Peninsula flow help?

kewadiak · 03/04/2013, 12:55 PM

Hey guys help for a future build in the planing stages. I want to do a rimless peninsula style tank with a ultra clean look. The tank is going to be 72L 36W 24H. My main problem is i do not want power heads on the opposite side of the tank. so is it possible to get enough flow to only use 2 mp60 on the far side of the 3 foot wide tank and wont that create flow in only 1 direction? Also i plan on the returns on that side as well to agitate the waters surface. Any ideas other then using a closed loop with 2 ocean motion 4 ways. Every thing i have been reading is not to go with a closed loop because of the amount of power it takes to run the pump, drilling holes in the bottom of a rimless and of course the potential for leaks. Any thoughts or suggestions on how to create the best possible flow for a mixed reef tank.

wmilas · 03/04/2013, 01:02 PM

I have a 10 foot tank peninsula. Since my Acrylic is damn near 2 inches thick I couldn't use the mp's. I elected not to go closed loop and to go with Tunze's. Fast forward 3 years and I gave up on the Tunzies.. you just can't put enough flow on one side to get good movement.

I bought a Hydrowizard (small) . Extremely expensive, and an extreme amount of flow. It alone moves MORE than enough water in my tank all by itself. I highly suggest one if you have the cash to buy one.

You'll most likely have to throttle it to 60-80% of max in a tank as small as yours. Its meant (even the small version) for monster tanks. Set it to surge or wave as the straight flow literally will tear flesh off of sps... 5 feet away. I kid you not on this.

So, if you want real flow for tank wide SPS with your tank style, either drill it for closed loop, or buy a Hydrowizard.

reefer91 · 03/04/2013, 01:03 PM

If this tank isn't rimless, I would run the return lines down the length of the tank and have a few outputs out there. I don't think 2 MP60's will do it to be honest.

kewadiak · 03/04/2013, 01:36 PM

yes the tank is going to be a rimless. I just looked into the hydro wizard the only thing is that will still only give me straight flow because im not going to be able to make a big wave due to rimless that thing looks like it could make tidal waves! lol. It looks like my best option is going to be two mp60 and a closed loop for the far side of the tank. Now in a closed loop system does the return suction count as flow? (that my sound like a dumb question but i would think so since its sucking in one end of the tank and coming out another, making flow?)

SGT_York · 03/04/2013, 01:44 PM

If I understand correctly you are asking if the suction of the Closed loop counts as flow. My answer is no because the suction is equal to the output on the other side, by counting it again you would be double counting. just add the two MP60's and GPH of pump - friction loss to get your flow rate. Also think about how you will prevent the deadspots below the overflow box. You will need something to add flow there.

sirreal63 · 03/04/2013, 02:03 PM

It is tough to get all the flow from one side, I would probably go with several large Tunzes with at least one or two in Tunze rocks to help hide them about halfway down the tank. Closed loops are just to inefficient but could be used to supplement the flow on the far end. I am not sure if the MP60's will effectively reach that far, they might but I am not sure.

kewadiak · 03/04/2013, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SGT_York

If I understand correctly you are asking if the suction of the Closed loop counts as flow. My answer is no because the suction is equal to the output on the other side, by counting it again you would be double counting. just add the two MP60's and GPH of pump - friction loss to get your flow rate. Also think about how you will prevent the deadspots below the overflow box. You will need something to add flow there.

okay so i plan on an external over flow box and i planned on having 1 inch returns from the sump on either side of the over flow towards the top for surface agitation across the tank. Next i plan on two 1.5 suction screens directly under the overflow spaced apart for the closed loop. Then i would like to add two mp60 on the same back wall about in the middle of the tank towards the ends to have flow threw the whole tank. I plan on making my scape two islands and then making a bridge of live rock in between them. Do you think this will take care of flow on the back wall or should i plan on having 6 closed loop outlets 2 in the back corners near the over flow. two in the center of the tank in between the islands and two on the very end? thanks for the input

galoot · 03/04/2013, 03:16 PM

Check out Neptune Aquatics website. Theyre located in milpitas,ca. Their main display tank is exactly what you're building.

