Tunze 6025 x 2 + Tunze 6015 for 40B

[ZOKU]

I'm starting out my 40B project and collecting equipment. For water flow, I really don't like the idea of having powerheads running full blast 24 hours per day... 7 days weekly. I plan on getting an Apex LITE controller right away, but I'll simply be using it as a standard on/off cycle timer for non-controllable powerheads rather than being completely integrated and controllable. Looks like there are only a handful of "controllable" powerheads compatible with the Apex controller, anyway. (Tunze or Vortech)

I plan on keeping a mixed reef composed of mostly SPS and zoas. I would keep a few LPS for varying texture throughout the tank. That being said... what does everyone think of this combination of powerheads for water flow.

LEFT SIDE OF TANK: Tunze 6025 (rated @ approx. 660 GPH)
RIGHT SIDE OF TANK: Tunze 6025
BACK WALL: Tunze 6015 (rated @ approx. 475 GPH)

I was going to simply add the Tunze 6015 on the rear wall of the tank to add some variable/cross-current water flow. The (3) powerheads would then be turned on/off on alternating andvariable cycles with the use of the Apex Lite.

As my budget allows, I'll add controllable power heads over time.
Have I planned this out properly? Is this something that would work?

Thoughts?

[sirreal63]

Yes, and no. Make sure you do not try and cycle the Tunzes too much, the non-controllable ones do not like it. As Roger in the Tunze forum what cycle to set the Apex up for.

[ZOKU]

Originally Posted by sirreal63

Yes, and no. Make sure you do not try and cycle the Tunzes too much, the non-controllable ones do not like it. As Roger in the Tunze forum what cycle to set the Apex up for.

Thanks...

I have read that the non-controllable ones don't like to be ramped up and down frequently. I'll check out the Tunze forum...

[sirreal63]

Yeah, check with Roger, there is a time limit between cycles but I do not remember what it is.

[ZOKU]

Originally Posted by sirreal63

Yeah, check with Roger, there is a time limit between cycles but I do not remember what it is.

Thanks again... I agree. I'm just not positive what the definition of "frequent" is. How frequent is too frequent to set the intervals? I don't want to ruin a few powerheads simply by running them through the Apex.

[Indiana Reefin]

Is this enough flow for a 40 breeder with SPS?

[tkeracer619]

If they are all on it would be enough but not if they are cycling on and off 1 at a time. They don't always start the right way. I would wait till you get controllable pumps for variable flow.

[Crooke]

For the price of 2 6025s and a 6015 new, you're at the low end of used mp10 sales. A single mp10 may be a better solution for the time being, unless you're set on tunze.

[ZOKU]

This was actually my thread that I began and I've done about as much reading on this as I possibly can.

There are A LOT of variables to take into consideration that I don't think I did when I initially posed this question. I think everyone's tank may be similar, yet different... especially, due to aquascape. A simple difference in rock placement could change the entire pattern and power of flow.

I don't yet have the Apex LITE that I am planning to get, so I'm not positive on the specifics... is it possible to alternate (2) powerheads on at the same time rather than one at a time? For my 40B, in particular, I've now got (2) 6015's and am planning on acquiring (2) 6025's. I can't imagine with this kind of flow that it won't suffice for most corals.