Newbie need help - Flow Question.

[Aquattro]

If you're going SPS, you don't have enough flow. I'd look at bigger return if your overflows can handle it, then inside, look at Tunze solutions (Streams, Wavebox, etc) or Vortecs. The koralias won't be enough.
The issue with SPS is that they require higher flow to purge slime build up, and their growth becomes very "spindley" without sufficient water movement.

Jaws has a couple of Stream 6060's posted for sale right now, I recall. I'd go with 6100's, but that drives the cost up.

[jpdutton]

A sequence snapper would give you 1900gph at 4'

http://www.jlaquatics.com/phpstore/s...ct_ID=wp-seq00

[Myka]

Hey Brandy, being a self-described newbie I'm wondering (no offense intended) if you are aware how much it will cost you to setup a 170g SPS tank successfully? You're looking at a house down payment.

You're going to need a bigger sump to handle the flow, a bigger return pump, bigger powerheads, and a Wavemaker would be a great idea. Not to mention a mass of other equipment you haven't mentioned (lights, reactors, skimmer, etc). Being a newbie, I would suggest you try your hand at a much smaller SPS tank, and see if you have the knack for it to begin with. Try a 75g or something like that.

Jmo...

[JDigital]

Originally Posted by Myka

Try a 75g or something like that.

Jmo...

What do you think a 75G with a 54G (actual tank size) would require for a moderate SPS system (mixed with softies)

I think my current system is around 2200-2300gph.. (total flow) return is something like 550-600, then 2 K3's.

[Aquattro]

2200gph, most of which is coming from your K3's, is not really enough for SPS

[JDigital]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

2200gph, most of which is coming from your K3's, is not really enough for SPS

So a return pump upgrade would be needed then... I know my drain can handle alot more... anyways, sorry for the thread hi-jack..

[Myka]

Originally Posted by JDigital

What do you think a 75G with a 54G (actual tank size) would require for a moderate SPS system (mixed with softies)

I think my current system is around 2200-2300gph.. (total flow) return is something like 550-600, then 2 K3's.

Make your own thread.

[fkshiu]

Personally, I wouldn't do a huge return pump as too much flow through your sump can have several downsides including extra salt creep from all the splashing, but more importantly the water will be bypassing your skimmer too quickly for it to properly do its job. A big honkin' return will also use a lot of electricity and add a lot of extra heat to the system.

My trusty Eheim 1260 on my 150 gallon system only does around ~500 gph max at 4' and I even have it tee'd off to run a UV.

The majority of your display tank flow should come from powerheads (Tunze/Vortech) and/or a closed-loop.

[Myka]

I agree ^, but personally I like about 6-7x turnover through the sump compared to a lot of peopl who have 10-20x or more through their sump. Then use powerheads and closed loops to get the flow in the tank that your corals need.

Originally Posted by Myka

Hey Brandy, being a self-described newbie I'm wondering (no offense intended) if you are aware how much it will cost you to setup a 170g SPS tank successfully? You're looking at a house down payment.

You're going to need a bigger (...) I would suggest you try your hand at a much smaller SPS tank, and see if you have the knack for it to begin with. Try a 75g or something like that.

Jmo...

you are right, everything is bigger. Not the sizes but the prices though. As when I started, everything was planned with roughly the total $$ as well. Giving it a few extra for incase like upgrading... I think I can manage that. Thanks for your advice though.