WP40 questions

Daniel@R2R · Jan 21, 2014

I just got 2 WP40s for my 180, and...WOW!!! These things move some water!!! I'm actually wondering if I have over done it...I'm sure it's probably an issue with how I have them set, but the flow is overwhelming!!

Guys with WP40s in 6 foot tanks, how do you have them set? Where are they placed? Also, I notice these things have dials on them, but no indication of what is high or low, and I can't really tell by putting my hand in front of them.

I mostly have LPS and Zs and Ps...I do have a few SPS...but even they closed their polyps when I turned these things on. My poor anemones are being tossed around.

Any help is greatly appreciated. Lol

gtbarsi · Jan 21, 2014

The dial controls the frequency of the pulse when it is on W1. Didn't they come with a manual?

I recommend that you place them about 1/3 down the glass. If you are trying to make waves, set on W1, S3 (50% power), and the dial in the middle. Watch how the output is and up to S2(75% power). Watch and repeat on S3 (100% Power). Once you have a pulse force you like you can then play with the dial to increase or decrease the size of the wave.

I only have one so I recommend you setup 1 get it where you want it and then do the other, be ready to lower the speed on the 1st as I imagine you could end up creating two waves that crash in to each other and create a lot of sloshing. You may want to set the 2nd on Else so it does not make waves but rather adds random current in the tank.

Daniel@R2R · Jan 21, 2014

gtbarsi said:
The dial controls the frequency of the pulse when it is on W1. Didn't they come with a manual?

I recommend that you place them about 1/3 down the glass. If you are trying to make waves, set on W1, S3 (50% power), and the dial in the middle. Watch how the output is and up to S2(75% power). Watch and repeat on S3 (100% Power). Once you have a pulse force you like you can then play with the dial to increase or decrease the size of the wave.

I only have one so I recommend you setup 1 get it where you want it and then do the other, be ready to lower the speed on the 1st as I imagine you could end up creating two waves that crash in to each other and create a lot of sloshing. You may want to set the 2nd on Else so it does not make waves but rather adds random current in the tank.

My manual was in Chinese. Lol Thanks for the tip!!

CastAway · Jan 21, 2014

I think most people run them at 75% or less than full power.

boehm742 · Jan 21, 2014

All of them i have seen were on each side pane of glass blowing straight across towards the other. I have 1 coming for my 6' 180G Bowfront Thursday, gonna see how one does and i may order another. Tagging along to see what everyone else has done.

Wrx5803 · Jan 21, 2014

I have a wp40 on pulse on the right side of my 75 and a mp40 on reefcrest on the left side. Nice wave with random flow

bmooney31 · Jan 21, 2014

I have 2 WP-40 on my 6ft 220 and I'm having the same issue of where to put them and what speed to keep from having a sandstorm in my tank. I currently have one on each side and both pointed up at the surface. The one on the left side is toward the back of the tank and the right is toward the front. I have both on W1 and at 50%. It's the best setup I've found so far for my tank. I would also love to hear how everyone else has theirs set up

gtbarsi · Jan 21, 2014

I have a WP25 on a 3" 40 gallon, running W1,S2,with the dial in the middle. Light sensor in so on average it goes for about 12 hours in wave making mode, and 12 hours in night mode.
I hope everyone figures out the beset setups for these pumps interfaced to an APEX, so by the time I get a controller I will not be 1/2 the hassle it seems to be now.

If I had a tank with more than one Jabo pump, I think I would set one to W1 mode to act as wave maker, and the others to else mode.

bmooney31 · Jan 21, 2014

The problem I have with one on W1 and the other on Else mode is you can't change the power on else mode unless you the variable power supply. The else mode on full power is crazy flow (atleast for my tank). I used the ocean direct original grade sand which isn't sugar sized and I still have a sand storm. I constanly have tiny grains of and in the water column and it drives me insane. My wife tells me it's not that bad, but it is to me. If I go with just one powerhead then I don't think thats enough flow for my tank at that point. I did order the variable power supplys from fish street. That way I can put them in else mode and turn the power down to 50%

gtbarsi · Jan 21, 2014

With the two on W1, are you getting good waves and current? If not then I would say go get the variable power supply so you can manage the power of one of them in else mode.