Flow issue and Power Head placement

[AngryOwl]

Hey everyone, hoping to get some help with getting my tank the right amount of flow for what I want to do with the tank. Tank is 120g running 2 pp8s and return pump is 1585gph with 2 return lines coming into the tank. What I want to achieve is low/moderate flow for torches, hammers, etc. on the right side of the tank and high flow for acros on the left side of the tank.

I've tried the pp8s in all kinds of locations, angles, power levels and modes... can't get it dialed in right. The only mode that works for my torches is W1 mode (wave mode) and pumps are on full power. This has me wondering if something like a gyre can fix all my issues? Probably on the right side of the tank?

Another issue is the stupid overflow boxes in the back. Dual boxes right in the middle of the tank so the back corners are complete dead zones... Right now I have the return lines pointed straight at the front glass.

Below are some pictures for reference. Let me know what you would do.

 

[reeferfoxx]

Have tried placing each pump on both sides in the middle with one in wave mode and the other in else mode?

 

[reeferfoxx]

Oh and having them face each other but aimed to the center of the surface.

 

[AngryOwl]

Have tried placing each pump on both sides in the middle with one in wave mode and the other in else mode?

Middle of the side wall? If so, then yea I tried that but the else mode was tossing stuff around. The thing is I can tell the tank doesn't have enough flow because if I put both in else mode a ton of stuff gets stirred up. They're pointed up to the point where they don't splash and make a ton of noise.

 

[reeferfoxx]

Flow can be the most tedious task in a tank. It gets real frustrating. Yes, on the middle side walls. You can also try placing them each on the side walls but up against the back glass. I do this on my tank for indirect flow. You might have to adjust flow speed.

 

[AngryOwl]

Flow can be the most tedious task in a tank. It gets real frustrating. Yes, on the middle side walls. You can also try placing them each on the side walls but up against the back glass. I do this on my tank for indirect flow. You might have to adjust flow speed.

lol no kidding, I spent like an hour or longer placing them all over with no luck. I also tried them on the back glass when I first got them but they were pushing sand all over the tank.... but to be fair I didn't have them pointed up so that might be worth another shot? What are your thoughts on the gyre? You think it would solve it?

 

[reeferfoxx]

lol no kidding, I spent like an hour or longer placing them all over with no luck. I also tried them on the back glass when I first got them but they were pushing sand all over the tank.... but to be fair I didn't have them pointed up so that might be worth another shot? What are your thoughts on the gyre? You think it would solve it?

Gyres are always a good option imo. Though not much experience with one. Since they stay relative to the surface of the water, they do collect algae and have to be cleaned more frequently. At least thats the minor complaint I hear from many ppl.

 

[AngryOwl]

Gyres are always a good option imo. Though not much experience with one. Since they stay relative to the surface of the water, they do collect algae and have to be cleaned more frequently. At least thats the minor complaint I hear from many ppl.

No worries about cleaning them. Just want to make sure it will solve my problem before I drop like 350 on one

 

[roberthu526]

Buy a pair of the gyres and call it a day. You can not get a more thorough flow through out the tank.

 

[AngryOwl]

Buy a pair of the gyres and call it a day. You can not get a more thorough flow through out the tank.

A pair? Was thinking of starting with 1 on the right side, I could supplement with a pp8 on the left. Thoughts?

 

[Tallison]

i was having some similar problems with flow for my tank. I bought 2 mp10s for my 75G but when it cracked I upgraded to a 150, I still use the mp10s on my tank because they provide good enough flow but added some cheap Koralias to go on the back of my tank to give it some extra boost.

 

[roberthu526]

A pair? Was thinking of starting with 1 on the right side, I could supplement with a pp8 on the left. Thoughts?

The controller controls two pumps. The pump itself is not that expensive so I would just go with a pair.

 

[Tsev03]

Ive been having the same problem with my 125 Mine is the 6’ one which makes it even harder. I have a RW 15 and a Turbelle Nanostream 6045. Ive tried many different places and pointing different directions still not right. I’ve tried adding to cheap 800gph with the others in many places too. No I think I’m going to move some rocks rock around so I can try for the low flow on one end and higher flow on the other. I would definitely go with a pir of gyres if u could afford them, if u do try them let me know how they do, please

 

[Seminoles76]

Gyres are a great option. I run two 250's on a standard 120.
Pro's:
Controller is great giving you multiple options to change flow throughout a 24 hour cycle.
Flow output far greater than any other equally priced powerhead.
Dead spots few and far between or none at all depending on rock scape.
Con's:
Coord in tank. Normally not that big of a problem if you run them closer to top of tank.
Can be a PITA to put pump back together after a complete breakdown for maintenance

Cheers.
Jared

 

[AngryOwl]

Ive been having the same problem with my 125 Mine is the 6’ one which makes it even harder. I have a RW 15 and a Turbelle Nanostream 6045. Ive tried many different places and pointing different directions still not right. I’ve tried adding to cheap 800gph with the others in many places too. No I think I’m going to move some rocks rock around so I can try for the low flow on one end and higher flow on the other. I would definitely go with a pir of gyres if u could afford them, if u do try them let me know how they do, please

Will do!

Gyres are a great option. I run two 250's on a standard 120.
Pro's:
Controller is great giving you multiple options to change flow throughout a 24 hour cycle.
Flow output far greater than any other equally priced powerhead.
Dead spots few and far between or none at all depending on rock scape.
Con's:
Coord in tank. Normally not that big of a problem if you run them closer to top of tank.
Can be a PITA to put pump back together after a complete breakdown for maintenance

Cheers.
Jared

I'm probably going to buy 1 to start with and put it on the right side of the tank. My theory is that the flow will go across the top and hit the left side wall and try to bounce back... but the way my rock work is "should" block a good % of it. Any arguments on this?

Also I'm mad because I just missed out on the black Friday sales... what do you guys think I should do about this? I have acros coming tomorrow ;Nailbiting

 

[Seminoles76]

You should be just fine with one 250 and play around with placing your PP8's. One 250 will have more than enough to create a gyre like you are talking about. Put it up high on the right or left side and let her loose.
The acros will love the flow from the 250!

 

[AngryOwl]

You should be just fine with one 250 and play around with placing your PP8's. One 250 will have more than enough to create a gyre like you are talking about. Put it up high on the right or left side and let her loose.
The acros will love the flow from the 250!

Ordered 1 250... let's see how it goes, I'll update the thread next week after I install it

 

[Dburr1014]

I have both on the right side doing a fast pulse.
My return is on the left. {75 gallon}
I have them skimming the surface where I have the sps and the lps/softies are on the mix to bottom.
I finally made everyone happy.

 

[AngryOwl]

I have both on the right side doing a fast pulse.
My return is on the left. {75 gallon}
I have them skimming the surface where I have the sps and the lps/softies are on the mix to bottom.
I finally made everyone happy.

This is probably the only configuration I didn't try... but I bought the gyre so... lol