Deep tank flow

[bureau13]

I have a 240 gallon deep (36") bowfront tank that is 72" long. Rock work only goes up about halfway. I have a sand bed and center overflow with two drains and two returns. Return pump is a Super Dart that's throttled back so it doesn't overflow my overflow ) and then I have an MP40 on each end, maybe 2/3 up, running in random antisync mode. It's a mixed reef but pretty sparsely populated at the moment. Just a few frags.

I'm suspicious that I don't have enough flow. Anyone have a similar tank? Any recommendations? I've been thinking I should have a pair of wave pumps on the back wall, blowing through the rocks and bouncing off the front maybe? Not a lot of room behind the rocks though, and unfortunately I can't fit an MP40 dry side between the rear of the tank and the wall behind it. I've been thinking about maybe Neptune WAVs (I have an Apex) but I don't know how much I lose by not having them all networked. Also, they do stick out into the tank pretty far so I might have trouble placing them.

Just some rambling thoughts at this time, maybe I'm actually fine as is?

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

First, if your current coral is happy and you don't have dead zones where gunk is building up, I'd suggest not changing anything right now.

If you decide you need to change based on coral needs (new or current frags) or to eliminate dead spots, I've had good luck with Jebao wavemaker on the "else" (random flow) setting. Jebaos are also less expensive which helps when something breaks (although mine have been in service for 5+ years).

You might also look at a Random Flow Generator like the ones from VCA, especially since your return pump seems to have enough power to make them work properly.

Good luck!

 

[bureau13]

That's a good point... I'm not seeing a build-up of detritus, and none of my coral looks happy.

I definitely like the idea of saving money where possible... My concern with the Jebao was that, at least the ones I looked at, suggested tank wall thickness is less than what I have, which is 3/4".

The random flow attachments sound intriguing, I'm going to look into that, thanks!

 

[amoore311]

My tank is slightly smaller.

72 Long 30 Tall 24 Wide

I have an acro dominated bare bottom system that is around 2.5 years old. The flow requirements have changed as the corals have grown in.

The tank started with (2) Maxspect XF350 Gyres on either end at the top, and (2) MP40's on the back wall.

Within a couple months that was showing to be not enough flow. I moved the MP40's to the left side and placed them at very bottom to blow across the bare bottom. I added (2) Jebao SLW 30's to where the mp40's were on the back glass.

Now in it current rendition, I have added an addition Jebao Crosswave right under overflow to have flow in the middle of the system. below and in between the two SLW 30's.

The next upgrade will be another set of mp40's on the long end, mid way up the glass.

 

[bureau13]

How thick is your tank wall that the SLW-30s are mounted on? They claim a bit over 0.5" max, and I see people saying the magnets are weak. I have 3/4" so I'm concerned they won't hold properly.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

My tank is slightly smaller.

72 Long 30 Tall 24 Wide

I have an acro dominated bare bottom system that is around 2.5 years old. The flow requirements have changed as the corals have grown in.

The tank started with (2) Maxspect XF350 Gyres on either end at the top, and (2) MP40's on the back wall.

Within a couple months that was showing to be not enough flow. I moved the MP40's to the left side and placed them at very bottom to blow across the bare bottom. I added (2) Jebao SLW 30's to where the mp40's were on the back glass.

Now in it current rendition, I have added an addition Jebao Crosswave right under overflow to have flow in the middle of the system. below and in between the two SLW 30's.

The next upgrade will be another set of mp40's on the long end, mid way up the glass.

Do you prefer the Crosswave to the XF350?

 

[jda]

Wavebox works in deeper and longer tanks. Tunze 6155 are much more flow than mp40, IME. mp10 on the back. Gyres can move a bunch of water, but they are kinda static, IME. There are a bunch of things to do.

Maybe just be on the lookout for something on the used market to inventory for when you need it later?

 

[amoore311]

Do you prefer the Crosswave to the XF350?

The XF350 is a good 30% Stronger easily. I do not think the Crosswaves would perform well blowing across the entire 6' span of my tank, forcing the water down 30".... then back 6' across to the other side. The XF350's handle that just fine.

They are both made very well. I just drop them in muriatic acid solution once monthly for 15-20 minutes, rinse em in rodi, and plug em back in.


If you don't need the added power, I would go with the crosswaves to save some cash.