I have Sea-Swirls and Vortechs on a 180g...Do I even need the Sea-Swirls

allykahn · 01/04/2014, 09:35 AM

I am evaluating my tank while it is down and I currently have to MP40s on each side of the tank and 2 - 3/4 Sea-Swirls providing oscillating flow from my return pump. The flow from the swirls gives good surface agitation.

Do I even need the sea=swirls with the vortechs? Would it be better to remove them? The do require extra plumbing over the back of the tank. Opinions/thoughts are appreciated!

mark54321 · 01/04/2014, 09:46 AM

I had identical set up on my 120, I took my sea swirls out after a while, did not notice any
negative effects.

Drae · 01/04/2014, 12:26 PM

The surface agitation alone makes it worth it imo.

ReefCowboy · 01/04/2014, 05:43 PM

I honestly dont see how sea swirls would do better than more pumps pointing at different portions with higher flow. Im not being critic of your tank, im just talking about sea swirls in general. IMO they came out as a new option for tanks needing more flow. These days with so many affordable and efficient pumps, those bulky things are a bit overated.

CW from the OC · 01/04/2014, 06:05 PM

I have a 7 foot 210 set up just like yours ally khan. I think the SS's add a lot of random action. The mp40's are pretty linear, and the crossfire from the SS's adds a lot of chaotic flow.

I do have a a 1 inch SS I'm considering putting on the center of the back wall, and removing the 3/4's in each rear corner. (The 1 inch fed by an eheim 1262 at 6 feet, so roughly 700gph). I'm thinking a more powerful single stream might be interesting.

01/04/2014, 09:35 AM	#1
allykahn Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 451	I have Sea-Swirls and Vortechs on a 180g...Do I even need the Sea-Swirls I am evaluating my tank while it is down and I currently have to MP40s on each side of the tank and 2 - 3/4 Sea-Swirls providing oscillating flow from my return pump. The flow from the swirls gives good surface agitation. Do I even need the sea=swirls with the vortechs? Would it be better to remove them? The do require extra plumbing over the back of the tank. Opinions/thoughts are appreciated!

01/04/2014, 09:46 AM	#2
mark54321 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: chicago Posts: 2,040	I had identical set up on my 120, I took my sea swirls out after a while, did not notice any negative effects. __________________ ############## ______MARK_______ ##############

01/04/2014, 12:26 PM	#3
Drae RAIDER NATION! Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: City of sin... Posts: 3,476	The surface agitation alone makes it worth it imo.

01/04/2014, 05:43 PM	#4
ReefCowboy Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Long Island, New York Posts: 1,742	I honestly dont see how sea swirls would do better than more pumps pointing at different portions with higher flow. Im not being critic of your tank, im just talking about sea swirls in general. IMO they came out as a new option for tanks needing more flow. These days with so many affordable and efficient pumps, those bulky things are a bit overated.

01/04/2014, 06:05 PM	#5
CW from the OC Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 853	I have a 7 foot 210 set up just like yours ally khan. I think the SS's add a lot of random action. The mp40's are pretty linear, and the crossfire from the SS's adds a lot of chaotic flow. I do have a a 1 inch SS I'm considering putting on the center of the back wall, and removing the 3/4's in each rear corner. (The 1 inch fed by an eheim 1262 at 6 feet, so roughly 700gph). I'm thinking a more powerful single stream might be interesting.