225 flow and pump setup recommendations

[Travi]

Hey Everyone!

The wife and I decided to move our neglected 225 to a better location (mainly out of the direct sun it was getting) and in doing so decided to see if we could convert it from the typical RR dual overflow to a peninsula tank with an internal overflow on one of the short walls. Anyway, it's been a while since I've been up to date on the latest equipment and recommendations; the tank was setup about 10 years ago and with 3 kids in between it sadly didn't get many updates and we kept it as a FOWLR with minimal upkeep. We're wanting to set it back up with corals and as much automation as we can (Neptune controlled, I think).

Anyway, I've got a few questions trying to get back up to speed...

I've removed the two rear overflow boxes from the tank. These are the typical ones that go from the bottom all the way to the top and have one return and one drain in each. I'm going to plug the drains and just cover with sand, but I was thinking if I could re-purpose the returns? Would it make sense to have returns that low in the tank? With a sand bed I could theoretically plumb them wherever I want. I'm assuming I'd need check valves to keep water siphoning back if the pump shuts off. Or I could just plug those too and do traditional returns over the top side.

Which leads me to flow...what's the best bang for my buck on powerheads and how would you position them on a tank that's 72 x 24 x 29? It would be great if I could keep them positioned so they're as unobtrusive as possible, since 3 sides of the tank are for viewing, but that's a 2nd priority to having a good proper flow pattern to support coral growth.

I think I've got lighting figured out (combination of kessils and T5s) but if anyone has any other equipment recommendations if you had to start all over from scratch, I'd love to hear them!

Thanks in advance for the advice, we're excited about getting back into it!

 

[Travi]

Any suggestions on powerheads for a 6' long tank?

 

[jda]

Going to be really hard with pumps on just one end. Most peninsula tanks end up with pumps on the other end too. Pair of Tunze 6105s is how I would do flow.

 

[Travi]

Going to be really hard with pumps on just one end. Most peninsula tanks end up with pumps on the other end too. Pair of Tunze 6015s is how I would do flow.

I can handle a pump on one end if that's what I need to do to get the best flow. With all the gyre and wavemaker-type powerheads, I wasn't sure if there were other options these days.

 

[mfinn]

I would not use bottom bulkhead fittings for a return.
Depending on check valves is a disaster waiting to happen.

 

[Travi]

I would not use bottom bulkhead fittings for a return.
Depending on check valves is a disaster waiting to happen.

Thanks, I was kinda hesitant about that anyway. No big deal to just plug them all and not have to worry about it.

 

[mfinn]

I would consider looking into a closed loop drilled on the bottom.
Would solve the need for a powerhead on the exposed end.

 

[Travi]

I would consider looking into a closed loop drilled on the bottom.
Would solve the need for a powerhead on the exposed end.

Off to research closed loops...

 

[HOLYREEFER]

I'm using a Reef Octopus Varios 6 for my main return and i have 2 MP60QD's 1 on each end,
and i have 2 Gyres on the back wall of each corner... all on my 210

 

[TX_Punisher]

Doing a penninsula creates some different challenges. A closed loop hidden well in the rockwork can definitely work.

The varios pumps have served me well. I have the 8 and it's got plenty of power for my 200g. I have 4 mp40's in that 6 foot tank with SPS mostly. You could do 2 on the far side and 2 more on the overflow side depending on what you want to keep. Tunzes and gyres will work great as well. Mainly depends on what you want to keep and budget.

 

[Billldg]

I plan on upgrading to a 225 gal tank at the end of the year and I will go with 2 gyre 350’s and 2 MP40’s. I have one of each already and love them.

 

[Travi]

I'm using a Reef Octopus Varios 6 for my main return and i have 2 MP60QD's 1 on each end,
and i have 2 Gyres on the back wall of each corner... all on my 210

How do you like the Varios? Researching mains now, wanting Apex controlled whichever pump I choose.

 

[Travi]

Doing a penninsula creates some different challenges. A closed loop hidden well in the rockwork can definitely work.

The varios pumps have served me well. I have the 8 and it's got plenty of power for my 200g. I have 4 mp40's in that 6 foot tank with SPS mostly. You could do 2 on the far side and 2 more on the overflow side depending on what you want to keep. Tunzes and gyres will work great as well. Mainly depends on what you want to keep and budget.

I'm really thinking hard about the closed loop, I've already got 4 holes in the bottom to make use of and I guess I could always add powerheads down the road if I don't like the flow or need to supplement. The trick, like you said, would be to make sure they're well hidden.

I've heard a lot of people like the gyres and then a lot of people complain about the maintenance of them.