Flow For 375 Gallon Reef

jlfalin · Jun 27, 2018

So I am trying to make a decision on how I am going to set up flow on my new 375 gallon reef tank. The things I know. First, I will be using 2x SeaSwirl Multi's on my return. Second, I will be using the Triton method so I plan on ~3000-3500gph through my overflow, fuge, and sump. To measure flow I have 2x 2" apex flow sensors to keep track out flow output and to tune the system.

Now for where I need help. How would you set up your return?

1. 2x Vectra L1 pumps with 2" PVC to the multi-swirl and then down to 1" ( so one pump on each swirl). This gives redundancy and the option for battery backup.

2. 1x Royal Exclusive RD230 pump and then send this to the swirls. For this there is not an easy battery backup. I can however control with my apex at this point.

I currently have the swirls, and the RD230. I was just thinking about option 1 for the redundancy. This will be an SPS heavy tank and I would hate for a failed pump to kills lots of livestock. Any input on what you are using and in your experience what you think is best would be greatly appreciated.

Reefing Madness · Jun 28, 2018

Hitman · Jun 29, 2018

I prefer 2 pumps.

Ashish Patel · Jul 18, 2018

I like where you heads at with the seaswirls your plumbing sounds good but 2" is probably unnecessary!. My tanks only 120 gallon but using m1 vectra return through a 1" seaswirl as a return, My sump is large and when i upgrade the flow will be no more than 5X turnover for a larger tank. For redundancy why not get a mp40 in the tank on battery backup? You'll get more run time out of them than a vectra which burns more power anyways. if you want 2 vectra why not get 2XM1 which would give you 4000gph and ability to hook up 1 as a backup.

mitch91175 · Jul 19, 2018

Different topic, but why mess around with the Triton method in the first place? Are you doing it because it is the new wave that's on the market or because you feel that it'll grow coral or what? I'm just trying to figure out what's all the hype about the Triton method. I have seen beautiful tanks that the only method that is used is old school basics (leveraging some equipment) and the tanks are super resilient to alk/cal/mag swings. Everyone that I have discussed this with that have beautiful tanks don't use that stuff. Just having an increased knowledge about the basics of reefing and applying those basics to keeping their reefs.

How long have you been into saltwater aquariums? I ask because you do have a lower post count (doesn't mean you haven't been reefing for quite some time though) and feel that people new to the hobby start reading all this stuff about you gotta do Triton or run super low nutrient systems and stumble and crawl and tanks just don't run like they expect with all the money invested into method like the Triton method.

I think you'll realize quickly that the triton method may over-complicate it for you, but hey I could definitely be wrong.