Multi-flow zones in a 6ft tank: input and suggestions requested

frankpayne32 · 10/26/2010, 07:20 AM

Posted this in the Reef Discussion forum but haven't gotten much input, thought I'd try here.

OK...I'm looking to change/upgrade the flow in my tank. I currently am using two koralias and some large koralia knock-offs in my 125 gallon tank. I am not at all happy with these pumps. They don't always turn back on after they are turned off for maintenance, they rattle frequently, and they produce only a constant flow (they cannot be used on a timer and have no wave functionality).

Here is a pic of my tank for reference:

What I'm trying to accomplish is to create two high energy zones on either end of the tank. Each area is approximately 18" x 24". The middle 18" x 24" zone does not have corals or rock and is meant to simulate "open water" conditions (less light, less flow). So, basically what I'm trying to say is that I don't want their to be a lot of flow in the middle and I want their to be pretty decent flow (I know, very subjective) on the two ends.

As I am financially able I will start to replace the existing powerheads with more high-end models. I am going to do either vortech or tunze. Like with many, finances are an issue. I simply cannot justify spending nearly $500 dollars on a powerhead (read no MP40's). I am thinking of getting two MP10's (one for either end) or four Tunze 6045's. Note that the MP10's actually output approximately 1800 gph at maximum setting even though they are rated for something like 1500 gph. I know this seems like a minimal amount of flow but remember I only need their to be good flow in two 24" sections of the tank. So, my questions for the forum are these:

1. What do you recommend? (2xMP10 or 4xTunze 6045. Yes, I know the MP40 is ideal...this is not an option on the table for me. If you have any other recommendations in that price range I am open to those.)
2. Have any of you attempted something similar?

Thanks in advance to everyone for taking the time to read and contribute.

110galreef · 10/26/2010, 01:01 PM

start w/ one MP40 on one side and as $$ permits get another. Alos these are only ~$450's new. I am sure you can find used for much less.

frankpayne32 · 10/27/2010, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 110galreef

start w/ one MP40 on one side and as $$ permits get another. Alos these are only ~$450's new. I am sure you can find used for much less.

I appreciate the input but like I said the MP40 is not an option for me. I simply cannot justify spending that much money for a powerhead. I'm looking to spend approximately $400 total for flow not $900.

Runfrumu · 10/27/2010, 06:21 AM

You'll have to go with a larger style pump to get a good current throughout the tank, and can get more flow whichever direction you point the pump.

I had 4 6045's in a 6ft and it really just produces flow wherever you point them, they didn't really move all off the water in the tank around.

I've since upgraded to 2 6105's on a 7096 and run them on an alternating cycle and 1 of those moves all of the water.

I know you said that wasn't what you were wanting to spend, so maybe a couple of Koralia Magnums?

I don't think you would be happy with 4 smaller pumps.

frankpayne32 · 10/27/2010, 06:23 AM

Again I appreciate the input but perhaps you didn't read my whole post. I am not looking to create strong flow throughout the tank but only on the two ends. I don't care, and in fact I want, the middle two feet to have low flow.

Salty92 · 10/27/2010, 06:29 AM

Take a look at Sicce voyager 4... They have a 3year warranty. They were designed to be turned on and off. Sicce is the same company that make tunze's pumps

frankpayne32 · 10/27/2010, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Salty92

Take a look at Sicce voyager 4... They have a 3year warranty. They were designed to be turned on and off. Sicce is the same company that make tunze's pumps

I did not know that. I have seen them advertised but didn't know much else. Thanks for the heads up. I will look into them.

