Cirrculation in a large tank

[cpagego]

I just bought a used 250 gallon tank. I plan on mixed reef. It was originally designed as a FOWLR tank with a couple of corals. I am trying to design a good cirrculation system that will create natural flow and eliminate "dead spots". What are you doing for cirrculation in your tank? The tank is acrylic drilled with 6 bulkheads. Only one overflow. The other five bulkheads are used for the closed loop (3) and the return (2). Right now all of the return in to the tank is handled by single, flexible 6 inch joint tubes that points upward. My thinking is that i want some of the circulation run parallel and just above the sand bed. I have been reading threads and have been studying Steve Wease's set up for inspiration. People keep referring to "jets" or jacuzzi jets. Any idea where I can find these "jets" online. I have looked around, but do not know where to start.

I would also like to provide chaotic, variable flow. I have four powerheads in my 70 gallon working off a wavemaker that I like. Is there anything for this system that could work?

I have the loop running off a mag, but others have said to get a sequence dart. Darts are rated for up to 180 gallons. The sequence barracuda is better for a 250 G, right?

Appreciate any advice or direction.

 

[Drewcipher]

We have a 250, and the equipement, but because of a move it is temporarily in storage so we haven't set it up. We bought a Barracuda for the closed loop, and a 1100gph pump for the return. Also, we got 4 Tunze 6000s with a multi controller. We will probably configure it so that only 2 are on at any one time. Our tank will be an LPS dominated tank, and we hope that it won't be too much flow. We will probably be setting it up in June or July.

 

[RocketEngineer]

The "jets" most people refer to are most likely penductors. These use a small flow rate under high pressure to circulate a lot of water.

http://www.kthsales.com/website/Misc/hello_salt_water_enthusiasts.htm

Since you have 2 returns to the tank, aiming two penductors either at each other or across each other will help to give you the flow you require. For these, one needs to employ high pressure pumps so something like a Sequence Tarpon or other pressure rated pump would work better then a flow rated pump like the dart or barracuda.

Hope that helps.

 

[cpagego]

Ty very much.

 

[nyvp]

I use a dart on my closed loop for my 560/g on a om4way this way the 4 outlets get 3500/gph one at a time and I use a smaller pump. BTW done run one barracuda you can run 2 darts for the wattage of one barracuda. you will get more flow at lower wattage.

Dart 100-200 3600gph 2820gph 1.4A/160W 2.0"/1.5"
Barracuda 180-350 4500gph 3780gph 2.0A/325W 1.5"/1.5"

 

[TheMcs]

Rocket, interesting post. I've got a Hammerhead for my 185, you think penducters are a bad idea on that pump?

 

[cpagego]

Rocket: I am breaking out my physics book here. I reviewed the dart and the UNO series pumps. The dart is rated higher for gph (flow) with less wattage used than the tarpon, wahoo or marlin.
I am sure there are more variables involved, so I am scanning/reading for the answer. You could make it easier if you explained what the advantage is with the Tarpon. You made the statement that I would get more flow, yet the gallons per hour coming from my returns are less. Does that mean I am transferring more pressure into the system (less flow (volume) from the returns, but more pressure) that results in more cirrculation within the tank? PV=NRT.

And, if this is the case, then on Marine Depot, we have Iwaki Water Pumps that are Pressure rated too and alot cheaper than the Sequence pumps. Would those be good options too. Or, should I say, better options due to price? I am going to PM you this too just to make sure you get this. Here is the link to the Iwaki pumps: http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_pumps_iwaki_japanese_american.asp

Appreciate any input you have,
Tanks.

 

[steve the plumb]

I think the sequence pumps are stronger.I would go with the dart.Its very quiet and doesn't produce much heat.I will be using the dart on my tank aswell.Probably 2 on a close loop

 

[RocketEngineer]

cpagego,

In regards to the flow from the penductors, the pump should be putting about 420 gph through each penductor at 23' of head. According to the article, that would be a pump comparable to an Iwaki 55RT for 1-2 penductors. From that one penductor, you would get 2100 gph from one penductor.

For those who wonder why I push penductors is that a) they allow for low flow rate through a sump from an overflow while b) providing the additional flow rate emphasized for reef tanks. This means one could have an overflow rated at 600 gph (AGA overflows being common) and get upwards of 3000 gph of effective flow out of the same pump. This will reduce the need for powerheads and/or close loop pump(s) and all this translates to less money up front and lower operating costs in the long run. All notable benefits when setting up a big tank.

 

[clekchau]

i also planned like you to have a fowlr now switched to a predator reef, i have a large tank 96"L x 48" W x 30" high, my flow is a sequence hammerhead running thru an oceans motions 4 way, that was so much flow that i removed my 2 vortechs. if i need some flow later i can get it but for now, it's fine.