Water Circulation

I am currently cycling my first ever saltwater tank ;D. It is a 90gallon with 90lbs. of rock (50lbs. live) and 4-5" of sand, 20lbs. live. I currently have a Rio2500 as my return pump from my sump and I just bought a modified Maxi Jet 1200 to increase my water circulation in tank. With both pumps, I'm about 2100gph.

I have only been able to find a recommendation for water turnover, but is there a recommended rate of flow for water movement in tank. I would like more turbulence or "chaotic" flow, which is why I was thinking of buying either a Seio 620 or Koralia 3, but I'm not sure if this is going to be too much flow. If it's not too much flow, which pump is better?

I'm not sure what types of corals I am going to buy and since I am new, I thought I would start off with my live rock and a few small fish. I just don't want to have any dead spots, too much laminar flow, or too much "chaotic" flow. BTW, I am not using a wavemaker right now, so pumps are on all the time.

Any suggestions?

Another option I just thought about was getting a higher rated gph return pump and just use the rio2500 in main tank for circulation. hmmmm

 

Hi Goody, I have used both and am currently using the Koralia 4 in a 72 and it works great. I don't think the Koralia 3 will be too much flow in your 90. The tank actually appears as if it has a wave maker. We have the two outputs from the over flow aimed at the tank sides, and the Koralia pointed somewhat towards the water surface. This creates great alternating flow throughout the tank

 

I checked on the pumps you are running, and got 750gph for the Rio, and the Maxijet 1200 put out 295gph for a total of about 1000gph (correct me if I'm wrong). Also, the Rio return pump can't possibly be putting out 750gph because is has to pump the water up to the tank from the ground. Check the distance from the return pump to the top of the aquarium and get back to me. I would probably look into increasing the flow a little more (maybe one more Maxijet 1200). Also consider a closed loop if you are looking for a cleaner look (less hardware in the aquarium).

I run about 700gph in my 24g display, plus 500gph for the chiller and return from my sump.. Seems like a lot, but the water flow is displaced very well..

 

Try one of these Oceans Motions Super Squirt. It will handle 2,500 gph or if you need more then use one of the large 4-ways Oceans Motions 4-way that goes up to 7,500gph.
I have used both of them and they really work great. You can get the caotic flow you want and your not adding heat and the possibility of electrical shock with all the PH and pumps in your tank. Plus you don't have to look at all those awful cords hanging down in your tank. I personally think that destroys the look of a tank, but hey, my wife thinks I'm weird anyway.

 

Are you taking into account my return pump and modified MJ1200 powerhead? I know I could run a Koralia 3, but I want to know if it will be too much flow with my others.

My rio has about a 3ft. head, so it is pumping about 600gph and the maxi is modified so it is pumping 1500gph, that is why I am getting about 2100gph in tank. I believe I am running a closed loop (overlfow down into standpipe to sump then pumped back to main tank by Rio2500). So back to my original question: Should I get another powerhead or would it be too much flow, if I should, would you recommend the Seio 620 or Koralia 3?

 

total turnover rate and inner flow rate are different, the total turnover rate will depend on the overflow size and diameter, with the inner flow rate find a flow meter ( not the one for pipes ) and place it in certain areas of the tank, certain corals like certain flow rates, sps like more flow than lps

 

Yes, I do understand that turnover flow rate and inner tank flow rate are different. My concern is with my inner flow rate. For a 90 gallon tank, is 2100gph sufficient for lps and sps? Or is it too much flow? I want to know if other reefers suggest more flow-I am looking at adding a Koralia 3 or Seio 620. What do you think?

 

"My rio has about a 3ft. head, so it is pumping about 600gph and the maxi is modified so it is pumping 1500gph, that is why I am getting about 2100gph in tank."
May I ask how your Maxijet 1200 is modified to put out 1500gph.. If that Maxijet really puts out that much gph, I think that would be enough flow for a 90g with a varity of corals, LPS or SPS.

"I believe I am running a closed loop (overlfow down into standpipe to sump then pumped back to main tank by Rio2500)."
A closed loop is an external pump that pretty much sucks the water out of the tank, and spits it back into the tank.. No filtration (other then a grill on the intake), and there is minimal plumbing involved.

"Would you recommend the Seio 620 or Koralia 3?"
I am unfamiliar with these two pumps, but I have heard good things about the Koralia units...

 

Hey Chuckdee,

I bought the maxijet 1200 and modification kit on ebay. The guy installed it the kit and with shipping, total cost was $49. There is actually an article or post about the same type of modification for the maxijet on the home page for 3reef.

I read about it on other threads when I started researching powerheads. People mentioned how it is much smaller than most powerheads that have this much gph, plus it uses less watts. I haven't actually measured the gph, but it is very powerful in the tank. Some people have actually said it produces more than 1500gph. The price of the kit dropped to $19.99 from the guy I bought mine from. I looked at he doesn't have any listed right now.
http://www.3reef.com/forums/3reef-radar/sure-flow-1600-maxi-jet-ugrade-kits-42987.html


Sorry, but that link took you to the item I won on ebay. If you scroll down the home page here, you will see a Sure Flow Kit. Check those posts out.

 

There really isn't a limit to the water intensity/flow you could have! The more the better IMO as it helps to aerate your water, aid in detritus removal and reduced accumulation on corals etc., aid in food disbursement, and gas exchange as examples!
Just be careful of the type of coral you keep where in relation to neighboring corals and also don't forget that certain corals have different husbandry requirements and water flow issues and can behave differently and ultimately could pose a problem by injuring your particular coral or worse!
Good luck!