Neptune WXM (Vortech Module)

[jimsflies]

My new toy arrived today...this has been on my wish list for more than a year.

Who all has one? Got any tips?

I manually updated the firmware on my MP-10ES and have the pump "attached" to the WXM, and the pump is now a slave to the WXM.

I have to say either the guy making the instructions that come with the WXM is color blind, or they changed the LED colors on newer MP-10 models. Virtually none of the color flashing combos were the same as listed in the manual. Mine was manufactured in March 2010.

Right now I am trying to figure out how to set up the profiles and Vortech outlet.

[CalmSeasQuest]

It's been a long time since I installed and setup the WXM, but FWIW , here's what I use. Pretty simple, 2 tanks, same 2 profiles using Reefcrest and Pulse (standing wave.)


DT
Fallback ReefCrst
Set ReefCrst
If Time 22:00 to 12:00 Then PulseDT
If FeedD 030 Then OFF

FT
Fallback ReefCstF
Set ReefCstF
If Time 22:00 to 12:00 Then Pulse
If FeedD 030 Then OFF

The only difference between PulseDT and Pulse is the timing required to generate the wave in different size tanks.

[jimsflies]

I've got it working now. I'm just running pulse mode today. I want to somehow toggle the OSC command to use another mode in conjunction with the pulse mode. I'm thinking to manage that I may need to create a virtual outlet to function as a switch. So it would run say 45 minutes in pulse, then 45 minutes in tidal swell and so on.

I also have the feed and maintenance profile setup now, so it dials the flow back for a few minutes during a feed cycle.

[jimsflies]

Well here is how my program is shaping up...for now I have one MP-10:

VIRTUAL OUTLETS

Virtual Outlet: V-PUMP
Fallback OFF
OSC 000:00/015:00/060:00 Then ON

Virtual Outlet: Nite
Fallback ON
Set ON
If Sun -060/060 Then OFF

PROFILES

Profile: DayCres
Vortech Type: Reef Crest
Max Intensity: 70

Profile: NitCres
Vortech Type: Reef Crest
Max Intensity: 50

Profile: Pulse
Vortech Type: Pulse
On Time (Secs): 0.72
Max Intensity: 60

Profile: Feed
Vortech Type: Constant
Max Intensity: 13

WXM OUTLETS

WXM Outlet: Vortech
Fallback ON
Set NitCres
If Outlet V-PUMP = ON Then DayCres
If Outlet V-PUMP = OFF Then Pulse
If Outlet Nite = ON Then NitCres
If FeedA 000 Then feed
If Outlet Maint = ON Then OFF

So basically during the day (day mode), the vortech is in pulse mode for 1 hour then in 70%ReefCrest for 15 minutes, and this repeats. Then one hour before sunset the vortech is in night mode which is 50%ReefCrest until one hour after sunrise, at which point it goes back to day mode.

[MizTanks]

And here I thought I was doing good with ES 2nd set or Lagoon-lol

[jimsflies]

One thing I noticed this morning with the different flow profile at night is the pH dipped lower than usual. As you can see from this graph, the pH dipped lower than normal. (The "V" shape from the night before was the result of me manually turning the lights on earlier than usual. The pH dip on the first day in the graph was from a water change.) I think the lowered pH makes sense as gas exchange is lower when the flow is lower in the tank...this builds up more CO2 and lowers pH.

I'll have to keep an eye on pH and whether this seems to have a negative impact on the system. My thoughts for doing this initially was to make the tank a little quieter at night...that and just playing with WXM module. It may be interesting to try a lower flow during the day and higher at night to minimize the pH swings from day to night.

[AJ :)]

Very interesting. I have never run a controller, but I do like how you are able to set night functions.

[CalmSeasQuest]

Originally Posted by jimsflies

One thing I noticed this morning with the different flow profile at night is the pH dipped lower than usual. As you can see from this graph, the pH dipped lower than normal. (The "V" shape from the night before was the result of me manually turning the lights on earlier than usual. The pH dip on the first day in the graph was from a water change.) I think the lowered pH makes sense as gas exchange is lower when the flow is lower in the tank...this builds up more CO2 and lowers pH.

I'll have to keep an eye on pH and whether this seems to have a negative impact on the system. My thoughts for doing this initially was to make the tank a little quieter at night...that and just playing with WXM module. It may be interesting to try a lower flow during the day and higher at night to minimize the pH swings from day to night.

That's quite a drop from just a 20% reduced in ReefCrest. I'd watch it for a few days to make sure it's from your pump profiles and not some other interaction (dosing change, ambient CO2 levels...). I do agree those are large diurnal swings and <~7.6 is not ideal.

[jimsflies]

It's difficult to make generalizations because there are so many variables. For example my vortech is mounted half way down the tank and is aimed between some rocks. It might be that 20% reduction is more significant than if I had it closer to the top with more open placement.

I will post another graph later showing another change I made earlier in the week.

I am not routinely dosing this tank with anything. About the only thing I do is change water every few weeks.

[Tethered_Limbs]

wat does the OSC do in the virtual outlet?