Flow/Pump

[LeslieS]

Is it possible to use my main return pump as the only source of flow in my tank with good result? This is not an SPS tank.

How do I calculate how much flow my overflow and durso can handle?

Is there a way to create enough pressure to cause flow in the main tank without a high volume pump (in case my overflow cannot handle higher volume)?

Thanks,
Leslie

 

[nanoreefer22]

I wouldnt go with the return as the only soruce of flow because of the size of your tank, its a 120 right?

For overflows a 1 inch drain can handle about 600gph and a 1.5 can handle about 1200 gph. You can check out Reefcentrals calculators on their home page for more of them.

You could try and go with a pressure rated pump with penductors pointed straight across the tank at the round edge and might be able to get some ncie flow for the tank. It probably wouldnt be without dead spots though.

 

[Deanos]

Avoid shortcuts (i.e. money-savers) with reef tanks when it comes to water flow, lighting and filtration.

 

[LeslieS]

Not going for a short cut. Because there is only about 2 1/2 inches of space to put power heads on either side of the overflow, they are very intrusive and make the tank look ugly. I just traded a new Seio for frags because the first one I had looked so bad in the tank.

Just trying to get the most flow possible out of the return.

What are penductors?

 

[Deanos]

Penductors

 

[LeslieS]

Deanos, great link as usual.

So it is a plastic thing that I can stick on the discharge end of the return and it will create pressure as the water comes out.

Thanks Kris. I definitely need these.

 

[nanoreefer22]

No problem Leslie, just make sure that your return pump is pressure rated or else it won't mix well with the penductors.

 

[TimberTDI]

Leslie,

I hear you. I hate having equipment showing in the tank. Unfortunately, in my current tank I had no choice, but to use a Tunze. I have been thinking of trying out that tunze deco rock tho.

Steven

 

[LeslieS]

mmm...can you explain what pressure rated means?

 

[Deanos]

Eductors

Grrr...sorry! The link is for eductors.

 

[bad coffee]

You could do an 'over the back' closed loop. I have a pic somewhere. let me look for it.

B

 

[bad coffee]

Here you go.