If you intend on keeping a SPS dominant tank, at some point you will require high-flow powerheads that can be moved. SPS (and any coral for that matter) will eventually grow and obtruct flow, moving a powerhead to keep the flow effective is a good idea.

While somewhat unsightly you get use to them, and realistically most poeple will not even notice them. A closed loop is also a good option, however they generally provide less options to redirect flow as your tank evolves, or as you change the system. I have both a closed loop and 2 Tunze 6100's - each serve a specific purpose and I am happy with each of them.

Tony, Justin and Dave are all correct. It's amazing how the brain selectively ignores a lot of things when you're looking at a reef tank (or anything else for that matter). Not that my tank is anywhere close to an RC TOTM, but can you guess which Tunze pumps I have in there?

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c1...u/IMG_0430.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c1...u/FullReef.jpg


Answer: There's a 6055 on the left side; a 6100 on the right along with a big honkin' Wavebox - are they very noticeable to you?

Jeez Franklin, your Figi Leather has like tripled in size since I was there last! Tank looks great.

... I can't even see the wavebox even though you've said where it is. :redface:

Off topic a little (sorry Dez!), you have to post some topdowns of that monster clam sometime!!! :cool:

fkshiu, I'll give you RC TOTM vote.

I like that idea, personally! I have been thinking of doing the same...an external wavebox! I like this design because you still get the flow only a tunze can provide (Vortechs can't replicate) and there is nothing taking up space in your tank. As long as the box is large enough and has a wave interval, it won't run dry. I don't think you should be concerned about moving your flow if it is properly placed in the first place, if coral growth is impeding flow....time to frag or upgrade the size of your Tunze.

This wouldn't be an external wavebox. A wavebox has to be enclosed so that the only way water gets in or out is through the pump. An external wavebox is a great idea because it doesn't really matter where you put it, the idea is you're just displacing water in and out of the tank.

An external stream just because we don't like the looks of them isn't the same beast at all. The whole advantage a Stream has over a Vortech is that you can aim the Stream. Otherwise the Vortech wins out in terms of controllability, and in fact they are so controllable that for some people they trump the aimability of Streams. If you think they cannot replicate the flow of a Stream then I think something is wrong with the way it's setup. So to me this idea is saying, well, I like the Tunze better but I will never ever ever want to change the way it's pointed or where it's physically located. And sure, you could size it up but sometimes it's not a volume issue but a location issue. AND you're taking a chance that the future of Stream design will always be compatible with the size of hole you've got. Say for example you want to sell the tank in a couple of years, I myself wouldn't want to buy the tank if I had to look for 3 or 4 year old Streams to use for them because the current design has changed. Or looking at having to patch the hole or something.

Let's be clear, the idea will work just fine but it just seems strange to me to go to this extra effort to deliberately limit your future options with it just so you can say it looks a little better.

Stream rocks are pretty unobtrusive, there's a big softy growing on the one on the left.


http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...k/IMG_2136.jpg

Yes, not quite an external wavebox...I guess I should have said the overflow would be pointless and a logistical nightmare...other than that, an external wavebox. They are not sealed units though and are open to breathe.

Wave boxes do provide laminar flow as well as wave action, if you want the most out of your WB you place it where the flow can be utilized as well.

Tunze pumps are more powerful(comparing gph) and go further than Vortech pumps, in my opinion a superior pump.

The style of the Stream has changed but the diameter of the outflow hasn't, so that is a mute point.

Well, they're not sealed per se, just intended to be open to air. But water does get in through the slatted bottom and so on. The main idea is you have to empty the box and let it refill, but there's no "overflow" into the box. Good to know the hole size hasn't changed with the next gens. But it sort of sounds like we're in agreement here, so it's a "moot" (;)) point. I think an external wavebox is a GREAT idea. I think an external Stream though, ie. not wavebox, is a .. not so great idea. :lol: But it would work, just in a "not the most bang for the buck" kind of way. If that makes any sense. :)