circulation gph question

[Katmanblue]

I'm eyeing 2 Koralia 4's on sale for $54 each for in-tank circulation. They're rated 1200gph. Tank is 90g w/corner overflow. Too much, too little?

TIA

 

[mat167]

What are you planning on keeping? It's definitely not too much flow, but I'd say with a good return pump you're at a reasonable place for most set ups. Also check around, Bulk Reef Supply has them at $50.99 and you might even be able to get them cheaper elsewhere.

 

[Katmanblue]

My return pump is a mag7 on a 90g, I think with the head distance it's rated at 550-600 gph. At first I thought just the return was enough circulation but almost everything I'm reading/seeing shows people with additional pumps/powerheads. I'm planning on basic softies/shrooms, as far as fish, nothing too "exotic"....

 

[100%hydrophylic]

yea i agree with mat. thats definately not too much circulation. if you wanna keep something that doesnt like alot of water flow just put it in a low flow spot. but with all that you have you could probably keep most things in terms of water flow

 

[Katmanblue]

Ok--thanks for the input guys. I think I may go with just one of the pumps then in addition to the existing return pump.
thx.

 

[tmz]

IME
Leathers and lps: around 15x to 20x tank volume total is sufficient . can go higher
Sps: 30x to 100x



Create turbulence rather than laminar flow.

 

[mat167]

If you're only getting one of them, you might have to supplement with a smaller pump to avoid dead/ low flow zones.

 

[Reef_Matrix29]

Ebay has them for $75 for a pair, NIB with free shipping and I don't think that will be enough flow for a 90 gallon tank at all, might want to consider the 3's or 4's if you are just going with a pair of PH's.

http://cgi.ebay.com/NIB-2-PUMPS-Hyd...trkparms=65:12|66:2|39:1|72:1205|293:1|294:50

 

[Katmanblue]

I ended up with the Koralia4 for $46 from Marineandreef.com. I'm going to see how it goes with that one p.head and the return as far as circulation.
thx!

 

[Reef_Matrix29]

Okay, keep us posted on your developments.

 

[kaylo]

I have a 90g with 2 koralia 3's and about 500gph return pump and there is alot of flow. You got the 4 which is alot more power than what I have, but you may want to add something even a little smaller to the other side. You may end up with dead spots with a 4' tank.

I did have a few dead spots as I have alot of rock and the pumps are on the ends of the tank. I just recently added a maxi 900 I had kicking around with the hydor rotator attachment to add to flow in the middle. My tank is very turbulant now and there is not a single dead spot. My tempermental zoas even seem to be happier.

 

[serpentman]

I am of the belief that there is never too much flow as long as its not laminar and directed right at the corals. My current tank is 300g and I have ~15,000gph turnover. You would think with that much flow its a proverbial storm. However, I have plenty of high flow and low flow areas to accommodate various corals' needs and keep a sand bed.

 

[Katmanblue]

Thanks!

 

[Reef_Matrix29]

I agree, nothing like a good amount of movement to keep corals and fish happy and dead spots to a minimum. I think I will adjust my PH's now after all this discussion about flow.