I need advice about water circulation...

[targaboy78]

Hi guys,

While I wait for the contractors to strengthen my floor, I can start shopping for other components.

Display Tank Specs:
- Oceanic 175G Bowfront - Reef Ready.
- Two 2" corner overflows (one on either side of display tank)
- Two 1" returns (one on either side of display tank) with Loc-Line
http://www.oceanaquatics.com/plumbing%20supplies.htm
- Sump approximately 30 - 50 gallons (haven't purchased one yet)
- Red Sea WaveMaster Pro

My Outlook:
- Cost is always an issue but I am realistically prepared for the big $$$ - maybe not all at once BUT over time.
- I value Quality over Price (since this is a long term investment)
- Ideally, this tank will start as a FO / FOWLR, then I'll progressively keep adding LR/LS and eventually end up with a REEF (within one year - give or take) .

Make your recommendations as if money was no object - and you were buying it for yourself but feel free to mention some "good bang for the buck" lower cost alternatives.

1> What would you recommend for powerheads?

- 3 or 4? x Hagen 402 Powerhead (270 GPH)
- 3 or 4? x Hagen 802 Powerhead (400 GPH)
- 3 or 4? x Maxi-Jet 1200 (295 GPH)
- Other? (please specify)


2> What would you recommend for a Return Pump?

- Iwaki MD30RLXT (1100 GPH - 4'Head Flow Rate: 960GPH)
- Iwaki MD40RLXT (1200 GPH - 4'Head Flow Rate: 1100GPH)
- Little Giant 3MDQX-SC (1100 GPH - 5' Head: 600GPH)
- Little Giant 4MDQX-SC (1350 GPH - 5' Head: 900GPH)
- Mag 1200 (1200 GPH - 4' Head: 1100 GPH)
- Mag 1800 (1800 GPH - 4' Head: 1390 GPH)
- Quiet One 4000 (1017 GPH - 6' Head: 600GPH)
- Quiet One 6000 (1506 GPH - 6' Head: 950GPH)
- Other? (please specify)


2> Would it be advantageous to put "Y Fittings" on the Loc-Line to divert the returns for a more varied water current?


This one isn't about circulation - but here it is anyway...
4> What would be a good skimmer for this type/size of system?


Thanks in advance.