stream setup for 72x30x27 tank

[jeffbrig]

I'm trying to determine the optimal stream setup for a new tank I'm about to set up. The tank is 72x30x27, ~250 gallons. The tank is being built as a room divider, viewable from 3 sides, with an overflow at one end. Total inside length will probably be <64" after allowing for the overflow. The tank will be a mixed reef with a shallow sand bed. I have calculated that the return pump will move approx. 1800gph (unless dialed down further with a gate valve).

I've decided I want a multicontroller, but I don't know if the 6000s or 6100s would be best for this size, or if I should get 2 or 3. I would prefer to keep all of the streams up against the black overflow where they will blend in easily. Because the tank is a room divider, the reef structure will mainly run down the center of the tank. Would it be sufficient to use one stream on each side or do I need more than that?

I'm open to suggestions!

Thanks,

Jeff

 

[rvitko]

Here is what I would do.

I would place a 6200 on the side with the overflow, this gives a 30" column of flow that is about 7ft long, really the same as the 6100 but wider. On the other side I would use two 2002 pumps. The 2002 is an old fashioned top mounted powerhead. The reason is since it would be viewable this will be the least obtrusive, only the shaft, an intake screen and a prop would be visible. The 2002 can be controlled by using the 7094.40 pump adapter and 2 could run off of one adapter.

I would only add that the 2002 can be a pain, being an old fashioned motor they have bearings that can seize and do need periodic replacement, if you aren't comfortable with basic auto service you likely won't be comfortable with doing it your self. Some people love the old motors because they are really capable of lasting forever but it takes a lot of maintanence with a full rebuild every two years, some people just don't care for the maintance though, I used to run 14 of these pumps at my shop and frankly don't care if I ever see another one again because it was alot of work whne I had that many to keep up with. In this case if you don't mind the obtrusiveness i would change the plan to two 6100's one on each end in opposite corners blowing a little past the center point on the opposite pane.

 

[rvitko]

BTW- the pumps are dark brown and not black.

 

[jeffbrig]

I think I would probably rule out the 2002s based on aesthetics, let alone the maintenance factor.

When you say "change the plan to two 6100s", do you mean just the 6100s, or two 6100s plus a 6200? That sound like an insane amount of water movement, so I'm thinking you meant 2x6100 only.

I'm also curious if an arrangement of 3 6000s would work, since they're by far the most efficient streams at only 15w each. Is there a significant difference in the width of the stream they produce? I haven't been able to find any detailed flow information like what you gave above for the 6200s (30" x 7'). Do you have similar numbers that you can share for the other streams?

Thanks again,

Jeff

 

[tsadik]

"jeffbrig"
My Tank is 72x24x31 and I have 2x 6000 and 2x 6100 on multicontroller IMO it's work great.You can see pix in my gallery

 

[rvitko]

Yes, 2 6100 only.

The 6100 has a pattern of about 24" around and 7ft long, the 6000 is 24" around and 4ft long.

 

[mattsilvester]

hope you don't mind me jumping in
I am thinking of a tunze kit for my 6x2x2 tank, but to be honest, I cannot afford to get two 6100 and a muti controller at the moment.
would it be a mistake to get the 6100 by itself for the time being, with a view to adding a second at a later date?

I had planned to literally position the 6100 in the centre of the 2x2 end panel, then later when I get the other one I'd put it at the opposite end.

Is it feasible to get one, then get another, then get the controller later?

Once I have the two 6100's, and the controller, will they be enough flow for my tank without any additional powerheads etc? I'll probably have an ocean runner 6500 pump as a return (to replace my existing eheim model, which really aint up to the job).

Thanks, and sorry for jumping in.
Regards,
Matt

 

[rvitko]

Your plan sounds fine and yes you can piece a kit together over time. The flow should be OK.


You might take a look at our return pump 1073.04. Otherwise Eheim does make a good pump but I have never used an Ocean Runner so I have no input.