Best Position for My Powerheads

[Salty0331]

Ok guys, I need some opinions from other on this one. Take a look at my newest project.....it's going to be a mixed reef with mainly LPS and som SPS. Just wanted to see where other would place these 4 pumps if you had this set up. BTW it will all be controlled by a Wavemaster Pro for now.....Thx in advance for the input

 

[rayn]

I would start with one on each side, pointing at each other or slightly offset from each other. Then the two on the back pointing out. With your timer you should be able to make a nice turbulent flow mixture that way.

 

[stunreefer Verified Sponsor]

Place them next to each other for mass water movement. Two on one side pointing same direction, two on the other, with timer having them fire in 30 second (ish) intervals. Pointing them at one another kills the flow in it's tracks.

 

[jdl513]

There are so many configuration options for that set up.

Most important question is what kind of display do you want to keep?
If you want chaotic turbulence I would do something similar to what rayn suggested.
However if you want more of an orderly tidal turbulence than stunreef has a pretty good suggestion.

Speaking for myself, I don't like having my circulation pumps obscuring my view.
I would keep the back ones basically where you have them and move the side ones down and back close to the overflows.
I would aim those pumps to generate either a clockwise or counterclockwise flow around the display.
Using a controller so the pumps are alternating up and down in intensity will generate irregular flow patterns and variable turbulence.

That said this is your display and I would play around with different configurations until you come across the one that works best for you.

 

[Salty0331]

There are so many configuration options for that set up.

Most important question is what kind of display do you want to keep?
If you want chaotic turbulence I would do something similar to what rayn suggested.
However if you want more of an orderly tidal turbulence than stunreef has a pretty good suggestion.

Speaking for myself, I don't like having my circulation pumps obscuring my view.
I would keep the back ones basically where you have them and move the side ones down and back close to the overflows.
I would aim those pumps to generate either a clockwise or counterclockwise flow around the display.
Using a controller so the pumps are alternating up and down in intensity will generate irregular flow patterns and variable turbulence.

That said this is your display and I would play around with different configurations until you come across the one that works best for you.

If I move the front ones back toward the overflows how deep do you suggest?

 

[jdl513]

Maybe 1/3 of the way up from the bottom depending on the thickness of the sand and how easily it is kicked up.
Will have to adjust that for your rock work so I would just do a little trial and error to see what you get.

You may find you don't like it at all.
The good thing about circulation pumps is you can move them around until you find a configuration that works for your display.
Different tank dimensions, different rock formations make every display unique.