Supplemental Circulation to first-time tank setup

androal · 02/28/2008, 07:42 PM

I'm new to the hobby and was hoping to get some feedback on the system I have begun to put together.

So far, I have purchased the following items:

TANK: 55 gallon glass tank w/steel stand

FILTER: Life Reef 600 gph Prefilter box 28 Gallon sump/refugium paired with a Euroreef CS 5-2 In-Sump Protein skimmer, and a Mag 7 Return Pump

LIGHTS: 48" Tek Light T5 4-bulb 216W & tank mounted bracket

RO/DI: Ocean Reef 5) +1 Five Stage 75 GPD RO/DI Unit

OTHER: Fluval Tronic 200W heater, AquaClear 50 Activated Carbon Power Filter, Hydrometer

Next on my list is plumbing and electrical - I want to test run the whole system with tap water first to ensure it all works properly.

The one thing that seems to be missing from this setup is good supplemental water circulation.

I plan on running the return pump to the top-center of the tank, as this would result in the fewest bends in the pipe, generating the highest possible flow rate to match the 600 gph Prefilter to the Mag

What would be the most effective configuration to add supplement circulation to this system?

1) Electronic wave maker timer paired to powerheads placed in the corners?
2) A closed-circuit pump to the main tank?
3) Sea swirl rotating powerheads
4) A Wave 2k Unit?

...or something entirely different?

also, if there is anything glaring about this setup that could be changed I would greatly appreciate any feedback!

demonsp · 02/28/2008, 07:50 PM

A test run is very good idea. Just dont use tap for the final setup. Some tap maybe fine but most arent. If you have any trouble it really helps to eliminate the water wource upfront.

I didnt see any powerheads listed and the return alone isnt enough. Then wave makers are for looks only and do nothing for water quality or water movement.

02/28/2008, 07:42 PM	#1
androal Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Cedar Park Posts: 75	Supplemental Circulation to first-time tank setup I'm new to the hobby and was hoping to get some feedback on the system I have begun to put together. So far, I have purchased the following items: TANK: 55 gallon glass tank w/steel stand FILTER: Life Reef 600 gph Prefilter box 28 Gallon sump/refugium paired with a Euroreef CS 5-2 In-Sump Protein skimmer, and a Mag 7 Return Pump LIGHTS: 48" Tek Light T5 4-bulb 216W & tank mounted bracket RO/DI: Ocean Reef 5) +1 Five Stage 75 GPD RO/DI Unit OTHER: Fluval Tronic 200W heater, AquaClear 50 Activated Carbon Power Filter, Hydrometer Next on my list is plumbing and electrical - I want to test run the whole system with tap water first to ensure it all works properly. The one thing that seems to be missing from this setup is good supplemental water circulation. I plan on running the return pump to the top-center of the tank, as this would result in the fewest bends in the pipe, generating the highest possible flow rate to match the 600 gph Prefilter to the Mag What would be the most effective configuration to add supplement circulation to this system? 1) Electronic wave maker timer paired to powerheads placed in the corners? 2) A closed-circuit pump to the main tank? 3) Sea swirl rotating powerheads 4) A Wave 2k Unit? ...or something entirely different? also, if there is anything glaring about this setup that could be changed I would greatly appreciate any feedback!

02/28/2008, 07:50 PM	#2
demonsp Moved On Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: el paso tx Posts: 7,634	A test run is very good idea. Just dont use tap for the final setup. Some tap maybe fine but most arent. If you have any trouble it really helps to eliminate the water wource upfront. I didnt see any powerheads listed and the return alone isnt enough. Then wave makers are for looks only and do nothing for water quality or water movement.