Circulation suggestion please, choose one.

[Mouse]

Ok guys its quite easy, i just cant decide which would be better from these two set ups.

Both the set ups would be for a 200 gallon tank, 6'x2'x2'. And running on a closed loop system.

I go either:

1) 4 x Eheim 1060 @ 602 gph/each, pumps with 4 x 3/4" Sea Swirls. This would be a doddle to set up as i could use standard size aquarium tubing, and the pumps are pretty cheap and quiet too.

2) 2 X Deltec HLP 4040 @ 1109 gph with 2 1" Sea Swirls. A little more difficult to set up but then again once its done its done. But this way i guess i have to drill less holes, so less bulkheads.

The flow would also be accompanied by the sump return which i would imagine to be another 500 - 600 GPH or so. Im thinking of running a refugeum with the sump so whatever flow rate would suit a 50 gallon refugeum, or whatever flow rate.

so what do ya think go for 5 Eheim 1060's to run my tank, or 2 non-submersable muthers.

 

[SPC]

Mouse, I know this wasn't in your question but I am going to say it anyway

. The entire flow for my 180 is one Amp Master hooked up to 4- 1/2" swirls.
Steve

 

[Mouse]

Steve, nice one mate. I dont suppose you have any pictures of how the plumbing works. Splitting something into 4 is probably a little more difficult than it seems. Do you have the pump attached to any sort of surge device lowering the flow??? I think if i can get my head round it this would provide a much better solution. Do you have to do anything special to ensure the flow between the Sea Swirls is the same?

oh, and is it running on a closed loop or are these the returns from your sump? and how does the water return back to the sump, wier, Bulkhead?

I just wanted bulkheads straight through the back of the tank, im a little concerned about blocking but if i had two returns that could each indipendently handle all of the flow and joined them together then i should be safe.

[ November 23, 2001: Message edited by: Mouse ]</p>

 

[SPC]

Mouse, I'll give it a shot.

Please keep in mind that my sump is located in another room.
1. One 1 1/2" drain in each corner drains into one one 3" PVC pipe and then travels to the sump.
2. Amp Master returns water through 1 1/2" PVC pipe to a baffle with four 1/2" ball valves spaced some what equal. Out of these ball valves is 1/2" vinyl tubbing (some prefer flex hose) that runs to the Swirls. I have the ball valves wide open and find the flow to be the the same out of each Swirl.
I would recommend that you get the Y adaptor for the Swirls as the single stream of water is to much IMO.
I wanted to keep the whole thing simple and I think this is as simple as it gets. I saw no reason for a closed loop because I get plenty of circulation this way. Keep in mind that my sump is a 75 gallon combo sump/refugium so air bubbles being returned to the tank are not a problem. I also have had no problem growing the heck out of caulerpa and bugs with this flow.
Steve

 

[Mouse]

Very interesting Steve, i still cant figure out how the pressure is suppled to the SeaSwirls when theres a baffle in the way. Is this a tank located above the main aquarium?

 

[JimMurray]

The baffle is a manifold that reduces the 1 1/2" pipe to four 1/2" pipes, each with a ball valve to regulate the flow to each sea swirl. The pressure is supplied from the pump.

 

[SPC]

Thanks Jim, I meant a manifold Mouse. I hope someone will post a picture of one as I don't have a camera.

Steve

 

[somethings fishy]

where exactly do you mount four SS i find the tubing coming out of the top of the SS to be kind of a hassle then again I use 1" tubing.

 

[SPC]

I have mine mounted on the back of the tank, the tank sits about 8" from the wall so it gives me room for the tubbing.
Steve