Flow for Softie Reef?

BonesCJ · 07/19/2012, 01:18 PM

Question, running a 90 with a mag 5 return and two Koralia 2 powerheads currently running.

The old K2's are pretty bulky and I was looking at replacing them with either 2 Koralia Nano 425's or two Koralia 550's. Both are pretty close in terms of flow rate but the 425 is so much smaller and would look nicer in my tank than even the evo 550. This is going to be a softie tank with maybe a few LPS so I do not want stuff blowing around all over the place.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Also does anyone know how long Drs; Foster smith Summer sale is going to run?

thegrun · 07/19/2012, 02:23 PM

I would want a minimum of 20 times your DT volume so 1800 GPH. Assuming you are getting 300 ghp from your mag 5 after head pressure loss (I would look for a larger sump pump, something that delivers at least 450 gph after head loss), you would need at least 1500 gph of flow from powerheads.

Michael · 07/19/2012, 02:33 PM

I peronally prefer tunzes, however if your budget is limited to koralias then they will be fine, I would recommend 25 to 30 times the tank volume in flow in a 90, jmo

cloak · 07/19/2012, 02:36 PM

I would just stick with what you got and go from there. I've seen plenty of tanks where the flow was at a snails pace yet the corals looked great. (softies, LPS) It's definitely worth a shot before you spend any more money.

katchupoy · 07/19/2012, 02:39 PM

for reference.

I have 3 maxijet on a 75 gallon tank. Two are off at night, you do the math. The key is pump location. Not saying this is the way, but just saying that this is working for me.

If you have the maxijet with MOD, then thats super.

So I believe you are good?

Here is my website for reference.

07/19/2012, 01:18 PM	#1
BonesCJ Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tucson Posts: 1,420	Flow for Softie Reef? Question, running a 90 with a mag 5 return and two Koralia 2 powerheads currently running. The old K2's are pretty bulky and I was looking at replacing them with either 2 Koralia Nano 425's or two Koralia 550's. Both are pretty close in terms of flow rate but the 425 is so much smaller and would look nicer in my tank than even the evo 550. This is going to be a softie tank with maybe a few LPS so I do not want stuff blowing around all over the place. Any thoughts or suggestions? Also does anyone know how long Drs; Foster smith Summer sale is going to run? __________________ Chris K. Current Tank Info: 90 gallon Green Garden O Macros

07/19/2012, 02:33 PM	#3
Michael NTTH Rookie Help Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Gloucester, England,UK Posts: 7,808 Blog Entries: 6	I peronally prefer tunzes, however if your budget is limited to koralias then they will be fine, I would recommend 25 to 30 times the tank volume in flow in a 90, jmo __________________ Don't be afraid to ask questions, we in the new to the hobby are here to help you [For My Tank Spec,Photo Album,Articles and website, click on my name] MY Very Kindest and Warmest Regards , MIKE Current Tank Info: I have a 92 gal Corner Tank, and way too many pieces of equipment to list really, (proud member of the reef central corner club)

07/19/2012, 02:23 PM	#2
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	I would want a minimum of 20 times your DT volume so 1800 GPH. Assuming you are getting 300 ghp from your mag 5 after head pressure loss (I would look for a larger sump pump, something that delivers at least 450 gph after head loss), you would need at least 1500 gph of flow from powerheads.

07/19/2012, 02:36 PM	#4
cloak Moved On Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Stockton, CA Posts: 14,854	I would just stick with what you got and go from there. I've seen plenty of tanks where the flow was at a snails pace yet the corals looked great. (softies, LPS) It's definitely worth a shot before you spend any more money.

07/19/2012, 02:39 PM	#5
katchupoy Moved On Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 1,548	for reference. I have 3 maxijet on a 75 gallon tank. Two are off at night, you do the math. The key is pump location. Not saying this is the way, but just saying that this is working for me. If you have the maxijet with MOD, then thats super. So I believe you are good? Here is my website for reference.