Water Flow & Gas Exchange

[manaway]

Great Article Jake!

I am looking forward to what you have to say in the next two. It is timely as I am in the process of modifying my current 120Gal Reef to improve flow. I have an O.M. 4 way hooked up to a closed loop moving about 1000GPH, I also have a split sump return which moves very little water. This I intend to improve. I am looking to create a tidal flow - where the water motion is directed back and forth, origionating from one side of the tank and then the other. I would like to create a series of return outlets into the tank that run along each side of the tank and allow a large volume of relatively low velocity water to flow across a predominantly SPS reef. I would like to be able to alternate this back and forth so that the flow moves from side to side. I am open to suggestions on how to create this type of movement. Alternatively, I could plumb another OM on the sump return and end up with something more like the action of waves backa nd forth as the periodicity of the movement back and forth would be much shorter. I have also come across the SCWD - a device that I am uncertain of for his application.

It is my intention to ultimately have 1000GPH or more moving from the sump to the tank and so am upgrading my pump accordingly.

Thanks for your input.

 

[Len]

:welcome:

Here's the article in case anyone is interested
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2006/6/aafeature2

Consider Tunze or Vortechs - used in conjunction with their special timers - if you want a true ebb-and-flow type movement. OM will help alternate the laminar flow but it doesn't quite reproduct that full-body back and forth action.

 

[manaway]

Len,

Thanks for the input. The Tunze is not something I really want to add to the system. I had looked at the vortech and chose not to go that direction either due to the expense. I have opted for a Oceans motions 2 way squirt which will divert water from one side of the tank to the other and back. It will move close to 1300GPH. I have plumbed 4 outlets on each side of the tank (36 inches in length) via 3/4 Sched 40 with lock line outlets which sit just beneath the waters surface and create a broad mass of relatively low velocity water which flows across the tank in an alternating fashion. I will try to post a pic once it is sully completed. I think that the flow created, in conjuction with the O.M. 4 way will be quite good, providing a great deal of variability, trubulence, and variety.

Cheers,

Mark