CHSUB · 03/04/2013, 03:38 PM

i have a 60"L X 36"W X 30"H peninsula with mp40,mp60 on one side and 3000 gph 2" return on a sea swirl: the flow is fine. i'm thinking of changing the mp40 to a 60...the flow is strong enough to move large gravel on the opposite side of tank. i think 2 mp60 will be fine even with the extra foot.

Kshack · 03/04/2013, 08:58 PM

My tank is the exact same as yours. After attending a lecture by Jake Adams about gyer flow I placed 2 MP 60 on the return wall. One pump runs for about 10 minutes, then the other ramps up and the first goes into idle mode. You are basically creating a circular flow throughout the tank with little energy. You want to change the direction to keep the corals from growing in one direction. The magic number you want for flow is 20cm per second. I have been very happy with the flow with this setup.

givinggoodwill · 03/04/2013, 09:12 PM

two mp60s isnt gonna cut it IMO

wmilas · 03/05/2013, 11:02 AM

I can create a massive Gyre in my 10 footer with the hydrowizard in linear mode at lower % power. the problem with it though is that I can't reverse it since there is only one. It turns in the direction that the pump is offset off the center plane.

It really depends how much sps you want to keep. If its going to be a 100% sps tank completely gown out, 2 60's isn't gonna cut it. the flow will get cut off by large coral before it reaches the end. If its a mixed reef and/or you don't impede the flow it might work.

kewadiak · 03/05/2013, 12:44 PM

Thanks for all the replies. After doing a ton of searching around i am going to most likely go with 2 OM 4 ways. Now the hard pat if i use a super dart gold with a 2 inch intake and a 1 1/2" outlet (0 head 4,300GPH) should i get the OM with 1.5 outlets or would this just be overkill? The difference in fittings is pretty significant but that's not the prob. The problem is 1 1/2" is going to be a pain to plumb 8 returns under the tank. The OM will be

Version 3: has them opposed (ie) 1 & 3, 4 & 2, repeated. (Our best selling version)

What do u think?

this is me · 03/05/2013, 12:54 PM

This is exactly the dimension of my next build. I asked this in the Ecotech forum and they suggested two MP60. I'm not sure if this is enough though.

echoreef · 03/05/2013, 03:05 PM

I am in the middle of my design phase also of a 250G Peninsula tank (72x30x27). My plan is go go with the 2 MP60 unless I can come up with a better solution before implementation. I have already ruled out closed loop. The idea is that I would place SPS corals in the first 4' of the tank where the MP60 resides. The last 2' will have corals that require less flow such as LPS and Softies.

03/04/2013, 01:02 PM	#2
wmilas Keep magnets 9" apart! Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Lemont, Il Posts: 1,023	I have a 10 foot tank peninsula. Since my Acrylic is damn near 2 inches thick I couldn't use the mp's. I elected not to go closed loop and to go with Tunze's. Fast forward 3 years and I gave up on the Tunzies.. you just can't put enough flow on one side to get good movement. I bought a Hydrowizard (small) . Extremely expensive, and an extreme amount of flow. It alone moves MORE than enough water in my tank all by itself. I highly suggest one if you have the cash to buy one. You'll most likely have to throttle it to 60-80% of max in a tank as small as yours. Its meant (even the small version) for monster tanks. Set it to surge or wave as the straight flow literally will tear flesh off of sps... 5 feet away. I kid you not on this. So, if you want real flow for tank wide SPS with your tank style, either drill it for closed loop, or buy a Hydrowizard. __________________ 120x36x30 acrylic display, 1000 gallon sps with lots o fish

03/04/2013, 02:03 PM	#6
sirreal63 Go Spurs Go!!! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Meadowlakes Texas Posts: 13,357	It is tough to get all the flow from one side, I would probably go with several large Tunzes with at least one or two in Tunze rocks to help hide them about halfway down the tank. Closed loops are just to inefficient but could be used to supplement the flow on the far end. I am not sure if the MP60's will effectively reach that far, they might but I am not sure. __________________ Jack No One has ever been seriously injured by using the search function. Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms should be a convenience store, not a government agency. Current Tank Info: Reefing the Pentagon.

