Recommendations for 180g tank

[billpa]

I currently have a mixed 180g reef....standard 180 dimensions. Currently I am running a CL on a OM4way powered by a Dolphin Ampmaster 3600. The flow is alright...But I am not getting as much turbulent flow as I thought I would. Add to the fact that the pump draws a ton of electricity and Ive decided to look into the Streams.

Most of my corals are softies although I do dabble in some LPS as well as a decent amount of SPS. I realize that isnt the best situation for these powerheads but its what I have

Im looking to sell the current gear I have for my CL and use that money to buy a couple of streams. So I am looking at around a 500 dollar budget. Im thinking of just going with two 6060s on the back corners. That coupled with my return which runs around 1000gph through a 1" SS should provide some great turbulent flow.

What do you think Roger? Oh...btw...I have black tahitian moon sand in the tank varying from 1" to 3+" deep in areas. It is much coarser than the fine caribbean stuff and my tank is about 6 months old now. So it seems that it is staying put in some places (although I have a few small bare spots in a couple of areas)

I'd like to keep the costs down on the pumps. I really dont need an incredible amount of flow...I figure I could rearrange some corals so they are more or less in the high flow areas. I would also entertain the idea of getting a combo of streams that would keep me in the 500 dollar range ie. 6060 and a TS07.

Sorry for the long winded thread. Thanks in advance!

Bill

 

[rvitko]

In my opinion the ideal would be to buy 2 6000 and get the controller at a later date when funds permit. The 6000 can be upgraded to a 6100, the 6060 cannot be modified at all. The 6060 cannot be controlled or used on a wavemaker. The 6060 should work for you especially with the seaswirl but the 6000's would be better.

 

[billpa]

Great. That was another idea I had. So without the controller, the 6000s will run full bore?

Thanks for the help
Bill

 

[tenshi]

I have a similar situation. Setting up a 180 with a sump return being about 300 to 400. Keeping SPS with some LPS. Sand Bottom. Which Streams with controller would you suggest? Thanks for the help.

 

[2ras]

Rogers recommendation for 2-6000s & a 7095 controller on my 180 were right on. The 6000s are more powerful than you realize!

I had to position my 2-6000s on the forward sides of the tank, aimed at the centre back wall & rockwork to keep from any sand getting moved about. The rockwork broke up the flow and made it somewhat chaotic. The fish really like it, it's the area they stay in.

btw..The 6000s will run at full power without the controller.

Ray
(tank has LPS & softies, etc)

 

[rvitko]

Actually, their is a potentiometer on the side of the blue driver box that allows you to adjust the speed without a controller. You need a jeweler screwdriver to access the pot.