Help on My Encounter with the ancient Flow debate!

[Iconz]

How much flow do I need?

Well.. after looking it over and doing some math, I think I may be short on flow...

Here's some facts and numbers, and you all tell me what you think.

- I don't plan on this being an SPS tank, at least not for a while.
- I'm estimating a combined sump/display water volume of about 35g.
- My CLM is made of 1" PVC, and has 6 x 3/4" outlets.
- Right now, with the Q.O. 3000, on the closed loop, according to the head loss calculator at RC, I'm lookin at 600gph.
- Right now, I have a Q.O. 1200 for my return pump. (I've already been debating upgrading this to a 3000.) This pump will give me about 170gph after head loss.
- My HOTB overflow is rated at 600gph...

Options that is see:
Return pumps - GPH (after head loss) - GPH (at 0 head loss)
A - Q.O. 1200 170gph (~5x) 296gph
B - Q.O. 3000 520gph (14x) 780gph - If i used this option, I have to consider how high the turnover rate would be in the sump.

Closed Loop Pumps - GPH - GPH (at 0 head loss)
C - Q.O. 3000 600gph (17x) 780gph (22x)
D - Q.O. 4000 700gph (20x) 1017gph (29x)

A + C = 22x
A + D = 25x
B + C = 31x
B + D = 34x

I do have 2, maxi jet 900's that I can use to circulate water through the rock work. I don't think I want 2 cords going into the tank, but I can see where using one of these could/would be beneifical.

E- MJ 900 - 230gph (6.5x) (un-modded).
F - Whatever other options you all can sugguest!

Also, I'm not 100% confident that the head-loss calculator I used is that reliable. So, I listed the gph of each pump at 0 head loss.

I'm also not even sure I should be factoring in head loss when it comes to a CLM setup.. Should I?

Thanks for looking!

[Fatman]

Arent you using a mag 12? You should be more than fine. Especially with the powerheads. Im currently using a mag 9.5 and NOW (after one year) of growth and more rocks I consider it under. I personally cant stand powerheads and plan to upgrade to get rid of them, but if you dont mine them then you should be more than ok.
Also Im pretty sure you use the 55g as your base turnover not your total volume because its this area that the corals will be living in. Total volume just adds to the stability of the tank.

[hummer]

i was woundering that my self thanks for the anser fatman

[Fatman]

i was woundering that my self thanks for the anser fatman

No problem, and remember your always going to have some corals that want the low/medium flow and going to have to find them a nook to hide from the rest of the fast flowing tank

[Iconz]

Ahh, so, you don't factor in the total volume.. just the display volume!? cool. I'll be fine, then! thanks FM!

[perpetual98]

I didn't want any cords in my new tank either, but I put a SEIO 620 behind the rocks and I don't even notice the cord and I know that the extra flow has helped.

[Fatman]

I didn't want any cords in my new tank either, but I put a SEIO 620 behind the rocks and I don't even notice the cord and I know that the extra flow has helped.

The cords dont bother me as much as the power head does, but nice idea about putting it behind the rocks. Thing is my 55 is too thing, and barely any space behind the rocks.

[pass1over]

The cords dont bother me as much as the power head does, but nice idea about putting it behind the rocks. Thing is my 55 is too thing, and barely any space behind the rocks.

Thats the same problem I felt I had with my 55, the depth of the tank wasnt enough. So I bought a 75gal. Same height and width, just 4" deeper!

[Fatman]

Thats the same problem I felt I had with my 55, the depth of the tank wasnt enough. So I bought a 75gal. Same height and width, just 4" deeper!

I had seen 55s in the past and I thought they'd be the perfect medium, but I never though about how much LR a tank needs. Now I just sigh cause its freaking impossible to make anything work. I upgraded to a 90 and now just need to work to make $$$$ to set it up.

[hummer]

well i"ll keep my 55 for now . it is my first tank and it is is my bed room on the 2nd floor .maybe some day many many moons from now will go bigger and do it all again some day...hehe