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peiji 
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 Topic: Water flow suggestions...
Posted: November 28 2006 at 8:32am |
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I recently purchased a tank that Adam Haycock built
http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1854&KW=94+gallon&PN=0&TP
N=4
I'm getting ready to set it up now and I'd like your input. It is currently set up for having 4 output lines in each corner. I'm wondering what I should do with my flow. Is it better to run a 1400 gph on a SCWD? Or, two different pumps on wave timers? If so, what gph should I run? How should I alternate the flow? Opposite corners going at one time or one side going at a time?
FYI: it's a 94g tank 30"x30"
Thanks for your help.
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Jared Page
Highland, UT
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jfinch
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Posted: November 28 2006 at 9:07am |
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Two different pumps... and skip the wave timer. Throw out the SCWD.
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peiji
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Posted: November 28 2006 at 9:10am |
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so, are you saying Jon that you wouldn't even try to alternate the current? In that case, why is two pumps better than one flowing into all the corners? Also, how much current would you recommend for this tank?
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Jared Page
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jfinch
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Posted: November 28 2006 at 9:20am |
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Sure, one bigger pump would be ok too. Alternating current (scwd, timers, etc) are over-rated imo (but I might be alone in that opinion?). Just get the water moving around and you'll be ok.
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peiji
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Posted: November 28 2006 at 9:37am |
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sorry I'm being persistant. I'd just like to buy the right thing. I currently have one SEN 900. I'm thinking that's too small. Should I go with another SEN 900 or just go with one 1400gph or one 1800gph?
You'll probably ask me what I intend to keep. I currently have almost all softies and clams but I do have some LPS's. I'd really like to give SPS's a go again though.
Edited by peiji - November 28 2006 at 9:38am
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Jared Page
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Mark Peterson
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Posted: November 28 2006 at 11:34pm |
I'm in agreement with Jon regarding flow, but his idea for my "poor mans wavemaker" in my shallow frag tanks was brilliant.
I'd use what I have but get another, even stronger pump for the other 2 or 3 returns. I like aiming return flows at each other. Because of the physics of open water flow, it creates oscillating turbulance in some areas of the tank and strong slightly variable flow in the remainder. This somewhat imitates the ocean.  |
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rstruhs
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Posted: November 29 2006 at 1:47am |
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I like Mark's opinion on this one. However, with softies I personally like to see an alternating current move them one direction then the other. It is pretty relaxing to watch.
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Rodney, Sandra, Jeffery, and Laura Struhs
South Jordan, Utah 98th South & 40th West.
(801) 282-2744
75 gallon reef
55 gallon reef
55 gallon FOWLR
20 gallon FOWLR
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chris.rogers
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Posted: November 29 2006 at 12:02pm |
I think I agree with Jon and Mark. Alternating current flow is a bit overrated. In the same breath I'll say that there are some good benefits to getting random flow.
SCWD's, in my opinion, are too weak to really get what they aim for in a tank your size. If you're sold on a SCWD, and you *want* to do a closed loop using one, then I'd suggest looking into the mods/fixes that folks do on them. One guy on ReefCentral built a PVC scwd off the one he bought (which broke. that's what led him to build a stronger one.)
Anyway. Good luck.
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Corey Price
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Posted: November 29 2006 at 1:00pm |
Find Anthony Calfo's stuff on "No More Powerheads". Use a lot of opposing outlets and let the opposition create turbulence, like Mark and Jon's ideas.
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