Help with Flow

[CharAznable]

I would like to maximize the flow in my 150 gallon tank. The problem is that the overflows are in odd spots. When I first ordered the tank I thought these would be good spots so that I could view the tank on the sides and not the inside of the overflows. Either way I am trying to find a way to get good flow throughout and hopefully avoid the "squirt-gun" effect. The tank is 5' x 2' x 2'.

The layout is as follows:

I was hoping to get it to flow in a circular pattern, or as close as possible. But then again as a total newb I am open to suggestions. Currently the only flow I have is from the two returns. I picked up a Red Sea wavemaster because I got it for a great price, but am now questioning if that is the right direction to go. I was considering putting a Hydor Koralia 4 in opposing corners in hopes that they could stimulate a circular flow. But I haven't bought them yet as I am trying to not be as impulsive.

As for stock I plan to mainly have LPS, Zoas, and soft corals with a few SPS corals. I also plan on getting some Blue Throat Triggers, a Regal Blue Tang, and possibly a Heniochus.

 

[camlov2]

First question is where are your returns? Do you have them both to the outside of the overflows? What pump/flow rate?

 

[cdbias2]

You do not want continuous circular flow. You want random chaos.
You tank is a good size for a couple of tunze and a multicontroller.
By the time you add up your wavemaster, hydors,powerstrips, they start looking pretty good in price considering the additional features.

 

[danmcmahon]

I would go w/ 2 Tunze and a couple small MJ1200's

 

[cdbias2]

The MJ1200's are the largest MJ makes and you wont need them with the alternating variable speed tunze.

 

[CharAznable]

I have a return and drain in both overflows. The circular flow idea came from an article on advanced flow techniques. Would the Tunze work with the Wavemaker Pro or should I limit it to the MaxiJets only?

 

[cdbias2]

The Tunze have there own controller that is a separate unit. These things also work on about 8 watts of power(german) so the risk of shock is greatly decreased.
Dont bother with the MJ's on a 150g tank. Sell the wavemaker and invest in the Tunze.

 

[CharAznable]

Which Tunze system are we talking about?

 

[cdbias2]

I believe I'd go with the 6100 series and a 7095 multicontroller. The multicontroller can run four 6100.
I didn't say they were cheap but you do have a 150g tank.

 

[CharAznable]

Should I plan on 1 in each corner? Particularly I am curious because of the placement of the overflows.

 

[cdbias2]

I would start with one on each side facing each other across the tank. You can expieriment and see what works best to get around rocks, overflows etc. They are large, about 4" diameter but they sure beat little powerheads everywhere and they will cut down on electrical cords also. They also sell magnets that are made to hold them in place so you dont have an ugly bracket. Magnets are extra $.

 

[The_Browns]

Re: Help with Flow

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11653703#post11653703 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by CharAznable

WOW that is one big piece of LR :rollface:

 

[CharAznable]

Actually it is a lot of smaller rocks. I was just showing how much space it covered. I have it stacked in a way that should allow lots of flow through it all.