Circulation Pump GPH?

[MichelleMas]

I have a 60 gallon tall aquarium. I just purchased 2 1500gph circulation pumps. Is this too much for my aquarium? I was thinking I should cancel one and have 1 1500gph and one 1150gph?

 

[MondoBongo]

you're not going to know until you try it. it will depend largely on your rock layout, and what you're going for as far as flow.

i would start off with one, then keep an eye out for dead spots or areas you want to increase flow in. if you find any, consider adding the second one at that time.

 

[scooter31707]

Based on your signature, you are keeping a FOWLR, which usually recommends anywhere from 10-30x turnover. So, 60x10=600gph and 60x30=1800. So as mentioned above, you have to determined what you like best.

 

[MichelleMas]

Seems like two 1500 will be way too much either way. I ordered an 800GPH and 1150GPH. I am thinking I will stay FOWLR for now I want to take this slow. But I aspire for coral one day

 

[cloak]

I think you'll be ok using both. Just put them up top at opposite ends of the tank facing each other. The middle of the tank will be quite turbid and then this will dissipate towards the ends. What are the dimensions of your tank? What kind of power heads are they? Sometimes those GPH ratings on the box are not always accurate. On paper it might look like a lot, but this isn't always the case when they're put into action.

 

[MichelleMas]

Tank dimensions are 12.75Wx48.5Lx25H, tall and thin.

Hydor Koralia Evolution Pumps.

 

[billdogg]

IMHO, you'll be fine. The reality is that it is usually difficult to have too much flow, but it is easy to have too little.

I have 4 x 1500gph koralias in my 120, along with another 600gph or so from my return pump, and I'm thinking of adding more. My tank is primarily SPS, but many of my fish seem to enjoy "surfing" in the power head's outflow.