wavebox+extension or stream kit?

[reefbaby]

Hello,

I'm wanting some advice on our new 1600liter (425g) reef tank. javascript:smilie('') It's 2m (6.5ft) wide x 1m (3.2ft) deep x 80cm (2.6ft) high. The overflow is just off-center of the middle of the tank, leading down to the sump.

We haven't really set the tank up yet, because we've built a technical room just off the back of the tank and are waiting to move the inhabitants of our 550liter tank. We'd like to make sure that we get the right equipment for this tank, since we've been rather unhappy with the circulation and flow in the old tank.

I really like the concept of the wavebox, but I assume for the width of our tank, we would need the wavebox extension? Would you also combine this with the Turbelle Streams or just normal circulation pumps. I'm thinking of the cost factor here....

In terms of diversity of corals, we have some acroporas, stony corals, as well as leather and other soft corals. I've noticed on the Tunze website that different combinations are recommended based on what sort of reef you're trying to emulate.

Thanks for any tips and suggestions!

 

[rvitko]

How much circulation will you have from other pumps?

The wavebox would need an extension for this aquarium.

 

[reefbaby]

Hi Roger,
Thanks for getting back to me!

Well....since we're still designing the set-up, we're not quite sure what the contribution from other pumps will be. We're open to suggestions! Our last set-up in the smaller tank has been way too low circulation - we've been constantly struggling with cyano...

I'm not sure yet what the gph values for the return pump should be, but we were thinking about designing the return to have serveral outlets over the top of the aquarium...sort of like spider's arms, in order to distribute the flow rather than having it blasting away at one spot.

But...
Not taking in the return pump into consideration, would you say that the wavebox+extension would be sufficient flow within the tank or would you recommend also using streams in addition in order to get to the lower levels? How efficient are the waveboxes in getting up detritus from the bottom or are they more involved in flow throughout the top half of the aquarium?

If you would recommend using the streams in addition, which ones and how many would you recommend?

I appreciate your help! Here, in Sweden, we don't have too many people to turn to with questions.

All the best,
Christi

 

[rvitko]

In general I recommend a low return flow, it is less energy efficient to create flow this way than with pumps in the tank. I think 1500-2000 gph of return is enough.

I would use 2 6200 Stream and a 7095 controller with a wavebox and extension. I know it is expensive but this really would be the best. You could start with either the 2 6200 and multicontroller or the wavebox and extension and 1 6200 and add the second one and 7095 later.

The wavebox will help greatly with detritus but it cannot lift the very heavy detritus from animals that drill through and chew on the live rock so their will always be some.

Thanks!

 

[reefbaby]

Thanks so much Roger! I appreciate your advice.

Guess I just need to save up the kronors!
Cheers