Flow Question

[werkkrew]

Currently in my setup, which is a 30G Long tank with a 20G sump, I am using 1 Rio 12HF which is rated at approx. 600GPH at a 4' head.

This gives me about 20x flow.

I am playing with a few ideas, and wanted some input.

A) Leave it alone for now, adjust flow as corals seem to need it.
B) Split the output so you have 2 return powerheads powered by the pump to even out the flow in the display.
C) Get a smaller pump (~200gph), and use 1 or 2 powerheads.

If the best option turns out to be C, can you guys give me suggestions on the type of powerheads I should look at?

I was thinking of either an Eheim or Quiet One pump rated at close to 200GPH and maybe 2 Koralia #1's.

I am trying to design my tank so that I am not restricted at all as to the types of livestock I can keep in it, aside from the tanks size itself.

Thanks in advance.

[an411]

I personally like the ehiem pump with the 2 Koralia's that is the way I would go and that is the way I have it in my tank except on a bigger scale HTH

[werkkrew]

Yeah that is what I am leaning toward doing.

[siwelk]

if you go with koralias, i would get the 2s the 1s put out some pretty weak flow.

[werkkrew]

2 #2's would be 1200GPH, in a 30G thats 40x flow alone.

Plus a pump doing ~200GPH thats almost 50x.

Is that way too much?

[albfelix]

stay away from RIO pumps. I have heard a lot of horror stories about them. Do a search on RC. Eheim are very good but pumps but a little pricy compared with RIO but you get what you pay for.

[werkkrew]

Yes, seeing the bad reviews of the Rio's is what initially made me start thinking about doing this in the first place.

I hear good things about the QuietOne Line of pumps also, is there anything highly negative about them as compared to the Eheim?

[albfelix]

Never had experience with either one. Maybe others can post their suggestions.

[siwelk]

Originally posted by werkkrew
2 #2's would be 1200GPH, in a 30G thats 40x flow alone.

Plus a pump doing ~200GPH thats almost 50x.

Is that way too much?

i have a pair of 3s that im putting in my 30g. plus my return im looking at about 68x. it seems like a lot, but the dispersed flow pattern makes more turbulent flow, which is good. in the case of flow, i dont think you can have too much. as long as you arent creating a sandstorm. by boucing the flow off the glass you can get some massive flow in smaller tanks. depends on what youre keeping also. ill have to be careful when placing softies, etc.

[dileggi]

I have a Koralia1 in my 29g along with my sump return. I'm thinking of adding a 2nd Koralia1. This is the only one I have any experience with, but one the price was great and secondly, I've had absolutely no problems with it. I think my flow right now is about 25x's, but that's including my sump return.