starting out

treecowboy42 · 10/05/2008, 05:51 PM

I was just wondering if someone could give me some info on flow that I can refer back to when buying my equipment. I have a 55 gal, I am going to cycle with about 45 lbs of live rock, for a basic coral and fish tank, I was told 3-4 watts per gal, for an overflow 4 times the tank size per hour, and for return like 15 times the tank size. Does this should right? Also when adding top off water to keep the salinity correct, is it best to add the water to the sump, and then just up the flow for a few mins. to level it out? I am not looking to get to crazy, just to get my feet wet and learn the cycle of things. One more thing, does nano refer to the tank size or coral size or type?

J.russell · 10/05/2008, 05:56 PM

If you have an overflow that is 4x the tank volume and a return pump that is 15x the tank size you will have a problem on your hands because you will run your sump dry and overflow your display because the overflow and drain lines wont be able to keep up with the return pump. You have to match the overflow with the return pump.

When topping off the tank you are adding freshwater not saltwater. When water evaporates it leaves the salt behind. Adding FW will keep the salinity in balance. Only time you will need to add SW is when doing water changes. Adding it to the sump works best. Especially adding it to the return section that way its picked up by the return pump right away. You dont have to turn up the flow for it to mix.

Nano refers to a tank size.

HTH

~Jason

treecowboy42 · 10/05/2008, 06:40 PM

Thanks, my question was on total water turn over, I worded it wrong. I met with my filter, and return pump, plus any waterheads, it needed to be 15 times the tank size, sorry not just the return.

J.russell · 10/05/2008, 06:44 PM

Ok in that case you should shoot for 5-7x turnover through your sump and hour and depending on what you want to keep in the tank anywhere from 15-40x of flow.

firebirdude · 10/05/2008, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by J.russell
Ok in that case you should shoot for 5-7x turnover through your sump and hour and depending on what you want to keep in the tank anywhere from 15-40x of flow.

Much better baseline numbers.

Your particular tank's needs will decide just how much flow you need, but those are good baselines. I would say 5/15 is bare minimum. I'd shoot for double that.

10/05/2008, 05:51 PM	#1
treecowboy42 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: The Motor Posts: 164	starting out I was just wondering if someone could give me some info on flow that I can refer back to when buying my equipment. I have a 55 gal, I am going to cycle with about 45 lbs of live rock, for a basic coral and fish tank, I was told 3-4 watts per gal, for an overflow 4 times the tank size per hour, and for return like 15 times the tank size. Does this should right? Also when adding top off water to keep the salinity correct, is it best to add the water to the sump, and then just up the flow for a few mins. to level it out? I am not looking to get to crazy, just to get my feet wet and learn the cycle of things. One more thing, does nano refer to the tank size or coral size or type?

10/05/2008, 05:56 PM	#2
J.russell What was I thinking??? Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Norfolk Va. Posts: 738	If you have an overflow that is 4x the tank volume and a return pump that is 15x the tank size you will have a problem on your hands because you will run your sump dry and overflow your display because the overflow and drain lines wont be able to keep up with the return pump. You have to match the overflow with the return pump. When topping off the tank you are adding freshwater not saltwater. When water evaporates it leaves the salt behind. Adding FW will keep the salinity in balance. Only time you will need to add SW is when doing water changes. Adding it to the sump works best. Especially adding it to the return section that way its picked up by the return pump right away. You dont have to turn up the flow for it to mix. Nano refers to a tank size. HTH ~Jason

10/05/2008, 06:40 PM	#3
treecowboy42 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: The Motor Posts: 164	Thanks, my question was on total water turn over, I worded it wrong. I met with my filter, and return pump, plus any waterheads, it needed to be 15 times the tank size, sorry not just the return.

10/05/2008, 06:44 PM	#4
J.russell What was I thinking??? Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Norfolk Va. Posts: 738	Ok in that case you should shoot for 5-7x turnover through your sump and hour and depending on what you want to keep in the tank anywhere from 15-40x of flow.