Water Circulation
 

I’m planning an upgrade within the next month to the water circulation of my 180g reef tank. I haven’t bought the new powerheads yet, but I’m concerned I may be making the wrong decision and I want to get it as close to right before the purchase. I had decided on two Tunze 6100’s (3175 GPH each). These, along with two MJ 1200’s for surface agitation (295 GPH each) and the sump return, which I estimate to be 750 GPH, totals 7,690 GPH. This is a whopping 42.5X turnover rate.

I’ve done a bit of research and have read anywhere from 10X – 20X is sufficient, but then I see and read about systems having far more than that. I’m a tad confused. Is the large turnover rate for SPS keepers? I do not plan on keeping SPS other than about three specimens, tops. I plan on keeping predominantly LPS, softies and a few clams. Seriously! I do not plan on keeping SPS other than about three specimens, tops.

Having said all that, I am wondering if my original plan of going with two Tunze 6080’s (2250 GPH each) would be a more appropriate decision. This would equate to 5,840 GPH and ~ 32X turnover rate.

To summarize….is a turnover rate of 42.5X extreme for LPS and softies?
Would 32X be more appropriate and/or realistic?

Any input and advice on this matter will be appreciated.

Thanx much,

42.5 times is great for LPS and softies. It may take some creative flow patterns and coral placement, but it will yield a better easier to maintain tank in the long run.

The ocean moves more than our tanks ever could, hard part will be getting things pointed so you're not blasting the flesh off.