Circulation options for new 350 gallon. Closed Loop vs powerheads

Texastravis · 09/14/2008, 01:25 PM

Im soon to order my new 350 gallon aquarium. It is going to be 96" x 28" x 31"tall. Im trying to figure out what will be best to use as circulation. I have ever used a closed loop system before but see tons of people using them and I understand the concept.

However wouldnt it be better to just get 6+ Hydro Koralia 4s? They can be positioned anywhere you want them, they are only 12 watts a piece, and they are only about 45 dollars a piece at 1250 GPH a piece. So if you ahve 6 Koralia4s thats over 7000 GPH circulation at 70 watts. Is this not better than a very large closed loop? With money on the big pump, pluming, and wattage consumption? Let me know what yall think.

I also thought about wave makers but I will have this tank running off RR overflows and I dont really see how you run overflows with a wave maker.

Tunze's are great but I feel they are a bit way over priced for what you get.

Thanks! Any suggestions would be great!

ooja3k · 09/14/2008, 02:22 PM

2-3 vortechs?

zachluhrs · 09/14/2008, 09:44 PM

I used to run 4xKoralia4's, 1xTunze 6100, 1xSeio 2600, and 2xMaxijet Superflow Mods on my 210g Acro Tank. It was a pain cleaning all those pumps & all the wires and space they took up was obtrusive IMOP. I'm in the process of a 300g build, I'm going to run 2 closed loops with OceanMotions 4ways. It will be a lot easier to clean the closed loop pumps, than cleaning all those powerheads positioned throughout the tank. Just my thoughts.

Texastravis · 09/14/2008, 10:17 PM

Thanks for the unput zachluhrs. I feel that the wires on the sprayheads would take up much less space than 2 closed loops. Those 4 ways and all the pluming take up so much space underneath/behind the tank. Also dont forget just how expensive all the plumbing, large external pumps, and the price of wattage they consume. IF I were going to have a fish room I might do a closed loop. Also:

8x K4s = 10,000 GPH turnover = 360 dollars = 96 watts

2xclosed loop = 8,000 GPH = 1,000 dollars = 400 watts

The closed loop price is taking into account, 2 4000GPH pumps, some 4 ways, extra bulkeads/plumbing/valves/ball valves/unions/etc. Not to mention the added 300 watts a month (about +17 dollars a month)

Im not trying to say your wrong im just trying to find some "advantages" to a closed loop that make them actually superior over the cheaper Koralias.

While were on the subject anyone know best place to buy Koralias and Tunzes? Looking for the cheapest.

zachluhrs · 09/15/2008, 09:16 AM

Apparently money is the main thing, then go Koralias. 8 powerheads with their wires IN the tank, you're going to see them. If you don't mind all the wires and 8 powerheads showing then powerheads are for you. You might even think of getting a controller to simulate wave action for the Koralia's. More $$.

Texastravis · 09/15/2008, 03:10 PM

A controller for the Koralia 4s? Or is the controllor just for the Magnum Koralias?

zachluhrs · 09/15/2008, 06:06 PM

There are controllers for the Koralia 4's, check www.marinedepot.com

DidYouSayReefer · 09/15/2008, 08:43 PM

I prefer the energy efficiency of the power heads. At first, I thought they would take up to much space, so I went with the closed loop. Once it is set up, you can't change it (without a lot of work). Corals grow fast and you want to be able to adapt with them. After I ran the CL for awhile, when I moved I went with the power heads. You can hide them and they are adaptable. Granted I am on a much smaller scale (29 gals) when I upgrade soon to a 115, I am going with power heads for sure. If you can afford it, grow with a wave maker for sure. You and your corals will love it. Water movement is number one in importance (tied for first with lighting) Good Luck!

Texastravis · 09/15/2008, 10:05 PM

Cool cool. I love the "wave makers" and have thought about using one. However, I dont see any possible way of a truly functionable overflow boxes while the wave maker is going. I would be afraid that water would splash out or the tank would be loud. In all honesty I know little about wavemakers

SeanT · 09/15/2008, 10:56 PM

Will you run barebottom or have substrate?

pledosophy · 09/15/2008, 11:04 PM

There are people using overflow boxes and wave surge devices. I believe they work fine together, just something to look into as it would give you more flow for even less wattage monthly, and you would not have to have all the powerheads around.

HTH

BangkokMatt · 09/16/2008, 03:42 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Texastravis

Tunze's are great but I feel they are a bit way over priced for what you get.

