Flow in large peninsula tanks

D

discocarp

New member
So how are you guys handling high flow rates for large peninsula tanks (like 10-12')? Seems like the only options are to go down from above or up from below. I'd like to see what others are doing.

(Just as an FYI, we are in the planning stages of a remodel and a large tank is going to be a big part of the design plans. I want to make sure I'm not making a mistake before commiting).
 
I've been in the design stages of a really large tank, 10'-12' range, and I've thought seriously about using some kind of surge movement. It's not doable for everyone, but i have a room behind the large tank that could be used to hold all the equip including the surge tank. cheap alternative to a dozen tunze streams :P i dont have anything drawn up, but it's the best options for me so far.
 
Surge is nice flow, but the salt creep - oh the salt creep! :P I can't say I haven't thought about it though. I haven't ruled it out for sure.

I'd like to use streams. I use two 6100s in my 125 now and I love them. I just don't see how to place them in this type of tank without a mess of visible cords. Plus, where do you put them? They'd have to be in stream rocks I'd think. They can't be on the sides on a 3 side viewable tank. At a minimum I was planning on using my 6100s on the short wall side, but that's hardly a solution for the whole tank.

I'm thinking closed loops with returns along the bottom is my best bet, but I was hoping for some ideas I hadn't considered. Keep it coming guys!
 
my concern with closed loops and powerheads was all of the energy, electricity and plumbing that goes into creating them. I've been trying to design a very simple yet natural habitat for my corals and fish. I have 2 6000 streams and a mag7 on my 180 now. It's nice, but man, that surge / wave action is sweet! just like snorkeling in the keys!

I do dig the Oceans Motions deal on a closed loop. That's what i would do on a big tank if i didnt make the surge. They have the 8-way water diverter, hooked up to a large pump, and you're set.
 
I am not too familiar with the wavebox other than offhand comments. I'll have to research them more. Do they just sit at one end of the tank? Will they cover a 12' tank?
 
Not sure if anybody has tried a wavebox on that long of a tank.

I put 4 Streamz built into one side wall. Something like 15000 gal. per hour of flow. The really cool thing is I get strong return flow after it bounces off the other wall right over the top of the reef. The flow keeps a lot of the detritus in suspension. My tank is 7 foot long.

Here's a bad pic
fulltank1.jpg
 
Mantis

Do you have more pics of how you have those streams laid out? I am building a 6.5 foot tank, really would like to hear more about the return. What kind of settings do you have the controller on?
 
I love the ideas of surges. I don't think it would be that hard to stop the bubbles with a foam float on a flapper???? Ahh, what do I know.
 
Nice setup Mantis. Do you have sump returns in there too or just the streams? Does the flow make it around the tank in a U shape so corals get a good back and forth flow?

In my 250, I have 2 streams set up similar to what you have (both at the same end, on opposite sides of the rock structure). My biggest complaint is that detritus always settles under the streams while the other end of the tank stays spotless. Maybe another pair would help....
 
The returns are located on the same side of the tank as the Streamz. That way no plumbing is visible. I'll post some more details later, I have some pics to locate.
 
I would like to see some more pics. as well Mantis! I have a 96x48x30 being built right now and still trying to decide on my flow, got about two weeks to decide!!!!

Awesome tank by the way. Love the clean look
 
Alright here it is.

overflow1.jpg


All flow originates from this end, something like 16000 gallons per hour.
It goes down the outsides of the reef and returns back up the middle right over the reef structure. The passive return flow is so strong that my Clownfish have to be constantly swimming away from the overflow to stay at their anemone. It keeps alot of the detritus in suspension and brings it right back to the overflow.

This tank has a faux sandbed made with epoxy and sand. A standard sandbed would be impossible with this setup, it would never stay put.
 
The overflow is totally separated from the Tunze partitions on both sides

In the Tunze partitions water is drawn through the eggcrate from the bottom. In the top holes I have a 6200 on both sides. In the bottom holes I have 6100's. Everything is held in place with magnet holders.

Right now everthing is running full blast all the time because I love the passive return that I get.

I'm getting ready to start experimenting with different combos of pumps on and off using my new Aquatronica controller
 
AcroSteve, the tank picture isn't terrible but the color is way off.

The color in this pic is a little closer to real life.
This is a view from the end of the tank using the flash.

end1.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

DjPhato
Overflow and flow-pump location for peninsula
Replies
1
Views
711
Vinny Kreyling
Vinny Kreyling
C
Coral placement and water flow
Replies
5
Views
820
wvned
wvned
S
Why do oversized protein skimmers not adequately remove protein from a tank?
Replies
12
Views
2K
Paul B
Paul B
F
DYI Perestaltic Pump Kit
Replies
0
Views
986
Fishkin
F
wvned
My weir
Replies
6
Views
895
SantaMonica
S
Back
Top