More water movement?

[jond]

I am currently running 2 6101s with a multicontroller on my 280 (72X30X30). I have some dead spots in the back and bottom sides. My return is only about 1,000 gph as I want slow flow in the sump. I currently run the streams on interval 2 at 100/30 %.

My question is how to best get more flow. Should I try a different setting on the controller? Add another stream? Add flow accelerators to the returns? Or any combination of the above or any other suggestions welcome.

Thanks

 

[rvitko]

You could start by trying pulse mode and maybe 50%- 100% with longer pulses and inverse so channel 1 is 50% 100% and channel 2 is 100%/ 50%.

 

[jond]

Thanks Roger...I'll give that a try.

 

[jond]

Couple more questions...I have the pumps in the back corners with both facing the front center. Should I have them oriented more like the example in the manual?

If set inverse of each other as described, won't one pump be at 100% when in night mode?

Thanks for your help.

 

[rvitko]

I am not sure what example you are referring to- page number?

Yes, one pump would be at 100% in night mode but the pulsing would stop and this should be enough of a calming and it has the benefit of helping maintain a higher nighttime pH.

 

[jond]

Hi Roger,

It is the example on page 24 in the pulse section. I have not tried that configuration. I am getting more movement in this mode, but still feel I have some dead areas in the lower back portion of the tank. What would you suggest for additional flow in the lower areas?

Thanks

 

[rvitko]

I think that set up might work well for your tank dimensions. How strong is your return flow? Eductors may be an option but they need a fairly strong flow to work.

 

[jond]

Not very strong...I figure around 1,000-1,200 gph with head loss. It is a Reeflo Snapper. I could always switch to a dart and try the eductors or something.

If I were to add another pump internal to the tank, would you recomend another stream or a wavebox?

Thanks

 

[rvitko]

The wavebox is ideal for getting flow to remote areas of the tank and that would be what I would choose to add. Short of that, you could try another 6101 or a 6080 which is non controllable.

 

[jond]

I have had the wavebox as a possibility from the beginning. My concern is that my trim around the tank (its in the wall) currently comes just below the water line. I'm afraid if I get a wave going it will dip below which will effect the apperance a great deal. If it was an inch lower I would be okay, but it would be quite a project to make that happen.