Circulation methods for a 96x48x36 Tank....

[KW-Reefer]

Hi all,

I am going to start building this system in the next month or so. I have read numerous build threads and am @ a cross-road. I want to get some good circulation out of this tank and try to minimize the power consumption............ I am now playing with the Idea of a Hammerhead pump on a closed loop (I would love to get an OM 4 or 8 way but ATM it is not in the budget). From my overflow I will gravity feed one of the Durso's to my 90G Fuge and the other three will go to my 180G Sump. I will also feed the Skimmer from an additional bulkhead in the overflow........ I have yet to decide on a return pump from the sump to the tank.


Now, I know that some are against the closed loops and others are not..... Tunze's are not in my budget but I could fork out the cash for 4 MJ 1200 high flow mods...... I plan on mostly LPS and Softies for now...... I am just so torn in this decision and would like some help from you all......... I do not believe that the MJ's would provide me with enough flow in this tank


What would be the best solution for this tank in say the 400 USD range?


I am also wondering if I am looking @ the chart for the hammerhead properly.

Is this pump going to only draw 200 watts in closed loop operation @ zero head or 350 Watts?

I see with zero head it will pump 5800gph but am I reading the Power consumption properly?


Thanks all I know that you can help me through this....... I just have to make up my mind before I order my plumbing.........


Kw

 

[RocketEngineer]

Ok, here's an idea for you to consider.

(4) Penductors @ $22 + (1) Sequence Marlin @ $330 = $418

One penductor in each corner of the tank aiming across the tank.

The Marlin can be the return pump if the overflows can handle 1680 gph.

@ 1680 gph (Optimal penductor pressure and flow based on Marlin) the penductors would be moving 5*1680 gph = 8400 gph.

So for $420 in parts and ~320 Watts, you would get sump returns and 8400 gph of flow in the main disply.

Just a thought.

 

[KW-Reefer]

RocketEngineer

Thanks for the insight, I had not thought of that and it seems to be a viable alternative........

A question that I do have is will I need to supplement the flow of the Penductors? Also would running that much flow in the sump be a problem?

I like this idea and will see if I can find a Canadian source for the Pump and Penductors...........

Thanks for the input and keep it coming..

KW

 

[cbui2]

here's mine hope this helps,

2 sequence 5800gph 1000's series for CL
2 sequence 4300gph 1000's series for returns

 

[KW-Reefer]

cbui2

You are an animal man but..........I love it. Reminds me of my car, Go big or go home. LOL.

Thanks for sharing. Gives me something to live up to........

KW

 

[RocketEngineer]

Well, if you plumb it right you could have say 200 gph going through the fuge and then draining as close to the pump inlet as possible while still removing bubbles. As for the sump, I've seen 3-5 times tank turn over through the sump with 1-2 being better for some types of skimmer. That said, then with a tank of your dimensions say ~600 gallons of water so 1800 through the sump isn't that bad.

As I willingly admit I have no personal experience in this arena, I leave it up to others to chime in.

 

[nyvp]

why not use two darts instead of one hammer more flow for less wattage

 

[KW-Reefer]

NYVP

I suppose that I could also do that and had thought of going that route....... I like the idea of the Penductors too. I will have to weigh out the pros and cons to both styles and go from there.

Problem with two Dart pumps is the added cost, but I have to admit that I have not compared the two dollar to dollar. I do know that if I were to add two in closed loop or one as a return It would run me about $500 for plumbing parts alone.........

Thanks for the thought.

KW

 

[markmcc]

Tunze Streams

 

[cbui2]

pendutors would give you so much flow but every time feeding comes along, you would have to turn off pumps in order to give them a chance to eat instead of blowing all over the place, so many ways to do things on large tanks. the only cheap thing I learn about full blown reef system is the main tank display, everything else is expensive. your tank is 6" higher than mine, but make sure you research thoroughly before any decision are made. hope this helps

 

[RocketEngineer]

Bart,

As you didn't post the specifics on your tank what kind of flow do you think your four pumps are providing? Even the two pumps on the closed loops push 5400*2=10800 gph vs the 8400 gph from the planned single pump and four penductor returns.

When you mentioned feeding being a problem, does this come from actual experience on your system? I could see how with four pumps going to quite a few outlets that the flow could really push the fish around, making fish getting food a challenge.

A valid point about too much flow at feeding times though. Something to consider when planning out a big tank.

 

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9818826#post9818826 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RocketEngineer
Bart,

As you didn't post the specifics on your tank what kind of flow do you think your four pumps are providing? Even the two pumps on the closed loops push 5400*2=10800 gph vs the 8400 gph from the planned single pump and four penductor returns.

When you mentioned feeding being a problem, does this come from actual experience on your system? I could see how with four pumps going to quite a few outlets that the flow could really push the fish around, making fish getting food a challenge.

A valid point about too much flow at feeding times though. Something to consider when planning out a big tank.

sorry but I have 2 om 4-way, one for each CL 5800. I didn't want constant flow to all sps and lps. no this is my first system but others here on RC have that particular setup. I am not saying this is bad, but for me is inconvenience because feeding times comes and pumps has to be turn off then wait for them to eat and turn pumps back on again. to me this is too much work but everyone opinions is different, you will need to research a little more but you will have to make that decision on what would suits you the best. hope this helps

 

[hahnmeister]

Id go with four tunze stream 6200s myself.

 

[KW-Reefer]

Well,


I think that I will go with Two Dart pumps. Tunze are not in my budget @ this time and although I like the Idea of the Penductors/Enductors I would like to have the redundancy of two pumps should one fail......... I have two 3/4" SS right now and will try to find more on the used market. When more money comes in I will get an O.M 4 or 8 way. Thanks to all who have given suggestions and I will be posting the build up of this system in a new thread in the coming weeks............ Stay tuned for the excitement!


Thanks again all........

KW

 

[cbui2]

I went with om 2 om 4-way to make it easy on plumbing and instead of 1 8-way where plumbing would be more difficult. also maintenance is a big factor, when it comes time for cleaning you can shut down one CL at a time. redundancy is always the best to have especially for big system. you have to remember down the line when everything is mature and look back on having one pump with pendutors just to save a few dollars that you could have went with two for redundancy so that your colonies will make it. I just hate to see all the time I spent working on my system with maintenance for any minor flaws to ruin my livestock which will be really disappointing.