Idiot's guide to streams?

[McBeck]

I setup a 300 gal Rubbermaid stock tank to be viewed from above. I really like this setup, and have decided to keep it around for a while.

It's an oval that is roughly 5.5 by 5.75 feet and 20 inches deep (I have a DSB; the 20 inches is the depth from the water line to the sand).

I have some SPS and a couple of LPS, a clam and fish. I don't want to churn up too much current b/c I don't think that will be good for all the inhabitants.

I am trying to figure out what the best Tunze arrangement for me will be. If I understand this correctly, the TS12 would give me one 6100 Stream and a single controller. The controller can create pulses so I don't have a constant flow, and I can set a night mode if I add the photo-electric cell, correct?

Do you think I would be better off getting 2 streams, and if so, would the 6000s be better for my setup? Are there any other parts or pieces I would need to add in order for the stream(s) to create pulsing current?

Thanks!

 

[rvitko]

This is a tough call. Those tubs are rounded so that creates a whole nother flow dynamic as the flow tends to roll around the end and not just bounce straight off. I still think though that it would be safest to use 2 6000 and a multicontroller, That might even be not enough.

 

[McBeck]

Thanks for the speedy reply!

If I go w/ 2 6000s and a multi-controller, I can add 1 or 2 more Streams later, right?

Is it difficult to set the controllers to pulse and to have a night setting? Are there any online manuals available?

 

[rvitko]

The new controller is pretty easy to use I think, you can add 2 Streams later and up to 8 if you add branch adapters.

 

[McBeck]

Cool - one more question - does using the controller to pulse the pumps shorten the pump life?

 

[bskiba]

at least 2-6100's. how strong would the 6000 be after traveling 4 feet? Just a thought.

 

[rvitko]

The 6000's are pretty much no flow after 4ft but he said he wanted a gentle fflow and the 6100 would be very strong for the first couple feet. Pulsing will not shorten pump life, the computer assists all the start up and speed functions to make sure a backwards rotation can't occur.