suggestions for ideal flow SPS tank?

Dez · #1 10-08-2010, 02:41 PM

If you check out my build thread you can have an idea of the kind of flow in my 150 gallon tank ( in wall as well )

http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=50842

Hope this helps.

mattdean · #2 10-08-2010, 02:50 PM

Have you considered a closed loop? I have a closed loop with a vortech MP20 at the end of my 60 X 24 peninsula and the flow is fantastic. You would probably need to plan it differently for a tank that is against the wall, but I find all my corals are happy.
My build is here to see what I did.:

http://www.aquariumpros.ca/forums/sh...ad.php?t=40442

Good luck!

Kyton66 · #3 10-09-2010, 02:34 AM

Thanks Dez & mattdean. Will dig a bit further and check out your ideas.

Cheers

Kyton66 · #4 10-09-2010, 08:47 PM

Any ideas on a good closed loop set up?
Thanks

mattdean · #5 10-09-2010, 09:08 PM

You really need to decide how you are going to aquascape your tank. I have seen one VERY successful tank that had the returns in each front corner with a 45 degree "T" so it was going across the front from each corner and towards the back along the sides. That, coupled with his returns made for nice flow. He is considered the SPS "king" around here.

What I did was create a "vortech" of flow - since mine is a peninsula - starting with the returns going down from the end - as well as across the top along the sides - then the closed loop's first return (split so it goes on each side of the center rock) goes along the bottom towards the second return which goes upward toward the end of the tank and then the MP20 along the top facing back toward the overflow. So it creates a circular vortech of flow around the whole tank. It takes a little while for it to stop once the pumps are all off. I have zero dead spots and very happy corals.