Setup continues....where to place powerheads in 125 (pics)

Mr. Demeanor · 01/31/2012, 11:14 PM

Looks like I am going to DIY my LED lights so lets move along to water flow.

Here is a pic of the tank. Return is via loc-line flexy doo-dad in the upper right corner out of the sump. The pump is a Iwaki MD-30RLXT Pump (960gph) and I currently have a problem that if I poit it anywhere except straight across, sand starts drifting. Do I need to turn the flow back on that? There is no diffuser on the end if the loc-line.

I am thinking one 750gph in the lower left where I have somewhat of a dead spot and one 1000gph in the upper right pointing back. I may need to add another behind the rock on the right. I have quite a bit of room behind there.

Looking to keep soft corals and fish for now once I get it set up. Just need some direction.

manchreef7 · 01/31/2012, 11:23 PM

You could turn the pump down a little, or branch off the lok line to divert the flow a bit and keep it pointed a little up for your surface agitation. In a 6ft tank a powerhead on either end( or 2 on each end) and one back middle should spread out the flow pretty good. As far as which powerheads and gph, well that is a matter of personal choice. At least a 750 or up to 1500. And if you got the dough an MP40 at each end and an mp10 back middle would be nice

RotaryGeek · 02/01/2012, 01:04 AM

I have a 125 with the return on the top right side as well. Im not using the same pump, but had the same problem anyways. I just let the sand drift and eventually it evened out. I also have 3 K'4s in the tank. 1 on each side closer to the top, and one in the center up high. My overflow box is on the left side, a couple inches away from the left pane of glass.

Mr. Demeanor · 02/01/2012, 08:16 AM

double post

Mr. Demeanor · 02/01/2012, 08:21 AM

My bad. My return is on the upper left, not right. Would the flat diffuser on the end give me better surface agitation and less turbulence tha the round end I have now?

Any opinions on the SEIO prop pump vs. the Hydor Koralia Evolution ? Thats what I am considering in my budget. The Seio looks smaller but also looks like it has more of a concentrated flow where the Hydor looks like the flow would spread out more by design.

02/01/2012, 01:04 AM	#3
RotaryGeek Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Central Texas Posts: 713	I have a 125 with the return on the top right side as well. Im not using the same pump, but had the same problem anyways. I just let the sand drift and eventually it evened out. I also have 3 K'4s in the tank. 1 on each side closer to the top, and one in the center up high. My overflow box is on the left side, a couple inches away from the left pane of glass. __________________ 125 w/ 30 gallon sump. ASM G3 w/ Sedra 9000 and gatevalve. Two Little Phishies 550 phosban reactor. 3x150w XM 10k MH, 2x 96w PC.

02/01/2012, 08:16 AM	#4
Mr. Demeanor Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 298	double post Last edited by Mr. Demeanor; 02/01/2012 at 08:22 AM.

01/31/2012, 11:23 PM	#2
manchreef7 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 36	You could turn the pump down a little, or branch off the lok line to divert the flow a bit and keep it pointed a little up for your surface agitation. In a 6ft tank a powerhead on either end( or 2 on each end) and one back middle should spread out the flow pretty good. As far as which powerheads and gph, well that is a matter of personal choice. At least a 750 or up to 1500. And if you got the dough an MP40 at each end and an mp10 back middle would be nice

02/01/2012, 08:21 AM	#5
Mr. Demeanor Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 298	My bad. My return is on the upper left, not right. Would the flat diffuser on the end give me better surface agitation and less turbulence tha the round end I have now? Any opinions on the SEIO prop pump vs. the Hydor Koralia Evolution ? Thats what I am considering in my budget. The Seio looks smaller but also looks like it has more of a concentrated flow where the Hydor looks like the flow would spread out more by design.