Stream Or Electronic?

[Hobster]

Hi, I am researching the best product for yet another 75gal SPS reef. My tank is not drilled so my primary flow will be a hang on power filter and powerheads. My question is: Would a 6060 stream be to much? I guess I can not grasp 1,585gph!. Your web site states "gentle streams" but with that much volume wouldn't it blow everything around? How much heat is generated by a 6060? Also, do I need to purchase some other type of bracket to hang it on the tank (standard perfecto with plastic rim)?
With the Electronic 7300/2 is the main advantage over other powerheads the ability to control the volume? Would I need two powerheads in a 75? Thank you for your assistance.

 

[rvitko]

The advantage of Electronic pumps and we do have Electronic Streams is that they can pulse and provide extra turbulence. You can also get a food mode and a night mode. The pumps also feature alarms to indicate a failure or clogging. If it was my tank I would buy two pieces of equipment- A ReefPack 500 and a 6000 Stream with Single Controller. The Reefpack would give you your skimmer, auto top off and mechanical filter as an intank device measuring roughly 9*5*11- not any bigger than a corner overflow- further it gives you an additional 427gph of flow. The reefpack can be neatly stashed behind a stack of rock supported on a PVC pipe rack. Basically drill your rock and stack it on columns of pipe supported by a PVC frame. Then just place the Stream on the other end of the tank- it will cost a bit up front- I expect about $900. But you will have everything you could want and no issues with flow, top off, surface film, debris etc. Hang on units don't work satisfactorily in my opinion. The Streams generate almost no heat, heat is a function of wattage and the 6000 and 6060 use about 15w. The efficiency for energy used is phenomenal. You will need a 3000.244 kit for the pump but the necessary long screws are provided for the Reefpack.

The bad news is I am out of both- the Reefpacks will be here next week but the Streams will involve a wait. The flow from the Streams is gentle, it comes from a 2" nozzle- imagine if you put a 2" irrigation hose on your garden faucet- not a whole lot of force and I think a faucet does maybe 600-800gph.

 

[Hobster]

Roger,
The reef pack sounds great, but is out of my price range. I was comparing between the 6060 Stream or the 7310/2 power head. Other than volume, I am confused on what the electronic power head does. With the controller does it pulse on and off or vary the volume? What would be the better choice between the two? Is there an advantage of one over the other?
Thanks

 

[rvitko]

Well, the 7300/2 with Single Controller- 7310/2 is no longer made- would give you a pulsed flow between two speeds, it is not an off and on flow but slow and fast. This flow would be better for most corals. The Stream is well suited to leathers and SPS that like higher flow but I would consider the 6000 with single controller as it would pulse as well.

As for the Reefpack it isn't cheap but you get alot for your money and one of my first lessons in this hobby is how much more it costs to do it two or three times. You certanly could have a nice tank with agood hang on, like a remora or PM HOT. But more labor will be involved. Just please look hard at your purchases it is always cheaper to do it right the first time and that goes for everything you buy from lighting to rock.

 

[Hobster]

Roger,

So it seems it's between the 6000 Stream and the 7300/2. Is the 7400/2 to much flow for a 75gal? Between the stream and the 7300/2 which should I (or would you) go with?
Thanks.

 

[rvitko]

The 7400/2 wouldn't be too much. For a SPS reef I would go 7400/2 or 6000. Which one you choose depends primarily on layout. The diffuse low pressure flow of the 6000 cannot accomodate obstacles very well. The flow will have to be across the front of the rock work without alot of rock peninsulas in the way. The 7400/2 has a more focused flow and can get through and around more dense rock structures. In general i would prefer the 6000 and a light open rock structure.

 

[Hobster]

Wow, talk about a quick reply! You need a job.
Are either of these products avaliable or is there a waiting list? Also I have read something about brackets. Is there something else (mounting kit) that also needs to be puchased to fit a regular 75 with plastic trim?
Thanks again for all you assistance.

 

[rvitko]

You will need kit 3000.244 to mount on plastic trim. 7400/2 will be back in stock next week. With any luck we will start catching up real fast on the 6000's but at present I think we are almost 6-7 weeks behind in delivery. I need almost 60 pumps just to get caught up but I have 100 on order and was told today that they will do everything they can to get some quantity to me this week. I would suggest you decide based on what you need and not availability, these pumps are a fair investment and can last 10+ years with good care and every little part is repairable or replaceable so there is little reason to see it as a short term investment. I am certain you could limp by on some cheap powerheads, maybe even borrow some from friends until we can get some pumps in.

 

[Hobster]

No hurry, I can wait. Is the 3000.244 kit required for both the 6000's and the 7400/2? I am leaning towards the 6000. Thanks again.

 

[rvitko]

The kit is required for both.