Sufficient flow for a 125g reef tank?

[JeffersonReef]

Hi. My Mag 12 is giving me around 1000gph as a return pump (factoring in 4' head and plumbing). I was considering adding additional flow (either via closed loop or adding SEIOs with a controller).

How much more flow do I need/want? I am really leaning toward adding a closed loop using a mag 18 or 24 with 4 1" outlets... but that is a lot of work. Then again, adding a couple SEIOs would be wack looking. Any suggestions?

-TJ

 

[integlikewhoa]

It all depends on what your going for. I had a DART on a closed loop and a mag12 as a return. Im parting out and selling everything by the way. Now for my shamless plug. check out the thread here: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=944696

Heres a pic of my closed loop in my 120.

I had alot of outlets to spread the 2,000+ GPH from the dart out. It worked out well for me. But some will use only a Mag12 and thats it for total flow. Or maybe one or 2 PH.

 

[stereomandan]

I was also going to say something the size of a Sequence Dart would be good for a 125. That's about 3600 GPH on a closed loop.

Dan

 

[leeweber85]

I highly doubt that the mag 12 is getting you 1000gph at 4' head... I'd be surprised if you're getting 600gph.

What size of pipe are you using?

 

[dastratt]

I would go with Tunze Streams for a tank that size.

 

[JeffersonReef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8337917#post8337917 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by leeweber85
I highly doubt that the mag 12 is getting you 1000gph at 4' head... I'd be surprised if you're getting 600gph.

What size of pipe are you using?

I believe I am using 1" tubing that TEEs off to 2 3/4" outlets.
I think I will just go ahead and use the Tunze Streams. This may be a dumb question... but should I get one pump or two (one for each side of the tank)?

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

Try to get at least two, and the multicontroller.

 

[JeffersonReef]

This may be a retarted question, but is there any benefit of using the Tunz Streams rather than a regular pump with a Hydor Flo attachment? (http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_wavemakers_filters_hydor_bioflo_bio_flo_aerobic.asp?CartId=)

That would create the same effect, right? 2 pumps with the Hydor Flow? LMK what you think.

 

[integlikewhoa]

First of all this requires you to use plumming and a closed loop. The major benfit of tunze is how easy it is to use. Stick it on the glass and plug it in. Thats really the only reason I see to go with tunze.
For you with a glass tank its hard to drill it and creates alot of risks. So if you were going to plumb your tank you would more then like run alot of pipes up and over the back wall of the tank which is unsightly looking. For a glass tank Power heads are more favorable. Acrylic tanks are easy to drill and almost no risk for braking problems. Therefore you can drill threw the back or bottom and hide all plumming in or behind rocks and get a good amount of flow unseing a closed loop.
So what im saying is you dont have to go with power heads. But if you dont drill the tank anywhere atleast for a intake for a closed loop then your best bet is a power head of some sort. And tunze are the top of the line in flow and quality of powerheads.