What does everybody use for flow in their tank?

[Gary Majchrzak]

So with a Gyre type flow you are looking for more of a top to bottom circlular motion or a around the perimeter type flow like I mentioned earlier?

it can be either. Horizontal circular motion (clockwise/counterclockwise) tends to cause detritus to accumulate in the center bottom (usually under rocks). Blow that crap out into suspension periodically with a powerhead.

Vertical circular motion (what I have) pushes water at surface one direction which sets up a flow at the bottom going the other way.

My past arrangement at the other house had a clockwise- counterclockwise type gyre. Both "work".

Either way, getting the whole water column moving is a good thing, and as long as that is happening, you probably can't go wrong.

x2

 

[BuffaloReef]

Interesting article on gyre flow http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2007/1/aafeature

 

[jmn111080]

I use 3 korolla in my 90

 

[aj2494]

I have a 55. The main pump from the sump is a mag 9.5, and I'm adding two koralia 750's.

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

Gyre a great concept. Even if you don't do a traditional gyre tank, understanding the principle can be a massive step in this hobby. When you have all your pumps working "together" it takes MUCH less energy (i.e. fewer or smaller pumps) to get a given average flow rate.

 

[octopus737]

Thanks for all the feedback and input. Im thinking about learning more about trying to generate a gyre flow in my cube. Next i would like to know what powerheads can handle the constant starting and stopping from a wave maker? I have a couple extra open terminals on my Apex controller i can put to good use. I would like it to be reliable, silent when switching/operating and reasonably priced. I am grateful for any feedback.

 

[johno4]

Good info on Gyre flow. Thanks for the clarification.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

Thanks for all the feedback and input. Im thinking about learning more about trying to generate a gyre flow in my cube. Next i would like to know what powerheads can handle the constant starting and stopping from a wave maker? I have a couple extra open terminals on my Apex controller i can put to good use. I would like it to be reliable, silent when switching/operating and reasonably priced. I am grateful for any feedback.

Maxi Jets (MJ's)

Make sure to monitor calcium and alkalinity. High levels can cause powerheads to chatter and wear out prematurely.

 

[Goldcoastreefs]

I have 1 MP 40 on my 6' long 125, I have a couple Karolia 1400's on the other side of the tank, but they are running in reverse most of the time. I baught the MP 40 to see what all the hype was about and decide wether the pumps was worth the money. I love it and my corals and fish do to. I think I will also get a couple Mp10's for my deep blue 60 rimless frag tank

 

[EllieSuz]

The old Maxi-Jet pumps are no longer being manufacturex by the same company. Their Maxi-Jet Pros are a poor substitute for their older model pumps. Fortunately, a company called Cobalt is making pumps in Italy that are identical to the old model Maxi-Jets. I recently purchased two new Cobalt 1200's. These withstand the on and off current of a wavemaker. You can purchase Sure Grip modification kits for the Cobalt pumps that provide larger impellers and increase the flow dramatically. I've used this alternative for years with good results. The Vortechs are wonderful pumps, but if you can't afford those, the Maxi-Jet modded pumps are an alternative.

 

[SkiFletch]

I would like it to be reliable, silent when switching/operating and reasonably priced.

Wouldn't we all...

 

[iamwrasseman]

when i added my wave box to my tank that totaly eliminated any dead spots . now my tank has many different types of flow within it as the wavee box "pulses" water in an out plus the tunzie keep constant flow within the entire tank . the two different actions combined make for some pretty cool flow patterns .
there just are no dead spots and my tanks are not like raging rivers either .

 

[octopus737]

Im considering JBJ Oceanstreams or the Sicce voyager. They have a wavemaker designed similar to the apex. Anyone have any expierence with either?