I f you compare them to koralias and have used both (such as me) then you won't think they are overpriced. The Tunzes are in a different league imo. + the difference in price between the 2 brands is going to insignificant after you have finished setting up a 350g. Eventually you will definitely upgrade if you go for the K's.
Two of the soon to be released 6205's (or even better 2x6305) on a multicontroller will give you some great flow.

BangkokMatt · 09/16/2008, 03:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ooja3k
2-3 vortechs?

A friend of mine uses 2 on a 60g cube (which is a lot of flow - but still not too much). You're going to need more than that on a 350g!

liveforphysics · 09/16/2008, 05:26 AM

Koralia 4' are old news.

Go with Koralia 8's. The flow as much as a dart, yet they only draw 12w. They also work fantastic on the seio controllers.

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...t~HD00624.html

BangkokMatt · 09/16/2008, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by liveforphysics
Koralia 4' are old news.

They also work fantastic on the seio controllers.

Where did you get that information?

Texastravis · 09/16/2008, 04:16 PM

I saw the K8s. However 3500 GPH from one spray head just seams like a bit much to me. It would blow all the softies off the rocks that were anywhere near it. Thats 3500 GPH at 160 dollars and a K4 is 1250 GPH at 45 dollars. I could hide the Koralia 4s pretty well I think. I think I might even be able to magnet/attatch them to the top Eurobracing and face them down so you dont see any magnets on the outside of the tank. Im not familiar with seio controllers and quite frankly im not sure what they do.

To answer a previous question my tank is 31 inches tall and will have about 6 " of sand. I will have at least one pillar that is all sps and I will have softies/mix on the rest of the foundations.

runningstix · 09/16/2008, 05:04 PM

k4's become very hard to hide in my opinion. Especially when your talking about 6+ of them.

Chihuahua6 · 09/16/2008, 07:44 PM

I am going with this for my 280:

2 Koralia Magnum 8, 3250 gph x 2, $170 each, 38 watts for two
3 Maxi-Jet mods, 2100 gph x 2, $35 each, 60 watts for 3

$445 total
12,800 gph, 45 X turnover
98 watts total

With this combination I get low energy consumption (very important), only five powerheads to hide, affordability, reliability.
I will have the Koralias on each end pointing towards the center and the Maxi-jets I will play around with to see how I want to place them.

09/14/2008, 01:25 PM	#1
Texastravis Moved On Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 573	Circulation options for new 350 gallon. Closed Loop vs powerheads Im soon to order my new 350 gallon aquarium. It is going to be 96" x 28" x 31"tall. Im trying to figure out what will be best to use as circulation. I have ever used a closed loop system before but see tons of people using them and I understand the concept. However wouldnt it be better to just get 6+ Hydro Koralia 4s? They can be positioned anywhere you want them, they are only 12 watts a piece, and they are only about 45 dollars a piece at 1250 GPH a piece. So if you ahve 6 Koralia4s thats over 7000 GPH circulation at 70 watts. Is this not better than a very large closed loop? With money on the big pump, pluming, and wattage consumption? Let me know what yall think. I also thought about wave makers but I will have this tank running off RR overflows and I dont really see how you run overflows with a wave maker. Tunze's are great but I feel they are a bit way over priced for what you get. Thanks! Any suggestions would be great!

09/14/2008, 02:22 PM	#2
ooja3k The Reef Producer Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Costa Mesa Posts: 1,192	2-3 vortechs? __________________ -Ryan PBITAWA

09/15/2008, 08:43 PM	#8
DidYouSayReefer Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 159	I prefer the energy efficiency of the power heads. At first, I thought they would take up to much space, so I went with the closed loop. Once it is set up, you can't change it (without a lot of work). Corals grow fast and you want to be able to adapt with them. After I ran the CL for awhile, when I moved I went with the power heads. You can hide them and they are adaptable. Granted I am on a much smaller scale (29 gals) when I upgrade soon to a 115, I am going with power heads for sure. If you can afford it, grow with a wave maker for sure. You and your corals will love it. Water movement is number one in importance (tied for first with lighting) Good Luck! __________________ Hair algae is your tank hitting puberty. You can't stop it. Just let it happen. In time, this too will pass. Current Tank Info: 110 gal w/ 55 gal sump mixed reef

09/15/2008, 10:56 PM	#10
SeanT Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Wilmington, North Carolina Posts: 13,860	Will you run barebottom or have substrate? __________________ My tank was cool. Current Tank Info: Barebottom (the tank not me...at least not at the moment).