03/04/2013, 03:38 PM	#9
CHSUB "Certified Hobby Expert" Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Miami, Fl Posts: 2,038	i have a 60"L X 36"W X 30"H peninsula with mp40,mp60 on one side and 3000 gph 2" return on a sea swirl: the flow is fine. i'm thinking of changing the mp40 to a 60...the flow is strong enough to move large gravel on the opposite side of tank. i think 2 mp60 will be fine even with the extra foot. __________________ Goniopora Police _________________ building a 60"x36"x30" peninsula reef...follow at "NEW TANK BUILD" on reef discussion forum! http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2110638

03/05/2013, 11:02 AM	#12
wmilas Keep magnets 9" apart! Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Lemont, Il Posts: 1,023	I can create a massive Gyre in my 10 footer with the hydrowizard in linear mode at lower % power. the problem with it though is that I can't reverse it since there is only one. It turns in the direction that the pump is offset off the center plane. It really depends how much sps you want to keep. If its going to be a 100% sps tank completely gown out, 2 60's isn't gonna cut it. the flow will get cut off by large coral before it reaches the end. If its a mixed reef and/or you don't impede the flow it might work. __________________ 120x36x30 acrylic display, 1000 gallon sps with lots o fish

03/05/2013, 12:54 PM	#14
this is me Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: MA Posts: 4,074	This is exactly the dimension of my next build. I asked this in the Ecotech forum and they suggested two MP60. I'm not sure if this is enough though. __________________ Nick When a man talks dirty to a woman, it's sexual harassment. When a woman talks dirty to a man, it's $4.95 per minute. Current Tank Info: Miracle 360 gallons

03/04/2013, 01:03 PM	#3
reefer91 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 277	If this tank isn't rimless, I would run the return lines down the length of the tank and have a few outputs out there. I don't think 2 MP60's will do it to be honest.

03/04/2013, 01:44 PM	#5
SGT_York Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Washington State Posts: 1,746	If I understand correctly you are asking if the suction of the Closed loop counts as flow. My answer is no because the suction is equal to the output on the other side, by counting it again you would be double counting. just add the two MP60's and GPH of pump - friction loss to get your flow rate. Also think about how you will prevent the deadspots below the overflow box. You will need something to add flow there.

03/04/2013, 03:16 PM	#8
galoot Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: San Carlos Posts: 559	Check out Neptune Aquatics website. Theyre located in milpitas,ca. Their main display tank is exactly what you're building.

03/04/2013, 08:58 PM	#10
Kshack Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Ridgefield, WA Posts: 202	My tank is the exact same as yours. After attending a lecture by Jake Adams about gyer flow I placed 2 MP 60 on the return wall. One pump runs for about 10 minutes, then the other ramps up and the first goes into idle mode. You are basically creating a circular flow throughout the tank with little energy. You want to change the direction to keep the corals from growing in one direction. The magic number you want for flow is 20cm per second. I have been very happy with the flow with this setup.

03/04/2013, 09:12 PM	#11
givinggoodwill Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 59	two mp60s isnt gonna cut it IMO

03/05/2013, 12:44 PM	#13
kewadiak Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: kresgeville, pa Posts: 278	Thanks for all the replies. After doing a ton of searching around i am going to most likely go with 2 OM 4 ways. Now the hard pat if i use a super dart gold with a 2 inch intake and a 1 1/2" outlet (0 head 4,300GPH) should i get the OM with 1.5 outlets or would this just be overkill? The difference in fittings is pretty significant but that's not the prob. The problem is 1 1/2" is going to be a pain to plumb 8 returns under the tank. The OM will be Version 3: has them opposed (ie) 1 & 3, 4 & 2, repeated. (Our best selling version) What do u think?

03/05/2013, 03:05 PM	#15
echoreef Registered Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 256	I am in the middle of my design phase also of a 250G Peninsula tank (72x30x27). My plan is go go with the 2 MP60 unless I can come up with a better solution before implementation. I have already ruled out closed loop. The idea is that I would place SPS corals in the first 4' of the tank where the MP60 resides. The last 2' will have corals that require less flow such as LPS and Softies.