Powerhead question

jasonrp104 · 05/03/2009, 04:46 AM

I wasn't sure where to put this but I figured here wouldn't be too bad.

I have a 45 gallon tank with a K2 on one side and a mj1200 on the other. Even though the k2 pushes twice as much as the 1200, because of the way the flow exits, it feels like alot less. Both of them are pointed at the surface of the water and the currents meet roughly in the center of the tank, move downward, and flow on the bottom back toward the powerheads. This seemed to be the only way I could position them without bothering my sebae or my frogspawn.

My question is, do you think I would be better off ditching the MJ and adding another korrilia? If so, K1 or 2?

I'm thinking another 2 because the current is so gentle BUT it seems to go farther than the mj, so I'm not sure. I'd hate to buy one and end up wanting the other.

alextheromanian · 05/03/2009, 09:13 AM

i have only koralias in mine...some may tell you you can mod the MJ but i have a thread posted showing that even when you mod it and end up paying more than a koralia for a modded mj it can do things like kill your fish.

only negative i see with the koralias is you cant hook the up to a cheap wavemaker.

if it were me...and this is all opinnion...i would go with the koralias.

jasonrp104 · 05/03/2009, 09:16 AM

Thanks, I thought I was gonna have to bump this.

Aquarist007 · 05/03/2009, 01:15 PM

If you are converting to a reef then you need a flow within the range of 900-1800 gph for your 45g
you are at the low end with 900 gph
I would suggest you go with at least another k2 or even possibly a k3.

Aquarist007 · 05/03/2009, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by alextheromanian
i have only koralias in mine...some may tell you you can mod the MJ but i have a thread posted showing that even when you mod it and end up paying more than a koralia for a modded mj it can do things like kill your fish.

only negative i see with the koralias is you cant hook the up to a cheap wavemaker.

if it were me...and this is all opinnion...i would go with the koralias.

Alex--you can hook them up to and interval timer and acheive some what the same affect

jasonrp104 · 05/03/2009, 03:14 PM

Thanks Capn. I should change my tank info since it isn't correct anymore. My tank already has softies, zoos, and a frogspawn and they all seem to like the flow that I have right now most of the time.
Every once in a while, my frogspawn and Sebae seem to get blasted a bit more than normal and they will show thier disapproval. The frog will shrivel and the sebae will either shrivel or start to move a bit. I adjust the nozzel on the MJ and they expand again.

The frog and Nem are on the right side of the tank by the k2 (pointed at the surface)and filter return. The other side of the tank is where the MJ and skimmer return are. The only way I can keep the flow from bothering them is if I point the mj nozzel towards the front glass

Aquarist007 · 05/03/2009, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jasonrp104
Thanks Capn. I should change my tank info since it isn't correct anymore. My tank already has softies, zoos, and a frogspawn and they all seem to like the flow that I have right now most of the time.
Every once in a while, my frogspawn and Sebae seem to get blasted a bit more than normal and they will show thier disapproval. The frog will shrivel and the sebae will either shrivel or start to move a bit. I adjust the nozzel on the MJ and they expand again.

The frog and Nem are on the right side of the tank by the k2 (pointed at the surface)and filter return. The other side of the tank is where the MJ and skimmer return are. The only way I can keep the flow from bothering them is if I point the mj nozzel towards the front glass

I agree---I've had a terrible time with frogspawn and hammer coral and flow. I had a flow rate of about 5500 gph and had to tone it down to 3300 gph.

If you have predominatly lps corals then you are probably okay on the bottom of tha desired range of flow so two k2's would be great

Kreator · 05/03/2009, 06:48 PM

You shouldn't have a problem buy adding another K2, Overall you will be happier with the turnover rate. And your tank will appreciate it...

E.intheC · 05/03/2009, 08:18 PM

I'd add another K2.. If I were you; I'd add the MJ 1200 in the middle of the back of the tank (top side) and point it directly at the spot where the two K2's are pointed at each other. Will randomize the flow even more.

Aquarist007 · 05/03/2009, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by E.intheC
I'd add another K2.. If I were you; I'd add the MJ 1200 in the middle of the back of the tank (top side) and point it directly at the spot where the two K2's are pointed at each other. Will randomize the flow even more.

put it on an interval timer and then you are really creating a rising and falling of the currents like on a real reef

Michael · 05/04/2009, 01:14 AM

id replace the maxi-jet with a k3 or a tunze nano if it were me, suprisingly enough imo the maxi-jet 1200 is much more powerful than most reefers realise, you may find replacing it with a k2 is a bit of a disappointment,good luck with the tank pal anyhow.

jasonrp104 · 05/04/2009, 04:00 AM

Thanks for the ideas guys.

