powerhead; what kind to use

[reedrodz]

hello everybody, i just attended last friday's meeting..im excited to the fact that there are lots of people who is like me, that loves the ocean and the reefs that comes with it, and the challenges that face us trying to mimic the great reef in the ocean.
anyway, i got a 300g tank, currently a have a dolphine pump that i use. i dont think its enoungh. any suggestions of what kind to use and where to get it? thanks..

 

[Underwaterparadise]

Can you describe your set up for us? Demensions,drilled not drilled, closed loop, sump, etc.

That is a large tank for just power heads to be used. You would need a ton of them to get enough flow for a reef tank.

 

[kevin95695]

WELCOME reefrodz!!!

Tell us more!

Pumps/poweheads: I try these sources in this order -- First MARS and BAR forums on RC, Used eqpt. forum on RC, craigslist, ebay, the dotcom etailers (DrsFosterSmith/Marine Depot/BigAlsOnline)

 

[Reefugee]

What are you using the pump for? If it's for a closed look system, I would recommend something like the Sequence Dart - which has a flow of 3600gph. They also make larger pumps.

If it's for your sump system - you may not want a large pump. Too large of a pump on your sump system may result in bubbles getting back into your tank.

If you don't want to go with a closed loop system - you might want to consider some powerheads. There are some great powerheads available including the Tunzes, Maxijet Mods, and so on.

If you can provide us with more information, we might be able to help.

Minh

 

[kdblove_99]

I have had really good luck with Maxijets and Seio's.

 

[dots]

I am digging the Votechs lately and think they may work good on a large/long tank

Video: click on link and find "Video" in middle of page in the "Media" Section and click on Vortech flow

http://www.melevsreef.com/links.html

A little spendy though....

 

[Justin74]

Im thinking 2 vortex's pointed at each other from opposite ends just might be what your looking for, but as said before very pricey, but damn dey sure is purty! Couple of the top end SEIO's could be a viable option and much cheaper, you could afford to have one in every corner

For my 50, I just got finished purchasing my second Tunze nano 6045.

So Mike if your reading this, I'll have over 62X turnover rate in my tank.

-Justin

 

[dots]

Seios have a bad name for the start up issues people have had, and up until recently lack of a wave timer. But I think its a vocal minority, and have had good experience with them. I am considering the new magnets that Marine Depot has for them. Suction cups suck!!! (sometimes not so much)

I currently have: 3-820s and 2-1500s in mine with a Mag 7 for the return (79X) I have been able to get great flow in every area of the tank and am really satisfied. The key is cleaning them monthly. Now if I only could get the same performance, in more of a hidden package, which the Vortech idea is being considered.

I am seriously considering an Ocean Motions with a crazy firing order and a mongo sized pump for the cube........

Speaking of mongo, have I ever show you guys a pic of my 4" diameter Astrea Snail.......does anyone else have one of these large suckers?

 

[kevin95695]

What is your GPH rating on your Dolphin? I'm thinking you've got one "corn-fed" pump already. You might (depending on your system) add a second pump. Likely could add powerheads either way. I went with Hydor Koralias for wide volume flow and low watts (less energy and heat) plus overall expense. Have to know more about your system...

 

[mpoletti]

Tunze pumps are my favorites. Don't waste your money on anything that is not controllable, IMO. With a 300 gal tank, there is a lot of potential, but for the most flow and least energy, Tunze is my favorite product.