Flow Question

Damselino · 12-01-2006, 12:58 AM

Hello guys, just wanted to ask how much flow I should have for my 40 gallon tank. I plan on keeping mostly lps and very few sps corals. As of right now i have four powerheads in the tank, three are rated for 270gph and the other one at 350gph. Is that enough or should there be more flow? Thanks in advance.

Wiskey · 12-01-2006, 01:08 AM

I always say at least 20X for a low flow softie style tank.

That means that you would want 800 GPH worth of powerheads. It is easy to do with Seios, and they put out very soft flow that is easly bounced off glass so it is not hard on the coral.

Since you have some SPS I would personally go with 2 Seio 820's for a turnover of 41X, these are very low power pumps, with lots of flow. Remember stonies like their pylops to always be moving in the flow, and this will also help keep detritus suspended where the Skimmer can remove it.

HTH,
Whiskey

Tim224DT · 12-01-2006, 01:15 AM

Or you can always do a MJ mod in your tank and be more than enough flow for your needs

partobe · 12-01-2006, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim224DT

Or you can always do a MJ mod in your tank and be more than enough flow for your needs

What is a MJ?

frankandmaura · 12-01-2006, 08:19 AM

Patrick,
MJ is MaxiJet.

Sounds like he has a good amount of flow...no? 270x3 = 810 + 350 = 1160 gph. In a 40 gal tank that is 29x flow...not bad...

I gues he could replace what he has for some SEIO's but for now, isn't he good?

partobe · 12-01-2006, 08:28 AM

Thanks Frank I was just trying to figure out if I had enough flow. I really didn't realize you had to have a certain amount. I have a 150 gallon and if I figured it out correctly I have 2900 gph flow rate. I have a Seio 11 along with power heads and I'm hoping to up grade the ph to all seios after the holidays.

frankandmaura · 12-01-2006, 09:00 AM

Patrick...I would say you should be at about 30x for what you have in the tank. I am new to this all too so I am just making a suggestion, I am sure the more experienced people will chime in, but I would think you should be at about 4500gph (30x150) or more, right now you are at about 19-20x.

Do you have a sump? What is your return? Anything else turning over water besides your PH and your SEIO?

I think you could probably do well with 2 SEIO 1500's plus your 1100, or go with 4 1100's. One in each corner would be nice.

I have a 125 and have:
2 SEIO 1500's (1500 ea = 3000g ph)
2 MJ 900's (230 ea = 460 gph)
1 return pump (I think it is about 200 to 300 gph maybe a little more)
1 fluval filter (I think that is another 200)

So, I am at about 30x.

Frank

Brent Cone · 12-01-2006, 10:21 AM

Im running 2 x Seio 820's and 4 x MJ 1200's & 2 x Mag 7's for returns in my 75 gallon, i think i have the flow covered.

Brent.

Damselino · 12-02-2006, 04:03 AM

Thanks for the advice everyone. I am currently running 4 of the hagen aquaclear powerheads but seeing you guys prefer the seio I might give them a shot.

partobe · 12-02-2006, 07:50 AM

Frank I sent you a pm.

Brent Cone · 12-02-2006, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Damselino

Thanks for the advice everyone. I am currently running 4 of the hagen aquaclear powerheads but seeing you guys prefer the seio I might give them a shot.

You will love the Seio! its just a great powerhead, easy to adjust, and lots of flow, and IMO a great price. JMO
Brent.

partobe · 12-02-2006, 08:24 AM

I also have a sieo and plan on getting another. The only problem Ive had is when I shut the power off to do a water change sometimes I have to start the power a few times or give it a gentle tap to get it back running.
My seio is only 4 months old so it's not due to age. So unless you plan on running a wave maker I think they are good units.
Patrick

Brent Cone · 12-02-2006, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by partobe

I also have a sieo and plan on getting another. The only problem Ive had is when I shut the power off to do a water change sometimes I have to start the power a few times or give it a gentle tap to get it back running.
My seio is only 4 months old so it's not due to age. So unless you plan on running a wave maker I think they are good units.
Patrick

Partobe? i have the 820's and mine have been on a timer for a little over 3 months now, and they start and stop just fine, but i have heard people with the 1500 model has run into that same problem your talking about, i wonder if there is a mod, that you could do to make them start and stop better, have you tried contacting TAAM Corp, they are the co. that makes the RIO, to bad we cant find a fix for that prob, because their a great little pump!
Brent.

partobe · 12-02-2006, 08:53 AM

Thanks Brent
No I haven't tried to contact them. I figured it's just a cpl of times a month and all I hae to do is tap them. For me it's no real problem but I wouldn't want someone with a wave maker to run into this problem. LOL I can see myself standing there tapping them everytime the wave maker tried to turn them on lol.
Patrick

Brent Cone · 12-02-2006, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by partobe

Thanks Brent
No I haven't tried to contact them. I figured it's just a cpl of times a month and all I hae to do is tap them. For me it's no real problem but I wouldn't want someone with a wave maker to run into this problem. LOL I can see myself standing there tapping them everytime the wave maker tried to turn them on lol.
Patrick

LOL!!!! Ya!!! NOT!

i have never had to do that with the 820's
Brent.