wavemaker - tank failure?

[dolt]

I have a 225 acrylic tank and have two 6100s with a controller and am very happy with them but lately have been thinking about adding a wavemaker to this - I have heard a few people stating that this can decrease tank life especially in glass tanks - is there any truth to this and if so how frequently is this a concern?

[rvitko]

Yes, it is true, it is in the manual. We don't have any info on acrylic because it just isn't seen much in Europe and I don't see it much in Texas so we have no test cases. Most acrylic experts say the acrylic should be thicker, I would defer to ichthyman (RC member) for a better explanation. In a well built glass tank it takes about 10% of the tank life away so an average 15-20 year life becomes 13-18. Honestly a non issue in my opinion as most people move or upgrade by this time.

[dolt]

what exactly do you mean thicker? thicker than one would use for a certain size tank typically? if so are there recommended thicknesses? mine is one inch on the sides and 3/4 in the front (I think) and was well built by the people who build all the aquariums for Shedd aquarium in chicago

[rvitko]

I would ask ichthyman- send him a PM. He knows more about this than I do.

[dolt]

ok - is he somehow related to the company or is he a private hobbyist with experience in acrylic or wavemakers?

[rvitko]

He owns a shop in Tampa and makes his own acrylic aquariums. He does sell Tunze products at his shop but he has answered these questions before and he has impressed me with his knowledge of acrylic. The folks in Tampa widely regard him as an expert and a real hobbyist turned shop owner who knows his stuff.

[dolt]

cool - thankyou - I well get ahold of him when I get a chance

[wbeavers]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=742266

[dolt]

wbeavers - is that supposed to be a link to a thread about this? it seems like it is linked right back to this thread - would love to get more info if you have the link

[robthorn]

I am lucky enough to know personally john / ichthyman has the knowledge claimed here. I live near his store and do most of my shopping with him and he's the first one I go to for any advice