I think I'm gonna go with K3 and move the MJ to the center. If they don't like it, I'll either try a timer or take the MJ out

05/03/2009, 04:46 AM	#1
jasonrp104 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: vt Posts: 1,113	Powerhead question I wasn't sure where to put this but I figured here wouldn't be too bad. I have a 45 gallon tank with a K2 on one side and a mj1200 on the other. Even though the k2 pushes twice as much as the 1200, because of the way the flow exits, it feels like alot less. Both of them are pointed at the surface of the water and the currents meet roughly in the center of the tank, move downward, and flow on the bottom back toward the powerheads. This seemed to be the only way I could position them without bothering my sebae or my frogspawn. My question is, do you think I would be better off ditching the MJ and adding another korrilia? If so, K1 or 2? I'm thinking another 2 because the current is so gentle BUT it seems to go farther than the mj, so I'm not sure. I'd hate to buy one and end up wanting the other.

05/03/2009, 09:13 AM	#2
alextheromanian Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Binghamton NY Posts: 1,007	i have only koralias in mine...some may tell you you can mod the MJ but i have a thread posted showing that even when you mod it and end up paying more than a koralia for a modded mj it can do things like kill your fish. only negative i see with the koralias is you cant hook the up to a cheap wavemaker. if it were me...and this is all opinnion...i would go with the koralias. __________________ i just cant think of any phylosophical, deep, critical thinking quotes right now. Current Tank Info: 29g Reef, 75g FOWLR

05/03/2009, 01:15 PM	#4
Aquarist007 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Hamilton, Canada Posts: 28,240 Blog Entries: 1	If you are converting to a reef then you need a flow within the range of 900-1800 gph for your 45g you are at the low end with 900 gph I would suggest you go with at least another k2 or even possibly a k3. __________________ I prefer my substrates stirred but not shaken Current Tank Info: 150gal long mixed reef, 90gal sump, 60 gal refugium with 200 lbs live rock

05/03/2009, 08:18 PM	#9
E.intheC Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 5,373	I'd add another K2.. If I were you; I'd add the MJ 1200 in the middle of the back of the tank (top side) and point it directly at the spot where the two K2's are pointed at each other. Will randomize the flow even more. __________________ -Eric

05/04/2009, 01:14 AM	#11
Michael NTTH Rookie Help Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Gloucester, England,UK Posts: 7,808 Blog Entries: 6	id replace the maxi-jet with a k3 or a tunze nano if it were me, suprisingly enough imo the maxi-jet 1200 is much more powerful than most reefers realise, you may find replacing it with a k2 is a bit of a disappointment,good luck with the tank pal anyhow. __________________ Don't be afraid to ask questions, we in the new to the hobby are here to help you [For My Tank Spec,Photo Album,Articles and website, click on my name] MY Very Kindest and Warmest Regards , MIKE Current Tank Info: I have a 92 gal Corner Tank, and way too many pieces of equipment to list really, (proud member of the reef central corner club)

05/03/2009, 09:16 AM	#3
jasonrp104 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: vt Posts: 1,113	Thanks, I thought I was gonna have to bump this.

05/03/2009, 03:14 PM	#6
jasonrp104 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: vt Posts: 1,113	Thanks Capn. I should change my tank info since it isn't correct anymore. My tank already has softies, zoos, and a frogspawn and they all seem to like the flow that I have right now most of the time. Every once in a while, my frogspawn and Sebae seem to get blasted a bit more than normal and they will show thier disapproval. The frog will shrivel and the sebae will either shrivel or start to move a bit. I adjust the nozzel on the MJ and they expand again. The frog and Nem are on the right side of the tank by the k2 (pointed at the surface)and filter return. The other side of the tank is where the MJ and skimmer return are. The only way I can keep the flow from bothering them is if I point the mj nozzel towards the front glass

05/03/2009, 06:48 PM	#8
Kreator Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 53	You shouldn't have a problem buy adding another K2, Overall you will be happier with the turnover rate. And your tank will appreciate it...

05/04/2009, 04:00 AM	#12
jasonrp104 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: vt Posts: 1,113	Thanks for the ideas guys. I think I'm gonna go with K3 and move the MJ to the center. If they don't like it, I'll either try a timer or take the MJ out