OM 4 way?

[EMV7904]

Just wondering what would be an advantage to using an ocean motions 4 way on a big tank. If you use Tunze's/Vortech's is there even a need for an OM 4 way?

Lastly, can anyone please learn me what the differences on a 4 way are? If I remember correctly, there is something like 1,3 and 2,4 and all kinds of different combos? Depends on which one I buy...what am I looking for? And again, would it be pointless with new Tunze's or Vortech's?

 

[goochesfish]

with the OM4, you could eliminate your power heads. I use one in a closed loop system and I have no power heads. The flow is so strong with a dart pump that my sand is blowing into sand dunes. I have to adjust the direction of the nozzle so I don't get a bare spot.

 

[108reefer]

that is the main purpose - to eliminate the use of power heads in the tank. I am setting up one on a 180 bowfront - using a 3600 dolphin amp master. the barrels for the four way depend on how you want the flow, and where you are placing the returns.

 

[camaroracer214]

think about closed loops this way...

two ecotech vortech mp40w's = 6400 gph (max) at about 60 watts

a closed loop with an om 4-way and dolphin amp master = 4600 gph (max depending on plumbing and head height) at about 173 watts for the pump and 90 or so watts for the om 4-way totaling 263 watts

so, if you want an energy hog, then go the route of the closed loop. the tunze/vortech pumps are just so much more energy efficient.

 

[DaveMorris]

Energy use is only one component in the equation. I use a closed loop because I hate the look of powerheads in my tank. I also have had my closed loop running, untouched for over a year now. I have not needed to do any sort of maintenance on any of it. My closed loop setup was also significantly cheaper than the equivalent number of Vortechs or Tunzes that could do the same thing.

In the end I think it comes down to personal preference and the individual tank setup. So many different ways to do the things we do.

 

[rmosqued]

I run a closed loop with a Red Dragon 6.5 m3(Finally) and an OM super squirt compact on my 75gallon reef and I believe I'm using about ≈ 69 watts. I also like the fact that there are no powerheads in my display tank. I'm saying pretty darn good.

 

[salty child 79]

yeah but it will take you 60 months to make back your money(on electricity savings) by using a RD instead of say a dart gold.

Don't get me wrong I once had a bubbleking and it was great. Just pointing out that it all kinda evens out even with a low wattage.

 

[BeanAnimal]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15418608#post15418608 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by camaroracer214
think about closed loops this way...

two ecotech vortech mp40w's = 6400 gph (max) at about 60 watts

a closed loop with an om 4-way and dolphin amp master = 4600 gph (max depending on plumbing and head height) at about 173 watts for the pump and 90 or so watts for the om 4-way totaling 263 watts

so, if you want an energy hog, then go the route of the closed loop. the tunze/vortech pumps are just so much more energy efficient.

The OM 4-way is nameplate rated at 7 Watts but draws around 4 Watts as measured in reality, not 90 Watts.

Furthermore, a distinction needs to be made when comparing 'stream' flow with 'pump' flow. The Stream pumps move fluid AND educt fluid. The water exiting the nozzle of a return pump ALSO educts fluid, greatly icreasing the 'flow' created by the pump. Adding a 4:1 eductor to the outputs amplifies this effect. Comparing 'stream flow' numbers to return pump flow numbers is comparing apples to oranges.

There is no arguement that stream pumps are not efficient, they are.

Many people can't stand the site of power heads or other equipment in their tanks. For those people, closed loops are a perfect alternative. The Oceans Motions products are top of the line, with customer support to match.

 

[108reefer]

agreed that there is a distinct look to each of these type units - also a great concern is design of the tank, shape of the rock work, etc, etc... for instance I have a 180 bowfront - two power heads on either end just doesn't do it for me - I have tried 3, then 4, then back to 3 koralias - I even have tried 5 maxi's at one time on different timers - what a cluster. I just finished (almost - waiting on parts) doing the CL with the 4 way. cant wait! have two outlets buried in the sand at the front bottom, while the other two will be at the top corners. I am planning to use the drum that goes 1&3, then 2 &4 - this runs at 1 rpm and will give an incredible "deep wave" motion to the tank.