Unsure: Which Product?

[pjr]

Hello Roger...I hope you can help me with a product question.

I am unsure what circulation product is best for my setup. I have a new 5 foot tank (18" deep, 20" high) which totals 100 gallons. It is stocked with a 4" sand bed, a light and open array of live rock, and many SPS frags and some colonies.

Here is my problem: I have plenty of flow at the top of the tank, where the returns are directed, but at the lower levls of the tank circulation is poor, which leads to cyno outbreaks. I know I need more circulation, but don't want to overdo it. It seems like the streams would be a sandstorm waiting to happen.

Would I be better off with a Tunze powerhead system? What would you recommend? Thanks...

 

[rvitko]

The solution I use is the 7410/2 powerheads with an intake extension and a T, I place two strainers on the T about 1" over the sand bed. This gives me the flow I need top and bottom. Alternatively you could use the 7410/2 on one side mounted about midway down the tank, these pumps use an intake strainer which is about 7" long so this is the closest you can get to the bottom unless you use an elbow or a T. It is unwise to use a shorter strainer as it has to accomadate 1055gph.

 

[pjr]

What about using a Tunze 6060 for this siuation?

 

[rvitko]

If you have some adjunct to flow to make it more random, like a sea swirl, then yes I can recommend the 6060. Otherwise I would prefer the Electronic pumps either 7400/2 or Stream 6000. These pulse to create waves and can be alternated off and on. The 6060 can be switched off and on by a timer- NO WAVEMAKERS, minimum switching time is 1hr with only 24 cycles per day. We are still a ways from release of these pumps, probably mid-late April. I honestly though would have to say either way you will have to be patient as we currently are out of 7400 pumps as they are basis for the 6100 Stream and all components have been going to make Stream pumps.