Please check this flow rate plan for 135g

knight2255 · 05/14/2012, 09:19 AM

135g mixed reef tank - 35g for live rock displacement = 100g in DT.

Goal is 35x turnover rate = 3500gph

3500gph – 400gph from external mag 7 return pump @ 5' head = 3100gph.

2 tunze 6105 controllable powerheads in each of the back corners will take care of the rest of the flow.

Skimmer is a Reef Octopus 8. With that taking in 760gph and only returning approx. 400gph, I am hoping to be able skim the water twice as fast as it is going through the sump.

Thoughts?

ek9vboi · 05/14/2012, 09:42 AM

Turnover rate is a good starting point but that doesn't mean it will cover the whole tank. Considering that it's a mixed tank, certain areas will need less flow and of course the SPS will need the most. I would concentrate on coral placement and take into consideration what can handle/need more flow.

From the looks of it, you'll be fine. Have the returns aimed upwards to agitate the surface. As for the power heads, aim them where they are needed. A ot of people like to use the old pointing them each other on opposite sides, one towards the front and the other towards the back wall which will create a vortex like flow pattern. That way the power heads are not fighting against each other. Of course, rock placement as well as corks placement counts.

sirreal63 · 05/14/2012, 09:51 AM

It should be more than enough as planned. Set the Tunze's to alternate flow at different intervals, I have found that this works very well to keep the flow completely random.

knight2255 · 05/14/2012, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ek9vboi

use the old pointing them each other on opposite sides, one towards the front and the other towards the back wall which will create a vortex like flow pattern.

Great tip, I can see the the vortex picking up alot of detritus off the rock/sand.

I was also thinking of splitting the return behind the main central rock scape and making a diy sea swirl for each out of popup lawn sprinkler devices. Might want to just keep it simple tho....

ek9vboi · 05/14/2012, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knight2255

Great tip, I can see the the vortex picking up alot of detritus off the rock/sand.

I was also thinking of splitting the return behind the main central rock scape and making a diy sea swirl for each out of popup lawn sprinkler devices. Might want to just keep it simple tho....

I wouldn't go that far as to run it into behind the rocks. The sea swirl is a great idea, More random flow which will help the Tunze pumps. I would just buy one instead of making one considering from the looks of it, you've spent a decent amount on equipment BUT they go bad or need to be rebuilt so... that sucks. LOL

05/14/2012, 09:19 AM	#1
knight2255 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 313	Please check this flow rate plan for 135g 135g mixed reef tank - 35g for live rock displacement = 100g in DT. Goal is 35x turnover rate = 3500gph 3500gph – 400gph from external mag 7 return pump @ 5' head = 3100gph. 2 tunze 6105 controllable powerheads in each of the back corners will take care of the rest of the flow. Skimmer is a Reef Octopus 8. With that taking in 760gph and only returning approx. 400gph, I am hoping to be able skim the water twice as fast as it is going through the sump. Thoughts?

05/14/2012, 09:51 AM	#3
sirreal63 Go Spurs Go!!! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Meadowlakes Texas Posts: 13,357	It should be more than enough as planned. Set the Tunze's to alternate flow at different intervals, I have found that this works very well to keep the flow completely random. __________________ Jack No One has ever been seriously injured by using the search function. Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms should be a convenience store, not a government agency. Current Tank Info: Reefing the Pentagon.

05/14/2012, 09:42 AM	#2
ek9vboi Registered Member. Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: South FL Posts: 3,027	Turnover rate is a good starting point but that doesn't mean it will cover the whole tank. Considering that it's a mixed tank, certain areas will need less flow and of course the SPS will need the most. I would concentrate on coral placement and take into consideration what can handle/need more flow. From the looks of it, you'll be fine. Have the returns aimed upwards to agitate the surface. As for the power heads, aim them where they are needed. A ot of people like to use the old pointing them each other on opposite sides, one towards the front and the other towards the back wall which will create a vortex like flow pattern. That way the power heads are not fighting against each other. Of course, rock placement as well as corks placement counts.