Cobalt MJ1200 plus Apex

[infinite0180]

hey guys,

I have a newer 20 gal tank that im only utilizing a sicce return pump on for flow. I have a MJ1200 pump that is going to eventually be used for a reactor but right now is unused. I was thinking for a little while i can utilize the MJ1200 for some extra flow in the tank. I have a Apex jr and was thinking i could run the powerhead controller mode to turn the MJ on for about 20 sec then off for 10 sec to get some random wave type motion. Anybody know how well an MJ can handle that constant on and off cycle? Even though its a cheap pump i would prefer not to burn it out over the next month or two. Anybody have expience with cycling an MJ like this? Should i just run it constantly instead? I like the idea of it creating some random flow until i upgrade...

 

[Greybeard]

I have little experience with the new MJ series pumps... I have one, running a reactor, but I've never tried using it as a wavemaker. The classic MaxiJet pumps, which these are based on, however, handled on/off cycling just fine. Probably better than most of the AC powered fan type pumps, really... MaxiJets, new and old, are impeller based, non-directional motor blocks. The prop type AC pumps have to have some sort of reversing mechanism to insure they're running in the right direction.

I'd not hesitate to run one as a wavemaker. I will, however, recommend a longer run time. Just won't get much water moving in 20 seconds. I use AC powered Rossmont Mover fan pumps on my Apex, and I get better random flow currents running them 10 minutes on, 5 minutes off.

 

[infinite0180]

Thanks! I didnt reallize the intervals need to be that long! I just figured short bursts would be the way to go! Ill play with it once i get it set up!

 

[Greybeard]

They don't _need_ to be that long... depends entirely on your tank, size, rockscape, flow patterns you're looking for... anywhere from 30 seconds to 10 minutes.

 

[Brew12]

I have little experience with the new MJ series pumps... I have one, running a reactor, but I've never tried using it as a wavemaker. The classic MaxiJet pumps, which these are based on, however, handled on/off cycling just fine. Probably better than most of the AC powered fan type pumps, really... MaxiJets, new and old, are impeller based, non-directional motor blocks. The prop type AC pumps have to have some sort of reversing mechanism to insure they're running in the right direction.

I'd not hesitate to run one as a wavemaker. I will, however, recommend a longer run time. Just won't get much water moving in 20 seconds. I use AC powered Rossmont Mover fan pumps on my Apex, and I get better random flow currents running them 10 minutes on, 5 minutes off.

Completely agree with this.

Just want to add that if you have an older style Apex, it would be best to not run them this way on outlets 4 or 8. The other outlets will reduce any possible wear and tear on the pumps.

 

[AdamNC]

Just be prepared for a clicking sound every time it turns on. I ran a pair on a 29 gallon years back on a Natural Wave powerstrip for a while til I found a SCWD and used a Mag12 for it. I believe I had them setup on 2 min intervals.

 

[Greybeard]

Just be prepared for a clicking sound every time it turns on. I ran a pair on a 29 gallon years back on a Natural Wave powerstrip for a while til I found a SCWD and used a Mag12 for it. I believe I had them setup on 2 min intervals.

Yup... they make some noise at startup. My current Rossmont pumps do too, though it's not bad.

SCWD Yeah, I had one of those. Worked great... for a while. hard to clean, and clogged up fairly rapidly. Actually saw one brand new, in the box, on a shelf behind the counter at one of the LFS's a while back. Same box mine came in decades ago

 

[AdamNC]

SCWD Yeah, I had one of those. Worked great... for a while. hard to clean, and clogged up fairly rapidly. Actually saw one brand new, in the box, on a shelf behind the counter at one of the LFS's a while back. Same box mine came in decades ago

They worked good til they slowed down from being clogged. Then you had to disassemble the rig and soak it for a while and hope it cleared out. Nice idea but a pain to clean.