I think I need more flow... But how much?

bamf25 · 02/02/2012, 12:22 PM

I currently have a 4 x 2 x 2 120g dt. My return pump is a waterblaster 5000 (1300 gph) that is running two reactors (carbon and gfo) and is split between two returns each with a 3/4 seaswirl. I estimate each return is putting out about 350 to 400 gph after head loss and the reactors, so call it 750 back into the tank. I am also running two koralia 1400's (1400 gph) that right now are directed along the back of the tank and overflow areas behind the rockwork where the return flow does not reach well. My phosphate is around 0.08, and nitrate registers as a trace.

The point is I think I need more flow, because my rockwork is still collecting alot of fine debree and I seem to be having a low to mid level chronic cyno issue. I was thinking one more powerhead blowing across the front of the rockwork in the 2200 to 2800 gph range, at mid tank level. How much additional flow should I add here? Should it be split between one or two powerheads?

d0ughb0y · 02/02/2012, 12:50 PM

I have a 2x2x2 (60) and use 2 k 1400 in front and 2 k 1050 at the back. The only way I was able to completely keep the rock work debris free is when I added the 2 k1400s in front. you can try adding k1400 on each side in front. since you already have 2 k1400, you can try it out first by moving them to the front.

bamf25 · 02/02/2012, 05:36 PM

Thanks for the input, anyone else?

02/02/2012, 12:22 PM	#1
bamf25 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Central NJ Posts: 1,419	I think I need more flow... But how much? I currently have a 4 x 2 x 2 120g dt. My return pump is a waterblaster 5000 (1300 gph) that is running two reactors (carbon and gfo) and is split between two returns each with a 3/4 seaswirl. I estimate each return is putting out about 350 to 400 gph after head loss and the reactors, so call it 750 back into the tank. I am also running two koralia 1400's (1400 gph) that right now are directed along the back of the tank and overflow areas behind the rockwork where the return flow does not reach well. My phosphate is around 0.08, and nitrate registers as a trace. The point is I think I need more flow, because my rockwork is still collecting alot of fine debree and I seem to be having a low to mid level chronic cyno issue. I was thinking one more powerhead blowing across the front of the rockwork in the 2200 to 2800 gph range, at mid tank level. How much additional flow should I add here? Should it be split between one or two powerheads?

02/02/2012, 12:50 PM	#2
d0ughb0y Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: sf bay area Posts: 5,165	I have a 2x2x2 (60) and use 2 k 1400 in front and 2 k 1050 at the back. The only way I was able to completely keep the rock work debris free is when I added the 2 k1400s in front. you can try adding k1400 on each side in front. since you already have 2 k1400, you can try it out first by moving them to the front.

02/02/2012, 05:36 PM	#3
bamf25 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Central NJ Posts: 1,419	Thanks for the input, anyone else?