Too much flow in 55?

asudavew · 03/14/2013, 11:18 AM

I have a 55 gallon DT and a 30 gallon sump.

My return pump is a Pondmaster 515 GPH Magnetic Drive Utility Pump.

I have it plumbed with 1/2 pvc. There are two 45 degree elbows and two 90 degree elbows. Head distance is 4 feet.
I can't find any information for head loss.

I also have a 950gph Aqueon circulation pump.

http://www.petco.com/product/112012/...ium-Pumps.aspx

The flow is pretty stiff.
Snails on the back wall have a hard time hanging on. And my Watchman Goby never ventures far from his hideout.
Could I have too much flow?
Being my first tank, I don't have much to go on?

But I do get sand blowing around.
(Wish I would have used larger granules)

MrClam · 03/14/2013, 12:03 PM

In terms of total flow, assuming zero headloss you are at 27x turnover. Given that you have 4' rise and several elbows you are likely getting much less than 515 through the return. But even if it was 27x that is certainly not too much.

However the direction and type of flow can make a big difference. I am not familiar with the aqueon, so hopefully someone else can chime in, but if it creates a concentrated stream rather than more distributed flow it can cause some problems. Most of your tanks flow should be through powerheads that create a more random flow pattern. I use Koralias, which are fairly good for this type of flow, but many people love Vortec and Tunze.

A last thing to consider is direction of flow. Two smaller powerheads pointed at eachother is better than one large one. By pushing against each other they create more random and distributed flow and avoid deadspots. If your return is just a nozzle and it is pointed at the bottom then regardless of substrate it will get blown around.

asudavew · 03/14/2013, 01:28 PM

Thanks Mr. Clam.

The Aqueon covers a larger area than a powerhead, but it is still pretty strong.
Right now it pushes water behind my liverock and back around the front. It's a constant in the same direction.

I've been thinking of moving to 2 smaller circulating pumps and point them toward the middle from opposite sides of the tank.

Thanks for the advice. I will move forward with my plans.

I appreciate your help.

03/14/2013, 11:18 AM	#1
asudavew Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: San Angelo, Texas Posts: 1,010	Too much flow in 55? I have a 55 gallon DT and a 30 gallon sump. My return pump is a Pondmaster 515 GPH Magnetic Drive Utility Pump. I have it plumbed with 1/2 pvc. There are two 45 degree elbows and two 90 degree elbows. Head distance is 4 feet. I can't find any information for head loss. I also have a 950gph Aqueon circulation pump. http://www.petco.com/product/112012/...ium-Pumps.aspx The flow is pretty stiff. Snails on the back wall have a hard time hanging on. And my Watchman Goby never ventures far from his hideout. Could I have too much flow? Being my first tank, I don't have much to go on? But I do get sand blowing around. (Wish I would have used larger granules) __________________ Be nice. Current Tank Info: 180, 125, 75

03/14/2013, 01:28 PM	#3
asudavew Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: San Angelo, Texas Posts: 1,010	Thanks Mr. Clam. The Aqueon covers a larger area than a powerhead, but it is still pretty strong. Right now it pushes water behind my liverock and back around the front. It's a constant in the same direction. I've been thinking of moving to 2 smaller circulating pumps and point them toward the middle from opposite sides of the tank. Thanks for the advice. I will move forward with my plans. I appreciate your help. __________________ Be nice. Current Tank Info: 180, 125, 75

03/14/2013, 12:03 PM	#2
MrClam Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 557	In terms of total flow, assuming zero headloss you are at 27x turnover. Given that you have 4' rise and several elbows you are likely getting much less than 515 through the return. But even if it was 27x that is certainly not too much. However the direction and type of flow can make a big difference. I am not familiar with the aqueon, so hopefully someone else can chime in, but if it creates a concentrated stream rather than more distributed flow it can cause some problems. Most of your tanks flow should be through powerheads that create a more random flow pattern. I use Koralias, which are fairly good for this type of flow, but many people love Vortec and Tunze. A last thing to consider is direction of flow. Two smaller powerheads pointed at eachother is better than one large one. By pushing against each other they create more random and distributed flow and avoid deadspots. If your return is just a nozzle and it is pointed at the bottom then regardless of substrate it will get blown around.