycle time to 30 mins? With the tunzes the argument was that since they were AC they would start up in the wrong direction 50% of the time and this would wear out the prop.

The probability of code corruption. Please consult our FAQ at the top of this forum as this is explained there.

-Tim

[FutureInterest]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10832629#post10832629 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by EcoTech Marine
The probability of code corruption. Please consult our FAQ at the top of this forum as this is explained there.
-Tim

[i]
so long as the interval of the pump is no slower than five (5) minute on and off, ten minutes will provide even safer operation.
[/B]

I'm a lil confused... :(

The FAQ seems to indicate up to 5 minute on/off is fine and that 10 min on/off is better. Or as you indicated supra is it 30?

Thanks.

[Sparkss]

That FAQ is somewhat outdated. Real work metrics have shown that a minimum of 30 minutes is required, but I would not recommend cycling them at all, until you can get a driver/controller from Eco Tech to handle it (IE: the WWD that Tim referred to, when it is available)

[EcoTech Marine]

Tom is right, the FAQ needs updating. I'll put that on my list of things to do this week.

-Tim

[HBtank]

What about turning them off to feed, should I be waiting 30 minutes to start them back up? I have one pump on a battery, so only one really shuts off usually, but I unplug the other sometimes to get no current...

Also, does short (5 minutes) intervals of one pump running on my battery reduce the battery life, say if done two times a day?

I really need these WWD's.. heh

[EcoTech Marine]

Turning them off for feeding every now and then is fine. The goal is to reduce the total number of on/off settings throughout the day. Short intervals on battery won't hurt the pump, but could reduce the life of the battery.

-Tim