110galreef · 10/27/2010, 06:37 AM

can you drill tank? You can do a nice pump & plumbing to ur specified areas for about $500 depending what cls pump. But many mid $300's & in the 3000 gph range. Dart pump(3600gph) 6 bulkheads, & some PVC, & some elbows & you got a "in ur budget solution". Again look used & save $100-$200 on a a pump. If driling is out then disregard

frankpayne32 · 10/27/2010, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 110galreef

can you drill tank? You can do a nice pump & plumbing to ur specified areas for about $500 depending what cls pump. But many mid $300's & in the 3000 gph range. Dart pump(3600gph) 6 buckheads, & some PVC, & some elbows & you got a "in ur budget solution". Again look used & save $100-$200 on a a pump. If driling is out then disregard

Thanks for the suggestion but when I was building the tank I decided against a closed loop as the power consumption is many many times more for the same amount of flow by powerheads. I'd rather not buy used to if I can help it as. Just too much of a risk, IMO.

110galreef · 10/27/2010, 06:53 AM

it's really not that bad. Dart draws like 180w. 4 powerheads will do like about 70w. So you save ~100w of use. Not to bad for having nothing in the tank, flow you want & not having to replace PH. You factor in ur replacement cost & the extra $6-7/mo in electricity use is worth it. IMO. But if you don't want to drill for other reasons that cool!

110galreef · 10/27/2010, 06:56 AM

actually I think the dart is more like 130w

frankpayne32 · 10/27/2010, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 110galreef

it's really not that bad. Dart draws like 180w. 4 powerheads will do like about 70w. So you save ~100w of use. Not to bad for having nothing in the tank, flow you want & not having to replace PH. You factor in ur replacement cost & the extra $6-7/mo in electricity use is worth it. IMO. But if you don't want to drill for other reasons that cool!

Not trying to be argumentative

but four Tunze 6045 will produce 4,800 gph and use a combined 28 W. With the Tunze customer support I shouldn't have to buy new powerheads, if I run into a problem they will replace them for me. A Dart will produce 3,740 gph of flow (not including head loss) and uses 155 watts. Both options are about the same initial price. With the Tunze's I will get approximately 1000 gph more and 127 watts less in power consumption. I really do appreciate the input as it is getting me to weigh all my options.

110galreef · 10/27/2010, 07:11 AM

I totally agree on ur above stmt. Just giving options. Pros & cons to each. Either way...GET MO FLO! Haha

frankpayne32 · 10/27/2010, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 110galreef

I totally agree on ur above stmt. Just giving options. Pros & cons to each. Either way...GET MO FLO! Haha

LOL you got it, that's the whole idea here. I do like the idea of not having equipment in the tank that a closed loop provides.

frankpayne32 · 10/27/2010, 08:49 AM

Anyone have any experiences with the Sicce Voyager pumps? They seem to be pretty good but there is not a lot of info out there.

10/26/2010, 07:20 AM	#1
frankpayne32 Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,177	Multi-flow zones in a 6ft tank: input and suggestions requested Posted this in the Reef Discussion forum but haven't gotten much input, thought I'd try here. OK...I'm looking to change/upgrade the flow in my tank. I currently am using two koralias and some large koralia knock-offs in my 125 gallon tank. I am not at all happy with these pumps. They don't always turn back on after they are turned off for maintenance, they rattle frequently, and they produce only a constant flow (they cannot be used on a timer and have no wave functionality). Here is a pic of my tank for reference: What I'm trying to accomplish is to create two high energy zones on either end of the tank. Each area is approximately 18" x 24". The middle 18" x 24" zone does not have corals or rock and is meant to simulate "open water" conditions (less light, less flow). So, basically what I'm trying to say is that I don't want their to be a lot of flow in the middle and I want their to be pretty decent flow (I know, very subjective) on the two ends. As I am financially able I will start to replace the existing powerheads with more high-end models. I am going to do either vortech or tunze. Like with many, finances are an issue. I simply cannot justify spending nearly $500 dollars on a powerhead (read no MP40's). I am thinking of getting two MP10's (one for either end) or four Tunze 6045's. Note that the MP10's actually output approximately 1800 gph at maximum setting even though they are rated for something like 1500 gph. I know this seems like a minimal amount of flow but remember I only need their to be good flow in two 24" sections of the tank. So, my questions for the forum are these: 1. What do you recommend? (2xMP10 or 4xTunze 6045. Yes, I know the MP40 is ideal...this is not an option on the table for me. If you have any other recommendations in that price range I am open to those.) 2. Have any of you attempted something similar? Thanks in advance to everyone for taking the time to read and contribute. __________________ Frank Payne Advice to new hobbyists: listen to people that have a tank you would like to have one day, not to those with a high post count. Current Tank Info: 125 gallon in-wall (build thread is my homepage).

