Enough circulation?

[geee]

Hello all,

It's been recommended that I use three powerheads
in my 75g fowlr but that seems like too much.

Right now I have 2 aquaclears with a flow rate of
400 gph each.
I have them on opposite ends, one blowing
along the back glass behind the lr halfway down
the tank.
The other I have angled towards the front glass
over the rock more towards the top of the tank.

Should i really get another powerhead?
if, yes should it be the same strength?
where should i put it? already one on each side.

Thanks for you help and suggestions,

Geee

[papagimp]

If it's fish only, then you should be fine. The higher flow rates are for reef systems for the most part. If you can put food in the tank and it doesn't settle on the bottom, stays in suspension from the flow, than it's good. But still, two 400gph flows at the top of the tank isn't really much flow at all, for any tank, especially a 75g.

I'd add a minimum of 1500gph (20x turnover) - 2500gph (30+x turnover rate)

[Amphiprion]

It does not sound like too much. IMHO, it would be worth purchasing a few Seio powerheads to replace the Aquaclears, since they manage to push much more water volume. I would think a couple of M1100s should be fine for your tank, maybe even ok to add a slightly smaller model later if needed to prevent 'dead spots.'

[papagimp]

fwiw, think of how much flow you get in the ocean. Our tanks don't even compare. Powerheads and others give a different type of flow than what we see in the ocean so it may look like it's way too much, but it's really not.

I just added a modded MJ1200 to my 55g. It was pushing about 2000gph total flow in my tank. Granted for the amount of frospawns I have, it was too much flow, but if I have had more leathers/soft/sps corals, it would have been fine.

[geee]

papagimp & Amphiprion,

Thanks for the quick replies.

I just bought the aquaclears so i was thinking i could get away with adding a SEIO M620 620 gph or m820?

even if i added another one I have no idea where i would put it
would i put the two aquas side by side with nozzle facing different angles and put the seio on the other end?

keep the aqua where they are and put the seio behind the rocks hoping that the flow wont knock the rocks done?

placement seems like the hardest part.

Thanks

[geee]

Papagimp and Rcer's,

If it's fish only, then you should be fine. The higher flow rates are for reef systems for the most part. If you can put food in the tank and it doesn't settle on the bottom, stays in suspension from the flow, than it's good. But still, two 400gph flows at the top of the tank isn't really much flow at all, for any tank, especially a 75g.
I'd add a minimum of 1500gph (20x turnover) - 2500gph (30+x turnover rate)

So what is the minimum for a fowlr?

I dont plan on doing corals anytime soon but
when i choose to i will then have a 20x to 30x turnover
rate by adding the required powerheads.

I just want to have enough where my fish will
be happy but not to much where they will be unhappy,
If that is at all possible.

Thanks,
Geee

[WaterKeeper]

You want at least 10X turnover rate as even in a FOWLR tank the rock needs good circulation to provide adaquate biofiltration. You are in effect using the whole tank as a big power biological power filter.

[SgJsg35]

I have the same 2 aQuaclears + two smaller powerheads in a 50.It dosent seem like too much.

[geee]

WaterKeeper.

Thanks for the reply

How do you get the proper turnover rate
for a cetain size tank?
is there a calculator
No, Not the New Tank Cost Calculator.

Thanks gee,

P.S.
so no such thing as too much flow
for the fish?
within reason i mean.

[geee]

SgJsg35 and Rcers,

Can you post a pic or a diagram of how you
have the powerheads positioned.

I am having a hard time finding the right location
for mine. i currently have two aquaclear 400gph
each and a seio m620 and another aquaclear 400gph
in the mail.

Thanks,
Geee

[WaterKeeper]

Well if you use powerheads it is simple as you need enough to provide 750 gallons/hour. If you plan a sump of course it is tougher so, you guessed it, we have Head Loss Calculator that lets you size a pump to match your plumbing. BTW--all these secret calculators I bring up are listed in the left margin of the home page about half way down.

[geee]

Here's how I currently have my ph's positioned,
I have one other aquaclear 70 (400 gph) on the way.


Is this ok, any suggestion?
I have to move it around again when the other ph comes.





Thanks,
Geee

[WaterKeeper]

My only comment is they are pretty visible. Check out some of the closed loop designs where they can be hidden behind the rock. The rock seems a bit low on coralline coverage. Is it new or have you had it a year?

[SgJsg35]

Sorry dont have a way to post pics. yet.Kind of new at the comp. thing.

[sasscuba]

Originally posted by geee
Here's how I currently have my ph's positioned,
I have one other aquaclear 70 (400 gph) on the way.


Is this ok, any suggestion?
I have to move it around again when the other ph comes.





Thanks,
Geee

Run that Seio vertically and get rid of the box and flow deflector and it will flow much more and a wider path. Like this...

[geee]

WaterKeeper,

The rock seems a bit low on coralline coverage. Is it new or have you had it a year?

yeah just got the top layer of lr two days ago.

closed loop designs?


SgJsg35,

no problem.
thanks for replying.


sasscuba,

Run that Seio vertically and get rid of the box and flow deflector and it will flow much more and a wider path. Like this...

will do first thing tomorrow.
do you know of anyway to spread out the aquaclears flow
instead of having it a direct flow.

Thanks

[WaterKeeper]

A simple closed loop is just a ring shaped PVC manifold fed by a hidden powerhead. It distributes water over a wider area of the tank. Do a search or visit the DIY forum for details.