Minimum flow/turnover in a 180

AcroSteve · #1 05/09/2004, 06:20 AM

I will have a closed loop with substantually more flow during the day. This closed loop will turn off at night. I prefer the reduced flow at night.

My question is, Is 800-1000 gph adequate for night-time circulation?

This is all I want to run through my sump/refuge. Plus, I do not want to replace my pump which will probably be my Iwaki 100 or 55.

Initially, I will run the 55 on the return and the 100 on the closed loop, but I will be getting a Sequence or Ampmaster of at least 3500 gph fairly soon. Then I may switch the 55 return with the 100.

Thoughts?

SAT · #2 05/09/2004, 09:45 AM

The problem with reduced flow at night is the plants stop producing oxygen but the animals don't stop consuming it... so you potentially get a drop in oxygen levels, which is bad for everything. Is there a reason you don't want to run the closed loop at night?

AcroSteve · #3 05/09/2004, 11:45 AM

Well, it had been argued, with some real world data to support it, that the wave action on a reef is weaker at night than it is during the day.

Another reason is reducing the electicity usage.

I was thinking of possibly a 2nd closed loop that would run 24/7, This would be around 600-900 gph additional.

I know the 2 closed loops will get the vote. But I am trying REAL HARD not to get carried away with this thing.

Yeah right.

But as far as oxygen levels, the CL during the day would not add very much in the way of new oxygen. I would estimate that 90% of the gas exchange will be taking place with the water that is going to the sump/skimmer/refuge area. This would be active 24/7. Correct me if I am wrong.

KRAZ4REEFS · #4 05/09/2004, 12:25 PM

Hopping in on this one, Steve I'm just setting up a 210 with a closed loop myself. I drilled the back for 1 inlet and 4 outlets, (to be run through an ocean motions 4 way), I will be running this with a sequence 3600. I was thinking of running the sump loop with a mag 12, maybe 800gph with the head loss, my thinking is you only need enough flow to allow for surface skimming and flow through fuge and skimmer.

I think you are correct with thinking that the oxy exchange would be happening mostly with the sump loop, the closed loop will never see air, (I hope), except the top of water movement created by it would probably be a small factor.

I'm curious of this answer myself!

Scott

AcroSteve · #5 05/09/2004, 01:13 PM

Looks like we are in the same boat. Welcome aboard.

I am going with 1" outlets and 1-1/2" inlet. 8-way with 2 or 3 ports open at the same time.

KRAZ4REEFS · #6 05/09/2004, 02:23 PM

Sweet... I got the 4-way with 2 opposites open at the same time and 3 open at once, not sure which I'll end up using, 1" outlets, 1-1/2 inlet and 2 revolution units. Sounds like you talked with Paul directly, we are going to have almost exactly the same closed loop, LOL.

post some pics if you have any!

Good luck , Scott

acropora · #7 05/09/2004, 10:18 PM

I think that a circulation of 10x is minimum, and 15x is better.However with a closed loop the 10x rate is adequate.Considering head loss and total volume of water, a pump such as the Sequence Sting Ray or Ampmaster are in the range.If you do not have too many elbows and/or the return B.H.'s are smaller. A Sequence Dart water pump is a good Choice also.

SOMEthinsFISHY · #8 05/10/2004, 12:23 PM

Is a rio 700 enough flow for a 265 gal with a ultra violet light in the lin e?

SAT · #9 05/10/2004, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SOMEthinsFISHY
Is a rio 700 enough flow for a 265 gal with a ultra violet light in the lin e?

You want total circulation to be in the 3000GPH range. You mean a Rio 1700? With no load it's rated at 642GPH... with the bulkheads, tubing and UV it's probably about 400GPH.

SOMEthinsFISHY · #10 05/10/2004, 03:54 PM

wow i will have to acqure some more !

SAT · #11 05/10/2004, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SOMEthinsFISHY
wow i will have to acqure some more !

SOMEthinsFISHY · #12 05/11/2004, 02:20 PM

sat u laughing at my spelling or the fact that i have to get more flow ??

PS u can laugh at my spelling if u wish we all do !!

SAT · #13 05/11/2004, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SOMEthinsFISHY
sat u laughing at my spelling or the fact that i have to get more flow ??

PS u can laugh at my spelling if u wish we all do !!

Sorry, from your response I was sure you were pulling my leg.

paulfromero · #14 05/12/2004, 08:42 PM

Hi all,

My 4 month old 300 is at a total of 1000gph from all pumps, and my store bought corals (LPS) are doing good; my mail order bought (SPS) are doing fair, and my mail order softies are doing good. So in my situation would it be beneficial to go up to 3000gph, or would I be better off upgrading my lighting from 1000 Watts of PCs @10k/actinic to about 1400W MH/PCs?

THanks,

Paul