Please recommend the right equiptment.

[Doubledown]

I will be setting up a new SPS tank end of this month and want to know what to buy in the Tunze area for circulation.

The tank is a standard 180 (72x24x24) with a center overflow. It has 2 static returns off the overflow (one on each angled side) and 2 Seaswirls mounted along the back mounted mid-way between the overflow and the side of the tank. I will be using a Sequence Dart for a return and figure on about 2200 GPH through the returns. The SeaSwirls should provide nice random flow patterns.

If I add a wavebox only will this be sufficient for total tank circulation? Or do I still need the Streams? Or just go with the streams only?

What are your recommendations?

Thanks

 

[rvitko]

A wavebox would be great for this tank since you have the center overflow. The Sea Swirls will probably be enough flow, if not you may have to add a Stream later.

 

[Doubledown]

Thank you. I will start with the Wavebox and add later.

The tank is acrylic. I have heard about shortened tank life on glass tanks gue to weakening of the sealant. Any idea if the wavebox will have the same effect on acrylic tanks. I don't want 180 gallons on my livingroom rug anytime soon.

Thanks

 

[rvitko]

I cannot give a definite answer on that. I have heard both possibile answers.

A) Acrylic when properly glued is one solid unit and should be less likely to be damaged.

B) Acrylic tanks should be thicker or they will craze and deteriorate.

I honestly don't know. I think a catastrophic failure is unlikely but it could cause crazing and deterioration unless the acrylic is oversized in thickness- that is what I have read from knowledgable acrylic manufacturers who use waveboxes.