Flow in large tank

[shadofax69]

So I am planning a large SPS tank somewhere in the range of 180 to 480, I know that is a large range but it will hopefully be on the larger end. I just wanted to see what you guys think about flow options. Here are what I was thinkig about.
1.) Tunze Streams
2.)Oceans Motions 4 way x 2 or 1 x 8 way
3.)Sea Swirls

I still have not found a good return pump yet. I want to keep turnover through the sump to a minimum I would like 1500gph maximum through the sump and skimmer (Deltec AP????, depends on tank size but thinking AP1003) I was thinking a closed loop with the oceans motions and the tunzes for flow but I also like the random flow from the swirls so do you think the oceans motions on a CL with Seaswirls is too much with the tunzes. Well let me know your thoughts on flow.

Thanks,
Levi

 

[Lobster]

I'd go with what you planned for the sump... 1500gph is more than enough. Check the water input requirements of the Deltec skimmer youre considering to find out what your real minimum is there.

Keep in mind you dont need every source of flow in the tank to be random. You might want to do something like a Sequence Dart on a closed loop with a penductor or two just to get good overall water movement to start. Then do another closed loop with a 4-way OM to add turbidity and random motion. Of course what size pumps you use all depends on your tank size.

I'd try to get as much base flow as possible using closed loops, just because I don't like powerheads in my tanks. Just my opinion, of course.

 

[shadofax69]

Yeah I am not huge on PH's in the aquarium but they are not that big of a deal to me either. If I go large I was thinking 2x Tunze 6200 on magnets aiming at each other across the tank for tidal current and then 2 x 6100 in deco rocks for added flow but I also like your idea of 2 x closed loops. I was planning on at least one so another is not that big of a deal. I am up to par on most of the forms of flow but I am not up to date on penductor. How do they work and what is the advantage. Also are Sea Swirls even worth it. I know they are decent for adding random flow but with a Oceans Motions of some sort would that even be needed (would I just be wasting $$$)

Thanks