how to do flow for a mixed reef?

fishboy19 · #1 04/04/2005, 01:33 PM

I would like to have my reef a mixed reef, but if I euphyllia species and SPS, it kind of seems like the opposite flow needs are, well, needed. I don't want to beat up my LPS corals, but I also don't want my SPS to not have enough flow?

Any ideas are welcome!

-Matthew

Entropy · #2 04/04/2005, 01:40 PM

I would err on the side of medium/high flow. Most soft and lps will put up with good strong flow as long as it is not a jet stream pointed right at them. Pumps like the Seio's can put out tremendous amount of flow that is spread out and gentle, but still gets the job done.

fishboy19 · #3 04/04/2005, 01:47 PM

What size and how many Seios do you think I'd need for a 75?

-Matthew

Entropy · #4 04/04/2005, 01:50 PM

Two 620's would do IMO, assuming you also have some flow from the sump. I figure you are probaby pusing at least 500-600gph from the sump? 620+620+500=1740 or 23x which IMO is plenty unless you go all SPS. Plus the 620's only add a whopping 8 watts each to your power bill.

fishboy19 · #5 04/04/2005, 01:55 PM

I'm pretty much all SPS lol, I just have a few Euphyllia species that I wouldn't mind having in the main display.

I also don't have a sump *right now*

I'm getting ready to change over to a different stand/tank/sump setup.

Thanks alot,
-Matthew

H2OLUVSME · #6 04/04/2005, 03:11 PM

fishboy, i have a 75 with some softies LPS and SPS. i use two seio 1500s with about a 400 gph return. i also have a 295 gph and 170 gph powerhead behind my rock structures. my softies and LPS do great!! my SPS are starting to show better growth (now that ive got the 500w of MH).

heres a link to a pretty recent pic--->http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...3-28078_PB.jpg

fishboy19 · #7 04/04/2005, 03:33 PM

thats pretty crazy...we have similar setups... lol

I just ordered 2 Seio 600 and I'll be using 3-295 gph powerheads also.

mine return will be close to 800 here soon.

-Matthew

H2OLUVSME · #8 04/04/2005, 04:07 PM

i also have a percula, gramma, and a scooter blenny.

very similar!

what return pump are you using?

WifesaysImnuts · #9 04/04/2005, 04:24 PM

If you use more, smaller powerheads you can create zones of different type of current. Then move the livestock to the most appropriate zone.

fishboy19 · #10 04/08/2005, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by H2OLUVSME
i also have a percula, gramma, and a scooter blenny. very similar!

what return pump are you using?

lol, thats really funny!

I'm not sure what pump I'm gonna use, I could really use some suggestions...

I have 2- one inch drains that are going to head to the sump...I'd prefer a submersible pump if possible.

Thanks man,

-Matthew

H2OLUVSME · #11 04/08/2005, 09:31 PM

2 - 1" drains? is it a mega-flow?

i run a surge 7500 split 3 ways. im prolly getting about 400gph from it. but i have the standard flow and only have a 1" drain. im limited to about 600gph or so into the sump.

if you can do it a big return is a plus for flow. since i cant have very much i went to a lower flow sump (to try and maximize skimmer and fuge time, and put lots of flow in the display.