Question on turnover rates

[Dmorty217]

I'm setting up a 220g SPS tank with a 6215 wavebox, MP60, and a reeflo hammerhead hybrid pump on a closed loop. My question is how much flow constantly within the tank? With educators I can get 24,000gph out of the closed loop and with the Tunze and MP60 I can get 31,000gph+, is this too much? I'm going to attempt to do a 5" sand bed. Can someone please advise on the flow

 

[TOM BLEVINS]

I don't think so, I have a hammerhead return, (2) 6305 & (4) 6205
on my 300, but I only have a 1" sand bed!

Tom

 

[Dmorty217]

Ok thanks for response not a lot of people weighing in on this. My thoughts are the more the merrier. My long term plan in to house a Achilles in the tank so high flow is necessary to keep this fish successfully.

 

[Allmost]

How do you get 31k gph from mp60 ? It's about 7k I think.

 

[Finland]

How do you get 31k gph from mp60 ? It's about 7k I think.

I think he is adding the 24k gph from the closed loop to the 7kgph from the mp60 to get the 31k gph

 

[Dmorty217]

MP60 is 7500gph at full blast. The 24k come from inductors or educators added to the returns from the closed loop

 

[Epicreefer]

Realistically your only going to get ~15k gph from the closed loop. The eductors work best at about 20' of head pressure to get a real 5x turnover and at that point your getting only 3k gph from your pump. The high pressure water causes a venturi sucking in more water, low pressure is much less efficient at it. I'm still a believer in closed loops and somewhat on eductors if the power bill doesn't scare you away. I think when the water actually needs to flow to the other side of the tank to the intake the flow is of much higher quality and actually services the tank better. Back to your main question, I would add more flow, like two tunze 6105.

 

[Dmorty217]

Thank you for the response epicreefer, adding another power head or two can be done. As for the power bill, it's just more money in a ever expensive hobby right?

 

[toothman]

I tried educators and they do not work well with hammerheads or darts, they need a pressure pump. I have tried it on my hammerhead. I also have a mp 60 and it really does move some water. My 400 has 2 darts, 1 hammerhead and mp 60 it is enough flow. You could always add a inexpensive powerhead later. My closed loop has ocean motion brand water diverters it works very well, but you have to drill the tank.

 

[Dmorty217]

I know a pressure rated pump is better for this application but was trying to save some money on the closed loop route vs another 800$ MP 60 or 2

 

[REEF SMAC]

Even if you somehow do get 31k turn over for your tank that is going to be fine. In fact I would say excellent for an SPS tank.

That said I don't really think it will really be that high due to reasons others here have pointed out.

When your corals are small it will not be as important but as they grow and block flow from each other, that amount of extra flow will be beneficial.

The sandbed will depend on the depth of your tank, how fine the sand, along with the position of the water flow.

Sounds like an awesome build happening BTW.

 

[toothman]

you do not need any more you have enough flow.

 

[bobkill]

Watch for sand storms - and obs make sure it's indirct flow