Flow Information

[Mahlhavoc]

Hello folks!

I am going to do a large tank build myself soon (few months out) and am trying to narrow down exactly what I am going to get, this is where my question lies currently.

For all the people who have big tanks, what do you use for your flow and how is it set up. I am looking at about a 600g reef and want good flow for SPS.

Now I have toyed with the idea of a Tunze wavebox but didnt get much help and from what I have found is that it's wave action is a bit too quick back and forth and doesn't have a very soothing appreance to it nor am I conviced about it's top to bottom current.

I am now considering 2-OM 4 ways, one in a closed loop and another for the return from the sump/fuge. I am thinking a Sequence Barracuda for the CL configuration and a possible Hammerhead for the sump return, thoughts? I also wish to have some idea of where to place my returns if I went this route.

I drew this up last night and will probably have a 4"x4" inside return along most of the back of the tank instead of an outside.

Tell me what you folks who have experience with large systems and from that experience might change things or have an ideal way that you did yourself. This is the thing I am most focussed on right now because as you well know, you can only drill once!!

Thanks in advance,
Gary

 

[bryanth73]

my self, I am not a fan of drilling the bottom of the tank. No need to worry about siphon but the bottom holds the weight of l/r a sharp edge or a piece hitting the right spot could cause a failure in the bottom. plus if a bulkhead leaks your tearing down the whole tank. (someone here had theres break thereare pics if you search). There are many with bottoms drilled but I'd rather be safe than sorry

 

[Mahlhavoc]

Cmon guys, help me out with some information on a good system for flow in a 96x42x33. This is an important aspect and one I can only get from those who have had success and failure. I need input from peoples own experiences in a larger tank to what they would do if they had it to do all over again or what they did to get it just right.

Wavebox? CL system? Flow from top to bottom, bottom to top, back, sides or what? OM 4 way, 2-4 ways . .8 way? Timer . . HRELP!!

I am on my design phase before I look to start purchasing on this tank that will be custom made I need to know exactly what I want and with you folks inputting I will know.

I do know it will be visable from the left side and front with the back and right side enclosed in the wall if that helps.


Thanks in advance,
Gary

 

[bryanth73]

closed loop and oceans motions are a good way to go if your not using a sand bed ( the drums tend to clog) . sequence pump is the way to go for the volume your looking for. I am using tunze in my tank since I did not want to hastle with where to put the bulk heads. I like being able to move things around as things grow or need to be moved