So I need the SPS experts...

MacnReef

MacnReef

Active member
Okay, I posted something similar to this earlier this week but I didn't get much response. I am picking up a 36x18x18 50g acrylic tank today. I am going with all SPS, barebottom with only base rock. I need some help here.

I am considering running a Reefflo Dart as my closed loop pump but to be honest, that sounds a little crazy. I will be running penductors off of my closed loop return. The tank is not drilled anywhere, not even for the overflow box. I am trying to decide between a box from www.wetdryfilter.com or www.barraquatics.com. I am not so sure that I trust the units from Barr but maybe I am wrong.

I already have my lights and that will not change. My main concern is that I want to get the best possible flow from the pumps with keeping the electricity minimal. I am also concerned as to what size bulkheads to drill.

I really want/need some help here. Please give me some assitance.

Mike
 
How much of a concern is cost? :)
Going Tunze (or Seio for cheaper) means low running cost, no drilling and tons of flow at the expense of higher initial investment and taking up some tank space. A couple Tunze are going to top $300 for the smaller ones and they are kind of large as powerheads go. IMO, they're worth every "negative" aspect, though.

Closed loop pumps, pretty much regardless of make, are going to draw about the same given the same output/power with little variation IME. The only real variable is cost. Downsides being that you'll have to drill and will use more juice, but will spend less per gallon of water moved. I think the Dart is a good choice if you go the CL route.
 
If you are going to use penductors than you would not use the DART pumps. You will need a pressure pump, which the DART is not.
I wouldn't even bother with the penductors, I have a DART for my return on my 225gl and it puts out an amazing volume of water.

As for bulkhead holes I would go with 1.5 inch.
The intake on the DART is 2 inches, so your sump should have a 2 inch hole, if your using it as a return pump.

Go here for your Overflow box.
Get the double pre-filter box.

As for keeping Electricity to a minimum, why not go with a TUNZE or a couple of SEIO's?
 
Hate to say the same thing as the other two ... but 11w = 1600 gph from my Tunze 6060. Not a controllable, it's too bad ... but it's quieter, less power, I can position it anywhere in my tank ... worth having to look at it IMO.
 
FWIW, I have an older Sequence that is comparable to the Dart (actually a little less output - 2200GPH), is not pressure rated and powers 2 penductors easily. The output is well beyond what it was without them. You don't need a pressure-rated pump, but will get more flow if you have one. Wear and tear might be worse without a pressure pump, but so far I'd say that's not an issue.
 
I would also say, with my 58g [36" long tank] ... an eductor was almost problematic for flow. Aquascaped + stocked just perfect ... sure, you could make it work.

But it's hard not to be blasting the flesh of corals with that much flow, a maximum of 36" before it deflects [= strong deflected currents]. Just opinion on it, but I'm very much looking for my 6060->6000 upgrade, as IMO I don't need all that flow, constant, in a tank under 75g IMO.

It can be done, I've been running at 50x flow in a 36 x 18 x 21 for well over a year now :D I'm just looking to tone it down, and thus suggest the same.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6624431#post6624431 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SunnyX
Go here for your Overflow box.
Click to expand...

SunnyX, I think you forgot the link.

Well here is the deal guys. I am getting an acrylic tank and I don't want to take up a lot of valuable space with SEIO's and Tunzes or I would just keep my 58g Oceanic that is RR.

The only reason I would go with the acrylic is because I can drill it for a closed loop and put the overflow box wherever I would like.

Your thoughts?

Mike
 
barr aquatics

barr aquatics

I have ordered from barr aquatics before and can tell you the customer service and products are great. I could not be happier.
 
Mike,

What kind of thoughts are you looking for?
It seems like you've already got your plan... :)

HOB's I'd avoid like the plague.

The Dart seems pretty hard to beat, but I don't think you would need 'ductors in a tank that size. You'll have plenty of flow. Are you planning on using it for a closed loop or return? IMO, that's way too much for a return - I'd shoot for closer to 5x per hour, but that's me. My Sequence also has a 2" intake, but I still pull from a 1.5" bulkhead on the CL. "They" say you shouldn't do that, but the pump is 3 years old, so I don't think it matters...I just reduced it right off the intake with a 1.5"-->2" PVC reducer and plumbed with spa flex.


