prop-frags
SPS Slave
My current setup is a 180g SPS-dominated reef. I get flow from a CL, 4 tunzes, and my main return pump. I've spent the better part of 2 days reading through a lot of the threads in this forum to get ideas on a new build (300g), and in particular I wanted to explore the various options for flow in large tanks.
It seems that most of our setups use CLs. Some also use in-tank pumps as well. My experience is that in-tank pumps are more unsightly, require more maintenance, and limit aquascaping and coral placement because we can't put anything alive close to them. That said, I love my Tunzes - they generate flow like nobody's business; just have to live with the limitations.
We've seen all kinds of creative placement for CL outlets. Lot's of custom drilling, PVC running all over the place, outlets hidden in the sand, under rocks, along the back wall, etc. The only downside to the CL really is the extra noise under the stand, the added heat, and the occasional maintenance.
I've been using a penductor, too for my return from the sump. Great flow from from that thing, but it has some of those placement limitations, too. We can't put it too close to anything or it will rip the flesh off, or too close to the surface, without creating venturi. I solved this particular dilemma by pointing my penductor down behind my rock so that it avoided both issues.
My hope was to spur some discussion in this thread to capture the "state of the art" in our thinking around flow in large tanks. What works great? What in hindsight were mistakes to be avoided? What pros/cons/tradeoffs were involved in the choices we've made?
It seems that most of our setups use CLs. Some also use in-tank pumps as well. My experience is that in-tank pumps are more unsightly, require more maintenance, and limit aquascaping and coral placement because we can't put anything alive close to them. That said, I love my Tunzes - they generate flow like nobody's business; just have to live with the limitations.
We've seen all kinds of creative placement for CL outlets. Lot's of custom drilling, PVC running all over the place, outlets hidden in the sand, under rocks, along the back wall, etc. The only downside to the CL really is the extra noise under the stand, the added heat, and the occasional maintenance.
I've been using a penductor, too for my return from the sump. Great flow from from that thing, but it has some of those placement limitations, too. We can't put it too close to anything or it will rip the flesh off, or too close to the surface, without creating venturi. I solved this particular dilemma by pointing my penductor down behind my rock so that it avoided both issues.
My hope was to spur some discussion in this thread to capture the "state of the art" in our thinking around flow in large tanks. What works great? What in hindsight were mistakes to be avoided? What pros/cons/tradeoffs were involved in the choices we've made?
