Best flow patterns?

[Bent]

So I'm playing around with my RWs and the jbwave, and currently I have a real nice standing wave going on in the tank. It got me thinking.

Though the Standing waves look cool, is this really the best flow method? What would you consider to be the ideal flow pattern with two RWs and the Jbwave?

 

[Bent]

80 views and no one has an opinion?

 

[Reefnub]

IMO waves are gimmicks and not that great as far as flow goes.
I would actually run multiple powerheads and have 1 on wave while the rest would be on a ramping mode.
Since you only have 2, I would just have them on opposite sides and create a whirl pool effect, a circular direction flow in the tank.

 

[Wsufan18]

I'm just a newbie but my understanding is that random is best as it stirs up more deitrus and gets it out of the tank. But looking cool is worth something as well

 

[DavidinGA]

I have a couple rw20's and a wp60 on my 210gal and I like the else mode much better than the wave action. I seem to get way less dead spots with the else mode too.

 

[pisanoal]

I would use a combination of else more and what another poster called "whirlpool", or gyre. The else mode will create variability. But consistent patterns conserve the energy in the water column allowing for more efficient, broad flow. The problem with powerheada pointing at each other is there is a lot of energy lost. I use a controller and vary my flow patterns, but if you don't have that option, else mode is your best bet. You could also use outlet timers to vary your patterns

 

[saf1]

I have two RW-4's connected to my reef angel. I prefer the tidal swell and it is what I run most of the day. When lights go off at night then I run a reef crest mode at 25% so everything calms down for the evening.

I've also run all the patterns it does and rotate every 3 hours with night time again dropping down to 25% power and reef crest. In either case I need the tidal function so I alternate primary flow/force.

 

[Bent]

I've been experimenting with locations and throwing some food in the tank (it's cycling anyway) just to see what kind of flow and placent gives the best random flow. Here's my observations.

A standing wave is GREAT for keeping the particles in suspension in one spot. Most particles just swat back and forth in the same spot.

The best flow so far has been with both units on the back glass, pointed towards the front center of the glass and slightly up a bit to prevent the sand from getting kicked around.

Settings are:
Pattern: full random (speed and cycle)
Min:30%
Max:100%
Cycle: 6 seconds
Ramp: 3 seconds

This has stuff blowing all over the place.

 

[Sounds Fishy]

IMO waves are gimmicks and not that great as far as flow goes.
I would actually run multiple powerheads and have 1 on wave while the rest would be on a ramping mode...

That's the set up I am using in my 220,I have a pair on wave at opposite ends,and one pr. on the the ends that stay on,and the back glass has 6 power heads that are facing the front glass,that stay on.

 

[Ron Reefman]

I think the more random I can make it the better. My 180g has two WP40's, one at each end of the tank on timers. one runs for 2 hours, when they both run for 2 hours, then the 2nd one runs for 2 hours, then they both run for 2 hours. It's kind of like having tides. I also have a OceanMotion CL system with rotating outlets that change direction by 12.5 degrees every one minute cycle. And the return from my sump is delivered by 'spraybars' from behind the rock wall that runs up my back glass.

 

[Erosa911]

I personally have two set up on the back wall as well... have them facing inward towards thenfront middle of the tank and then up a bit as to not disturb the soft corals right below them and also for adequate gas exchange. I run them in "c" mode

 

[Bent]

I think the more random I can make it the better. My 180g has two WP40's, one at each end of the tank on timers. one runs for 2 hours, when they both run for 2 hours, then the 2nd one runs for 2 hours, then they both run for 2 hours. It's kind of like having tides. I also have a OceanMotion CL system with rotating outlets that change direction by 12.5 degrees every one minute cycle. And the return from my sump is delivered by 'spraybars' from behind the rock wall that runs up my back glass.

Are there spraybars that connect to loc line? Thats a great idea. Im stealing it.

 

[nuxx]

I have an RW20 and WP60 on each any of the tank in wave modes.

The other WP60 and 3 WP40s are on random modes.

Have a nice big wave, but also have lots of random flow.

Might tackle connecting them all to the APEX this weekend... I've been scared to dive into that so far...

 

[el aguila]

In a 190 display I have a hammerhead on an OM 4way with outlets in the front on the bottom, in the back aimed slightly up toward the front, and a spray bar under a rubble area. This creates a rolling current much like the gyre and is on 24/7.

Then to get really insane, I have 2 - WP60s at opposite ends toward the front and top of the tank of the tank aimed so that they cross each other on else mode. They are controlled by my Neptune with a random on off for 1-5 minutes for 12 hours during the day. So sometimes they are both on, sometimes both off, and then other just one. As they run into the closed loop current which is alternating with the 4way or each other it creates very chaotic water movement.

I couldn't run my WP60s in wave mode or I'ld push water out of the tank.

It took my fish awhile to get use to my upgrade from WP40s to WP60s, but they are just fine now.

 

[Dozer1one]

Random.....seriously .....the best answer should just be random indirect flow

 

[Bent]

Well I've got mine on the back wall of the tank facing the front center of the glass.

Random pattern with 30% min speed.

I'm tempted to buy a rw-20, put it dead center in the back and have it on a timer to run at 100% for about 10min 3x a day.

 

[Mark426]

Gyre type flow works for my SPS. You have to have the right aquascape for it to work properly.

 

[nuxx]

Have the following setup on my tank now...

Far Left:
Jebao WP60
Jebao RW20

Center:
Jebao WP40
Jebao RW15

Far Right:
Jebao WP40
Jebao WP60

All controlled by the Apex.

Have around 12 programs running throughout the day from chaotic, flush, random, reef crest, sync and un-synced waves, choppy and calm period. Then slow at night.

Seems like everything is responding well

Will also be replacing WPs for RWs are they start burning out.

 

[DavidinGA]

For guys running pumps on the back wall - how deep are your tanks?

 

[nuxx]

For guys running pumps on the back wall - how deep are your tanks?

I run 5 of the 6 on the back wall, but they're pointed slightly up and down the length of the tank. 29" width (front to back).