How are you getting Flow in your Tank ?

Invert · 11-14-2010, 10:29 AM

This Thread ties in with the,
Under / Over Skimming Thread.

Is the only Flow in your Tank provided by your Return Pump ?

Are you using your Return Pump with other " In Tank " Mechanical Equipment ?
For example: Power Heads, Tunze, Vortech.

Are you using your Return Pump with a Closed Loop System ?

rarelyseriousb · 11-14-2010, 10:42 AM

I run a closed loop. Snapper on an om supper squirt. And a vortech Mp40. 100 gallons.

rmalone · 11-14-2010, 10:56 AM

I try to get most of my flow via vortechs, closed loop are great too, though I've never used one. Personally I think most people run too much return flow, it just adds extra to electricity bill and adds more heat in the summer.
I run an ATB 1500 flowstar for return and it also feeds a media reactor and flows through my chiller with a head of about 4 foot. I would say that I am running about 800-900gph on my 180g for return coming out of a 100g sump, total volume of water is a little over 200g. So I suppose I am right around 5x turnover on the return more than enough, I have heard 3-4x is sufficient.

John · 11-14-2010, 11:08 AM

I have a Mag 18 for my return. My tank is a 180. But, the Mag 18 has to go up 11 feet and across 13 feet. So, it is down to about 400 GPH. So that's not enough.

For my main flow I use a pair of MP40w's One at each end.

rmalone · 11-14-2010, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John

I have a Mag 18 for my return. My tank is a 180. But, the Mag 18 has to go up 11 feet and across 13 feet. So, it is down to about 400 GPH. So that's not enough.

For my main flow I use a pair of MP40w's One at each end.

I bet thats plenty of return flow, if you aren't having trouble then its plenty. Well imo.

Sir Patrick · 11-14-2010, 11:44 AM

In my 65 breeder-

I am running my return at about 150 pgh.

I have a kotilia evolution 1050 running constant, rippling the waters surface.

I run a vortech mp10, set on reefcrest at about 70%.

Looking to get 2 more evolution 750's, and put all 3 on a wave timer pretty soon, on 20 second intervals, back and forth from right to left. I will then mount the vortech on the back of the tank to randonize the flow up a bit.