Tunze Powerhead Question for a 90 Gallon

[gcfiend]

Need some assistance from sponsor in choosing the correct model.

I'm planning a 90 Gallon (48x18x24) and I am gong nuts on trying figure out what the "best" powerhead would be for a mixed reef (60% SPS and 40% LPS).

6095?
6055?
6105?
some other model?

I currently own an Apex so ability to control with this device would be of value.

Thanks in advance!!

 

[rvitko]

They are all controllable by the Apex, you would need the cables from Neptune. Unless you plan on upgrading to a bigger tank, 2 6095 are the best option.

 

[gcfiend]

Thanks Roger. So the "upgrading to a bigger tank" is always part of this addiction

Out of curiosity, what would 2 x 6095 max out at \ or become to small for in terms of gallons or size of tank... At what point (meaning what size tank) would the 6105 be the better choice?

I appreciate the quick response to my thread question, this is most helpful!! Thanks again Roger (saviour of the universe,king of the impossible)!!

 

[rvitko]

LOL, thanks.

I would rate the 6095 as suitable for up to a 5ft by 2.5ft SPS or 4ft by 3ft. Once you pass that, at least for SPS, the 6105 is the way to go.

 

[sn4265]

Are these recommendations for a single powerhead or a pair? I'm looking at replacing my current powerheads with some Tunze but not sure what to go with for a 120gal primarily LPS.

 

[Craig Borowski]

These recommendations are for pairs of powerheads.

For a 120 (4x2x2) LPS tank two 6095s would also be a great choice.

 

[rvitko]

You generally want to do pairs so you can alternate the flow direction.

 

[sn4265]

A pair of 6095s seems excessive to me??? It looks like a single pump is capable of generating more than 20x turnover in the tank. I understand that these pumps aren't going to be running full out most of the time, but... I would think that a pair of the 6055s would be better sized for a 120gal since a single pump is around 12x turnover. Am I missing something here?

The other question about either of these pumps has to do with attaching these pumps to an Apex controller. If what I've read so far is correct, these pumps will NOT connect to the VDM ports. Assuming that is correct, how do these connect and can they be controlled as variable speed pumps or more in an on/off or hi/lo fashion?

 

[rvitko]

You could use the 6055's, the main difference is the flow pattern, 6055 is 18" by 48" of coverage at full power, the 6095 is closer to 3ft by 3ft and given the tank dimensions it will channel to about 4ft by 2ft. You are running 1 at a time in general. Think of what happens if the wind always blows the same direction, all the leaves pile up on one side, the trees grow leaning over in that direction (think of the windswept trees by the coast). That is why you want two pumps, to alternate which side the flow comes from, otherwise you will ned up with all the detritus piled up on one side and all the corals growing leaning in one direction. Given the small difference in cost and the greater flexibility, the 6095's seem the smarter way to go.

Apex makes a specific cable that you will need to get from them.