10/27/2010, 06:21 AM	#4
Runfrumu Hi Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: NC Posts: 1,014	You'll have to go with a larger style pump to get a good current throughout the tank, and can get more flow whichever direction you point the pump. I had 4 6045's in a 6ft and it really just produces flow wherever you point them, they didn't really move all off the water in the tank around. I've since upgraded to 2 6105's on a 7096 and run them on an alternating cycle and 1 of those moves all of the water. I know you said that wasn't what you were wanting to spend, so maybe a couple of Koralia Magnums? I don't think you would be happy with 4 smaller pumps. __________________ Red Sea Max 130d and 125 gallon mixed reef. Current Tank Info: 125 gallon oceanic tank, Lighthouse Pro XLS, 72" outer orbit fixture, H&S 150-F2000/1 skimmer, H&S 110 Calcium Reactor, Tunze 7096, 2 Tunze 6105's , Tunze Osmolator, Prime 1/4hp drop-in chiller. 5 years running. Red Sea Max, 3 years.

10/27/2010, 06:23 AM	#5
frankpayne32 Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,177	Again I appreciate the input but perhaps you didn't read my whole post. I am not looking to create strong flow throughout the tank but only on the two ends. I don't care, and in fact I want, the middle two feet to have low flow. __________________ Frank Payne Advice to new hobbyists: listen to people that have a tank you would like to have one day, not to those with a high post count. Current Tank Info: 125 gallon in-wall (build thread is my homepage).

10/27/2010, 06:37 AM	#8
110galreef Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Toledo OH Posts: 2,466	can you drill tank? You can do a nice pump & plumbing to ur specified areas for about $500 depending what cls pump. But many mid $300's & in the 3000 gph range. Dart pump(3600gph) 6 bulkheads, & some PVC, & some elbows & you got a "in ur budget solution". Again look used & save $100-$200 on a a pump. If driling is out then disregard Last edited by 110galreef; 10/27/2010 at 07:25 AM.

10/27/2010, 08:49 AM	#15
frankpayne32 Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,177	Anyone have any experiences with the Sicce Voyager pumps? They seem to be pretty good but there is not a lot of info out there. __________________ Frank Payne Advice to new hobbyists: listen to people that have a tank you would like to have one day, not to those with a high post count. Current Tank Info: 125 gallon in-wall (build thread is my homepage).

10/26/2010, 01:01 PM	#2
110galreef Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Toledo OH Posts: 2,466	start w/ one MP40 on one side and as $$ permits get another. Alos these are only ~$450's new. I am sure you can find used for much less.

10/27/2010, 06:29 AM	#6
Salty92 Registered Member. Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 208	Take a look at Sicce voyager 4... They have a 3year warranty. They were designed to be turned on and off. Sicce is the same company that make tunze's pumps

10/27/2010, 06:53 AM	#10
110galreef Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Toledo OH Posts: 2,466	it's really not that bad. Dart draws like 180w. 4 powerheads will do like about 70w. So you save ~100w of use. Not to bad for having nothing in the tank, flow you want & not having to replace PH. You factor in ur replacement cost & the extra $6-7/mo in electricity use is worth it. IMO. But if you don't want to drill for other reasons that cool!

10/27/2010, 06:56 AM	#11
110galreef Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Toledo OH Posts: 2,466	actually I think the dart is more like 130w

10/27/2010, 07:11 AM	#13
110galreef Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Toledo OH Posts: 2,466	I totally agree on ur above stmt. Just giving options. Pros & cons to each. Either way...GET MO FLO! Haha

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