question on flow

[sean A.]

Wanted to know if this is enough flow. I have a 240g mixed reef. My return pump is a Catalina 600 that splits to two return pipes. I am going to be switching my power heads out to the new Klralia 4's . Will that be enough flow?

 

[supra23]

how many k4s ?

 

[RonMidtownStomp]

It depends on how much flow you want. I'd say at least 4 K4's for what I'd consider to be moderate flow. My 240 did a lot better with two Tunze 6100's and two K4's than it did with two K4's and the Tunzes move a lot more water than the K4's. I think the new K4's are just set up to not be modified and not necessarily produce more flow than the old ones, right?

 

[sean A.]

looking at 4 k4's

 

[supra23]

K4's are what? $50-60? Not sure, haven't looked recently. If I were you, I'd consider saving up a little money and getting Tunzes...Or even better IMO..A pair of MP40's. BUT...K4's will get the job done

 

[RonMidtownStomp]

Or one monster pump and a well designed closed loop.

 

[supra23]

What am I talking about?! We're in a crappy economy - K4's will be great!

 

[RonMidtownStomp]

Yeah, but used Tunzes are stupid cheap now.

 

[yehchien]

depends on what you're keeping as livestock. If you're looking at Koralias, take a look at the Magnums.... Those push a lot of water ( koralia 8's push3250 gph ) at $110-120 bucks that's a great deal. You could buy two of them for the same price as 4 k4s and get more flow.

 

[yehchien]

Oh and.... if you decide on the K4's i've got two that I'll sell you for $15 each.

 

[sean A.]

Yeah I think I'm gonna go with the k4's. The two You have do You have any pics of. I am interested

 

[yehchien]

i will put them in a vinegar bath tonight and will post pics tomorrow.

 

[sean A.]

Could u take $20 for both and I'll clean them. I can pick up tonight.

 

[yehchien]

pm'ed

 

[jcavanaugh18]

I think the direction of the pumps makes a big difference. I know many people that point all their pumps toward the middle of the tank, or right toward the rock, or two across the front pointing at each other. While some of the configurations work when you are pulsing the pumps for waves and random current and what not, I think in general I like pointing my pumps to create a circular motion in the water in order to utilize the momentum of the water and make the pumps run more efficiently. I even set up my rocks to be kinda in a row in the middle to help make the water in the front flow one way, and in the back flow the other way. Of course some will argue that your corals will grow more on one side than the other, but then I would argue to just switch the direction of the circle every once in a while.

-James

 

[Brian Prestwood]

Circular motion (AKA gyre or vortex) +1 with the qualification that you have to set your tank up to allow it to work.

I've got two K8s on a 300g. They spin the water the same direction. I'm adding two more that spin it the other direction.