Multi-flow zones in a 6ft tank: input and suggestions requested

[frankpayne32]

Posted this in the Reef Discussion forum but haven't gotten much input, thought I'd try here, I think this could be considered an "advanced topic".


OK...I'm looking to change/upgrade the flow in my tank. I currently am using two koralias and some large koralia knock-offs in my 125 gallon tank. I am not at all happy with these pumps. They don't always turn back on after they are turned off for maintenance, they rattle frequently, and they produce only a constant flow (they cannot be used on a timer and have no wave functionality).

Here is a pic of my tank for reference:

What I'm trying to accomplish is to create two high energy zones on either end of the tank. Each area is approximately 18" x 24". The middle 18" x 24" zone does not have corals or rock and is meant to simulate "open water" conditions (less light, less flow). So, basically what I'm trying to say is that I don't want their to be a lot of flow in the middle and I want their to be pretty decent flow (I know, very subjective) on the two ends.

As I am financially able I will start to replace the existing powerheads with more high-end models. I am going to do either vortech or tunze. Like with many, finances are an issue. I simply cannot justify spending nearly $500 dollars on a powerhead (read no MP40's). I am thinking of getting two MP10's (one for either end) or four Tunze 6045's. Note that the MP10's actually output approximately 1800 gph at maximum setting even though they are rated for something like 1500 gph. I know this seems like a minimal amount of flow but remember I only need their to be good flow in two 24" sections of the tank. So, my questions for the forum are these:

1. What do you recommend? (2xMP10 or 4xTunze 6045. Yes, I know the MP40 is ideal...this is not an option on the table for me. If you have any other recommendations in that price range I am open to those.)
2. Have any of you attempted something similar?

Thanks in advance to everyone for taking the time to read and contribute.

 

[droberts]

i have 2 k-3's in my 125 that are on each side of the tank that i point at each other and it gives me a random flow but it is slow at the sides and decent the middle. exactly the opposite of what you are looking for but hay nice tank!!

 

[frankpayne32]

i have 2 k-3's in my 125 that are on each side of the tank that i point at each other and it gives me a random flow but it is slow at the sides and decent the middle. exactly the opposite of what you are looking for but hay nice tank!!

Thanks for the input and the compliment.

 

[grizwalt333]

I have two k1s and a Mirco K in my 29 Big Difference I know, I use the K1s at either side of the tank and the micro churns the middle. I run mine on timers so the two K1 only overlap for an hour at most.

Try using two K3's in the middle of the back wall pointing towards the ends, this will push water around the edges very fast and make a turbulent lower flow area in the middle.

Let us know if if works.

 

[frankpayne32]

I have two k1s and a Mirco K in my 29 Big Difference I know, I use the K1s at either side of the tank and the micro churns the middle. I run mine on timers so the two K1 only overlap for an hour at most.

Try using two K3's in the middle of the back wall pointing towards the ends, this will push water around the edges very fast and make a turbulent lower flow area in the middle.

Let us know if if works.

Thanks for the input. Like i said in the opening post I'm not really happy with the Koralias and other budget powerheads. Right now, I am leaning towards two MP10's on either end and two tunze streams in the middle pointing towards the ends like you said.

 

[goodreef]

Just an idea in my head. Get a big return pump and create big volume of water movement. Maybe from back of tank to your high flow areas. Get 2 mp10 to "clash" with the flow from the big pumps. This way, you get huge flow from your main pump, and the mp10 is just to vary the flow pattern.

Alternatively, target your existing koralias to the high energy area, and get the mp10 to vary the flow pattern in the area.

Just theroy ... let us know how it works out!!

 

[frankpayne32]

Just an idea in my head. Get a big return pump and create big volume of water movement. Maybe from back of tank to your high flow areas. Get 2 mp10 to "clash" with the flow from the big pumps. This way, you get huge flow from your main pump, and the mp10 is just to vary the flow pattern.

Alternatively, target your existing koralias to the high energy area, and get the mp10 to vary the flow pattern in the area.

Just theroy ... let us know how it works out!!

Thanks for the input. As for the first idea, using a large return pump is probably not a good idea as it creates excess flow through the sump and will greatly increase electricity consumption. However, you second idea is what I'm strongly leaning towards. Having the two mp10's to create random flow on each end and then using koralias/tunzes/sicces to add to the bulk water movement. Thanks again!