Overflow on mine is a single 1.5" bulkhead that handles 1000 GPH just fine.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6624753#post6624753 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by G-money

What kind of thoughts are you looking for?
It seems like you've already got your plan... :)
Click to expand...

:lol: :lol:

Okay, so you can see in my sig what I have in the tank now. I might just change out my sump for a new design. I am adding a seaswirl off of my Mag9.5. Maybe I will just add another SEIO, maybe a 1500.

Do you know if the SEIO pumps will fit in the Tunze rocks?

Mike
 
Ok, so how about a SEIO 1100 and a SEIO 1500 along with my main return of Mag9.5?

This will save me a ton of money, since I will not need to buy the acrylic tank, I will not need to replumb everything. All I will need to get is a SEIO 1500.

Finally, I have a 25 or 40w UV on the way, not sure which one is coming yet but I am getting one of the two. So once that gets here, I will replumb my return to go through the UV then through my SeaSwirl.

Mike
 
Ok, so thanks to the input I received, I picked up a SEIO 1500. I figure I can get Tunze's at a later date but for now at least I will have the flow I want.

I am running about 55x per hour and my target was about 50. Less energy is good and I have a place in the tank that it shouldn't stick out to bad. Now, once my UV and seaswirl gets here, I will be set.

Will get pics up soon...just gotta find my camera.:eek:

Mike
 
Re: So I need the SPS experts...

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6624280#post6624280 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MacnReef
I am considering running a Reefflo Dart as my closed loop pump but to be honest, that sounds a little crazy. I will be running penductors off of my closed loop return.
Click to expand...

That wont work. If you want to utilize the penductor the way it is ment to be, get a pressure rated pump (e.g. Pan World 150-PS or Iwaki MD55RT).

http://www.kthsales.com/website/Misc/hello_salt_water_enthusiasts.htm

Might want to read up on that, really good details. The Dart is a low pressure app pump and penductors will put a substantial amount of pressure on the pump, thus the Dart would die, verses a pressure rated pump that is built to be under pressure that'll keep the flow up, thus giving you mass flow.

I recently setup my new 120 sps tank and have 2 closed loops, 1 Dart going through 4 1" outputs and a Pan World 150-PS running to 2 penductors and all I can say is WOW... for a BB tank I don't think you can beat it.
 
Re: Re: So I need the SPS experts...

Re: Re: So I need the SPS experts...

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6625573#post6625573 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by elephen
The Dart is a low pressure app pump and penductors will put a substantial amount of pressure on the pump, thus the Dart would die, verses a pressure rated pump that is built to be under pressure that'll keep the flow up, thus giving you mass flow.
Click to expand...

I don't agree that it will kill the pump.
What's the difference between using penductors or running the pump at reduced flow with a ball vlave on the output end? People do this all the time with all kinds of pumps. Unless I'm missing something, there is no difference. The input is what you don't want to restrict - the output end doesn't matter.
The increased water flow is due to the penductor only. Granted, non-pressure pumps won't utilize the full potential of a penductor, but they aren't doomed because there's more back pressure - they just won't put out like they would if they weren't under as much pressure. However, the increased flow from the penductor easily offsets this. I've been doing it for about 6 months myself...on a 3-year old non-pressure rated Sequence. No noticeable extra pump heat, no deathly noises and lots more flow. :)
 
HOB?!?!!!! DON'T DO IT!!!! A nightmare waiting to happen. I've had more problems that were directly related to the HOB.

No way...I would never do a hang on the back again
Click to expand...

I think most would agree with that one!!!
 
So, I might still get the acrylic tank.:lol: I found a Reeflo Hammerhead for cheap and it is brand new...$115!!!

So, what do you think about that for flow?

Thanks!
Mike
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

K
Help: SPS peeling strangely.
Replies
5
Views
180
griss
griss
J
Calcium very elevated
Replies
3
Views
117
jcarlilesiu
J
W
Potential 65G
Replies
13
Views
211
griss
griss
Lebowski_
Why do SPS need "aged" tanks?
Replies
5
Views
418
shred5
shred5
JChitmon
Anyone quit 2 part and started All For Reef?
Replies
2
Views
301
Reefing102
Reefing102
Back
Top