Do I need more flow in my 90 gallon?

[rishu_pepper]

I have a 4' long 90 gallon tank, currently equipped with one Jebao 14000, located on the right side of the tank, just pointing to the middle. My current tank has SPS, LPS, big sebae anemone (1' almost), and other livestock. Is that enough flow? Or do I need to add more to help with circulation and help out the corals? Thanks!

[oscarinw]

The answer probably depends on what mode you have the pump on. I am not very familiar with that model pump but rated @ 3,400GPH, I would say it's probably capable of enough flow. However, your flow pattern and coverage might not be the best. I would probably suplement with a smaller variable flow pattern along the sides of the tank and use the 1400 at random 'else' mode to improve 'randomness' and coverage.

[azjohnny]

IMO you have way too much flow from your return pump, if the flow is too fast it will make your filtration ( skimmer, reactors) a lot less effective. I shoot for 3-5x the DT volume after headloss.

If you need extra flow in the DT you can use a closed loop or circulation pumps

[rishu_pepper]

Originally Posted by oscarinw

The answer probably depends on what mode you have the pump on. I am not very familiar with that model pump but rated @ 3,400GPH, I would say it's probably capable of enough flow. However, your flow pattern and coverage might not be the best. I would probably suplement with a smaller variable flow pattern along the sides of the tank and use the 1400 at random 'else' mode to improve 'randomness' and coverage.

I have been thinking of picking up a cheap Koralia on the left side, pointing to tank front, to help generate some random flow on that side. I have been experimenting the "Else" mode lately for daytime and leaving it on W1 for overnight to give the flow a break.

Originally Posted by azjohnny

IMO you have way too much flow from your return pump, if the flow is too fast it will make your filtration ( skimmer, reactors) a lot less effective. I shoot for 3-5x the DT volume after headloss.

If you need extra flow in the DT you can use a closed loop or circulation pumps

How do I calculate if I have too much flow from my return pump to the DT? It's a Eheim 1262, upwards 1" diameter PVC pipe is about 4.5'. If it's too much, what can I do (other than replacing the Eheim)? There are some valves set up in the plumbing in the sump I can take some pics. It's set up by the previous owner but I wasn't able to get a proper explanation on how they work.

[azjohnny]

How do I calculate if I have too much flow from my return pump to the DT? It's a Eheim 1262, upwards 1" diameter PVC pipe is about 4.5'. If it's too much, what can I do (other than replacing the Eheim)? There are some valves set up in the plumbing in the sump I can take some pics. It's set up by the previous owner but I wasn't able to get a proper explanation on how they work.

A 1262 has about 900 gph @ 0 ft of head, @ 4.5 ft of head probably around 700gph. I have a standard ball valve at the the pumps exit for mine. You could close the valve about 25% and that would give you about 525 gph,

Every 90 degree bend in the plumbing will add 1 foot of head loss. You can experiment with the flow using the ball valve. I like to adjust the valve so I have good flow through the sump without it being turbulent. If the overflow is noisey you can slow down the flow to make it more quiet


I would use a double union ball valve or if a standard ball valve is used install a union between pump and ball valve, this makes removing the pump for maintenance easier

IMO Loews has a better selection of plumbing parts than Home Depot, here is a link to the double union ball valve I use
http://www.lowes.com/pd_108956-33599...o=Ball%20valve

[rishu_pepper]

I'll take some pics over the weekend and show you what I have. Thanks for the help