|
|
|
|
#1
11/14/2007, 12:52 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
Flow question
I am still working on the flow for my 180 reef. Currently I have a Little Giant 'Quarium 4-MDQX-SC which puts out about 1080 GPH at 6' height (where my outflow is). This gives me about 6 cycles per hour. Now the questions:
Is this flow sufficient? Once fully transfered, I'll have a DSB with approx. 250 lbs live rock and a mix of corals - soft, SPS, whatever looks good and is compatable with the others. A few fish and cleaners (Sifter goby, tang, Maroon, Mandarin plus snails, crabs, hermits and brittle stars) Overflow box - I have modified the outlet into a J stand pipe and it seems to be working well. I used 1" pipe since it fit in the bulkhead (I did not consider a reducing fitting ) and I am getting an intermittent flushing sound. After reading other threads, I suspect I'll have to go to a 1 1/4" pipe - but I'll still be restricted by the 1" fitting. Or is the drain flex tubing (1 1/2" flex tube) creating a vacum, then releasing it, and creating that noise? Thanks in advance for the assistance. |
|
#2
11/14/2007, 02:22 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
No you will not have enough flow for sps in that tank.
On a 180 I would highly suggest adding a closed loop on the tank that does atleast another 2000 gph, if not 4000 gph. Or add some stream style powerheads (maxi-mods, sureflow, SEIO etc). On the overflow box do you have an airvent on the J pipe at all? It sounds like you are trying to run at full siphon and so it is pulling out a little more water than is flowing into the box so it is flushing. Kim
__________________
America will only be the Land of the Free as long as it is the Home of the Brave. |
|
#3
11/14/2007, 09:07 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
Kim,
The J pipe does have a vent hole, though it is small. I'll try drilling it a little larger and see if that helps. I was checking out the Durso page and that has some interesting notes - I may try the air valve at the top of the J to vary the air (with a needle valve) until I get it right. The flow may be more of a problem, I can either add a second pump (closed loop as you suggested) or the power heads in the tank. I have looked at the Koralia pumps, but have not seen them in action. Are they any good? I also like the VorTech, but too many $$$. At least either one can be moved easily Adding a second pump may be a bit more of a problem - either I drill another bulkhead in the sump, or do a closed loop on one end - then I'm limited to about 600 GPH according to the flow estimator. Any suggestions? |
|
|
Linear Mode