09/15/2008, 11:04 PM	#11
pledosophy Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Beaverton Posts: 5,290	There are people using overflow boxes and wave surge devices. I believe they work fine together, just something to look into as it would give you more flow for even less wattage monthly, and you would not have to have all the powerheads around. HTH __________________ 120g mixed reef 90g QT

09/14/2008, 09:44 PM	#3
zachluhrs Moved On Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Farmington, CT Posts: 232	I used to run 4xKoralia4's, 1xTunze 6100, 1xSeio 2600, and 2xMaxijet Superflow Mods on my 210g Acro Tank. It was a pain cleaning all those pumps & all the wires and space they took up was obtrusive IMOP. I'm in the process of a 300g build, I'm going to run 2 closed loops with OceanMotions 4ways. It will be a lot easier to clean the closed loop pumps, than cleaning all those powerheads positioned throughout the tank. Just my thoughts.

09/14/2008, 10:17 PM	#4
Texastravis Moved On Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 573	Thanks for the unput zachluhrs. I feel that the wires on the sprayheads would take up much less space than 2 closed loops. Those 4 ways and all the pluming take up so much space underneath/behind the tank. Also dont forget just how expensive all the plumbing, large external pumps, and the price of wattage they consume. IF I were going to have a fish room I might do a closed loop. Also: 8x K4s = 10,000 GPH turnover = 360 dollars = 96 watts 2xclosed loop = 8,000 GPH = 1,000 dollars = 400 watts The closed loop price is taking into account, 2 4000GPH pumps, some 4 ways, extra bulkeads/plumbing/valves/ball valves/unions/etc. Not to mention the added 300 watts a month (about +17 dollars a month) Im not trying to say your wrong im just trying to find some "advantages" to a closed loop that make them actually superior over the cheaper Koralias. While were on the subject anyone know best place to buy Koralias and Tunzes? Looking for the cheapest.

09/15/2008, 09:16 AM	#5
zachluhrs Moved On Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Farmington, CT Posts: 232	Apparently money is the main thing, then go Koralias. 8 powerheads with their wires IN the tank, you're going to see them. If you don't mind all the wires and 8 powerheads showing then powerheads are for you. You might even think of getting a controller to simulate wave action for the Koralia's. More $$.

09/15/2008, 03:10 PM	#6
Texastravis Moved On Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 573	A controller for the Koralia 4s? Or is the controllor just for the Magnum Koralias?

09/15/2008, 06:06 PM	#7
zachluhrs Moved On Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Farmington, CT Posts: 232	There are controllers for the Koralia 4's, check www.marinedepot.com

09/15/2008, 10:05 PM	#9
Texastravis Moved On Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 573	Cool cool. I love the "wave makers" and have thought about using one. However, I dont see any possible way of a truly functionable overflow boxes while the wave maker is going. I would be afraid that water would splash out or the tank would be loud. In all honesty I know little about wavemakers

09/16/2008, 05:26 AM	#14
liveforphysics Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: seattle WA Posts: 541	Koralia 4' are old news. Go with Koralia 8's. The flow as much as a dart, yet they only draw 12w. They also work fantastic on the seio controllers. http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...t~HD00624.html __________________ Beauty and less nagging. The all natural Viagra alternative. :) Current Tank Info: 310gal SPS and others.

09/16/2008, 04:16 PM	#16
Texastravis Moved On Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 573	I saw the K8s. However 3500 GPH from one spray head just seams like a bit much to me. It would blow all the softies off the rocks that were anywhere near it. Thats 3500 GPH at 160 dollars and a K4 is 1250 GPH at 45 dollars. I could hide the Koralia 4s pretty well I think. I think I might even be able to magnet/attatch them to the top Eurobracing and face them down so you dont see any magnets on the outside of the tank. Im not familiar with seio controllers and quite frankly im not sure what they do. To answer a previous question my tank is 31 inches tall and will have about 6 " of sand. I will have at least one pillar that is all sps and I will have softies/mix on the rest of the foundations.

09/16/2008, 05:04 PM	#17
runningstix Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 1,544	k4's become very hard to hide in my opinion. Especially when your talking about 6+ of them. __________________ Go Buckeyes! Current Tank Info: tankless

09/16/2008, 07:44 PM	#18
Chihuahua6 Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: West Hempstead, NY Posts: 2,124	I am going with this for my 280: 2 Koralia Magnum 8, 3250 gph x 2, $170 each, 38 watts for two 3 Maxi-Jet mods, 2100 gph x 2, $35 each, 60 watts for 3 $445 total 12,800 gph, 45 X turnover 98 watts total With this combination I get low energy consumption (very important), only five powerheads to hide, affordability, reliability. I will have the Koralias on each end pointing towards the center and the Maxi-jets I will play around with to see how I want to place them. __________________ Leah Amanda Current Tank Info: First salt tank 1985, current tank 150 g acrylic