Advice for flow in a 180g?

[xtrstangx]

Trying to figure out what I want to do with my 180g.. I've heard a million opinions from local reefers and the LFS... but want to explore all my options. I'm going for a 90% SPS with a shallow sand bed (I was thinking about 1" would be OK... should I do less? I'm putting Starboard down either way)

All of these have a GenX PCX-40 return coming through an Oceans Motions Super Squirt... and I'm planning on having a few Maxi-jets hidden in the rockwork, maybe 2 or 3.

Number 1:
Sequence Dart on a CL with 4 1" returns
Seio 820 (2)
Seio 1500 or 2600

Number 2:
Sequence Barracuda on a CL with 4 1" returns
Seio 820 (3)

Number 3:
Tunze 6100 (2) with the multicontroller
Seio 820 (2)

Number 4:
some sort of pressure rated pump running 2 penductors/eductors
Seio 820 (2)

I am really open to suggestions on what you would do... I'm really leaning towards #3 right now... I think that will be best being able to control the flow. The Tunzes along with the Oceans Motions return should provide a decent random flow.

 

[BreadmanMike]

Since you're BB my opinion is 4 x 6200's and the multicontroller, if not more...

edit: just noticed the ssb.... I agree with 3 on that.

 

[pk1]

how about 2 eductors on the returns and either the Tunze's or Icecap pumps on a controller? I have a 6100 and a 6080 on my 180 and a SSB and am having trouble keeping the sand in place near the front middle of the tank. I plan on running both returns from my sump going to 3/4" sea swirls instead of to the eductors/loc line on the megaflow overflows, and using the return holes as extra drains...HTH

Pk

 

[xtrstangx]

Aquaticman74, you edited too fast.

pk1: I'm not sure if the GenX is big enough to push 2 eductors... it already has to do 10' of head pressure from the basement sump. And don't OM not work well with eductors? So I'd have to sell the OM for that. Either way, I will run my returns over the back, not through the overflows.

 

[murphreef]

i have a 180 thats using a dart on a CL with a oceans motion 4 way and a panworld 100x-x as the return pump and a seio 1500 in the corner

i might add another seio 820 in the other corner....

heres a pic

 

[xtrstangx]

murphreef, how is the SPS growth with that setup?

 

[murphreef]

well i just added some more sps today but i have had a green stag frag a valida some wild acro a blue milli a red milli and another unknown acro and all are doing well the valida, blue milli and green stag are growing rapidly imo

the others i added its too soon for me to know yet

 

[xtrstangx]

Sweet, thanks very much.

I'm really torn between the Tunze and the CL loop. The CL is way more cheaper, but potentially more headache down the road. My LFS will guarantee the tank if they drill the holes (at $10 a hole), but I think they only have sizes for the schedule 40 (lightweight) bulkheads. Not sure if I want to mess around doing all the plumbing. But for $300-400 more, the Tunze definately has a big price tag.

 

[murphreef]

yeah i hear yah.... i wanted a clean look in my tank and i ran it a long time b4 i trrough the seio in i through it in cuz i had it laying around so i figured i might as well use it to add to the flow i have it timed to come on with the lights .....

so far so good.... i figured i got about 5500gph of flow in the tank

i also went with a SSB it was 120lbs which is supposed to be 1" but with the current its kinda moved it around sum

 

[clkwrk]

Love my Tunze's

 

[murphreef]

hey clkwrk u install wood floors so do i!

 

[clkwrk]

yup 7 years and still love it . Pays great also which helps with this hobby

 

[murphreef]

exactly my pops has had his flooring business for like 25 years now....

i specialize in hardwood floors but can do vinly residential and commercial with coving and tile and VCT and many other things it is fun and pays good money only thing that sucks now adays is the traveling cuz of gas money