Cylindrical Aquariums

Nanz · 02/23/2011, 08:33 AM

Does anyone know how the flow would be in a cylindrical tank? I know when I put a powerhead into a bucket it creates a whirlpool flow motion. Would I expect the same with a cylindrical aquarium?

Lynnmw1208 · 02/23/2011, 09:29 AM

I think you'd have to play around with the angle of the powerhead to try and not get a whirlpool motion. I've seen cylindrical tanks so I assume i can be done.

Beaun · 02/23/2011, 10:02 AM

Getting a gyre going in a cylindar is much easier. you could probably get away with two large powerheads in opposite directions and switch from one to the other on intervals to change the direction of the gyre. It would be much more efficient.

Nanz · 02/23/2011, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beaun

Getting a gyre going in a cylindar is much easier. you could probably get away with two large powerheads in opposite directions and switch from one to the other on intervals to change the direction of the gyre. It would be much more efficient.

The tank is 34" L x 28" W x 30" H, which is a 3/4 circle 90 gallon tank. I was thinking of putting 2 vortech MP40's(Maybe MP20) on the back wall which is flat. I was hoping to put the two pumps on a controller and cycle them on and off to reverse the flow direction in the tank.

Here is some pictures of the tank:
http://www.4fishtank.com/mv_3quarter_2.htm

Edit:, BTW what is a gyre?

Beaun · 02/23/2011, 11:19 AM

That seems to make sense. I would prefer more directionality on a tank with that shape, but the MP40s would work well too.

A gyre is essentially circular flow.

Crusinjimbo · 02/23/2011, 01:14 PM

Experimenting with various directional control on two or more internal pumps until a good flow pattern is located might be the best approach. Not having corners to alter flow might be interesting. Never worked with a cylinder tank. Good luck.

Dustin1300 · 02/23/2011, 02:43 PM

I would agree that a cylinder would have to be easier to get more flow as it does not have corners to hinder its flow. The other main question is the aquascaping that is in place and where it is placed.

02/23/2011, 08:33 AM	#1
Nanz Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,389	Cylindrical Aquariums Does anyone know how the flow would be in a cylindrical tank? I know when I put a powerhead into a bucket it creates a whirlpool flow motion. Would I expect the same with a cylindrical aquarium? __________________ S.G. = 1.025, Temp = 78.5, pH = 8.00 Ca = 550 ppm, Alk = 176 ppm (9.85 dKH), Mg = 1300 ppm NO3 = 0.97 ppm, PO4 = 0.07 ppm Nuvo 30, Razor Nano LED, Tunze ATO, Tunze 9004 skimmer, Vortec mp10,

02/23/2011, 09:29 AM	#2
Lynnmw1208 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Brunswick, Ohio Posts: 3,306	I think you'd have to play around with the angle of the powerhead to try and not get a whirlpool motion. I've seen cylindrical tanks so I assume i can be done. __________________ equipment: Eshopps psk-200 skimmer, Mag 12 pump, 30gal sump, 2x 300w Finnex heaters, glass-holes 1500gph overflow kit with 3/4" return kits, 72" 8x36w t-5 AquaticLife light, 66lbs of LR, 150lbs of tropic eden reeflakes, 2 Koralia Evo 1400, JBJ ATO, BRS dual GFO/carbon reactors, Hydor smartwave Current Tank Info: 125gallon

02/23/2011, 10:02 AM	#3
Beaun It's pronounced Bone Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Hampton, NY Posts: 1,967	Getting a gyre going in a cylindar is much easier. you could probably get away with two large powerheads in opposite directions and switch from one to the other on intervals to change the direction of the gyre. It would be much more efficient. __________________ -Tyler "The only legitimate use of a computer is to play games." -Eugene Jarvis Current Tank Info: None

02/23/2011, 11:19 AM	#5
Beaun It's pronounced Bone Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Hampton, NY Posts: 1,967	That seems to make sense. I would prefer more directionality on a tank with that shape, but the MP40s would work well too. A gyre is essentially circular flow. __________________ -Tyler "The only legitimate use of a computer is to play games." -Eugene Jarvis Current Tank Info: None

02/23/2011, 02:43 PM	#7
Dustin1300 Reefaholic Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Carmel, IN Posts: 5,135	I would agree that a cylinder would have to be easier to get more flow as it does not have corners to hinder its flow. The other main question is the aquascaping that is in place and where it is placed. __________________ INDMAS President Check out my tank in the Large Tank Forums, "A Reefaholic's 1000+ Gallon Mixed Reef System Build"! Current Tank Info: 600 Gallon DT, 140 Gallon Grow Out Tank, 125 Gallon Sump, 90 Gallon Fuge, 200 Gallon Fish QT, 15 Gallon Frag QT

02/23/2011, 01:14 PM	#6
Crusinjimbo Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Wesley Chapel FL Posts: 751	Experimenting with various directional control on two or more internal pumps until a good flow pattern is located might be the best approach. Not having corners to alter flow might be interesting. Never worked with a cylinder tank. Good luck.

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