Flow Quiestion

[Knyhus]

Hello all would like some input on flow in my 120 RR. Dim are 48x24x24. Currently I have two WP40,wave makers. And a Jeabo dc 9000 return Pump. It seemed to be to mutch flow with both wp 40 running. I removed one wp 40 and went back to my Blue line ext pump. (I have both plumbed into system In case of failure.) Is there a good setting to use on the on the wp 40 and placement. Currently they were placed on opposite side of tank in each corner facing across the tank. My blue line ext pump seems to put out a lot more flow than the dc 9000 even though its rated at 780 gph. I also forgot to mention the wp 40 were run off dual controller. The Tank is sps and lps dominant. What brought all this about is I last I nice hammer colony. And now my frogspawn has some die off. all this started after I cleaned the wp 40.

 

[mcarroll]

Is your question about pump placement? It's not too clear.

If so can you post a full tank picture?

 

[Knyhus]

Yes more so about the placement of the wp 40 and setting. And should I use one or both. Sorry about confusion. I will post pith later tonight.

 

[mcarroll]

I may change my answer after I see your pic but a safe bet for a starting point is usually to run the pumps on the side walls, above your stack of live rock, one of the time-not both simultaneously-to simulate tidal flow. A controller is neato, but two simple lamp timers set to run the pumps for 4 to 6 hours alternating will do the trick.

 

[Knyhus]

Sorry about poor pitcher. Taken with I phone.

 

[Knyhus]

The frogspawn on lower right seems to be having trouble. Only started after I cleaned the wp 40

 

[mcarroll]

Why did the pump need cleaning, btw? Was it clogged up, or something else? What happened to cause it?

Typically the area under a flow pump is a relatively dead zone, so too little flow is a possibility, even if that seems strange to consider. That's a very typical place for detritus to settle. (But they'll love the constant supply of detritus - food!)

Having said that, frogspawns and others of their kin don't typically like high flow - which can also cause what you are seeing - so you aren't really shooting for that.

 

[Knyhus]

It seems with the jeabo pumps they really loose flow after a period if time, need to be cleaned month,witch one of the reason I'm thinking of just switching to a ecotech one mp 40

 

[mcarroll]

Sounds too mysterious. Did you find any sign of dirt or calcium buildup during cleaning? (Any pump will need cleaning - no need to drop Vortech money to learn that lesson. [emoji6])

Whatever was the case, I'd give the alternating flow arrangement I mentioned earlier a try. Unless you pumps are too small to flow the length of the tank, in which case I'd personally consider a pair of Streams or Nanostreams. Either as supplements or alternates to the pumps you are running.

 

[mcarroll]

I think a pair of (Stream) 6065's or 6085's would probably do great. If controllability is a requirement then either Nanostream 6055's or 6105's. 6105's can handle a MUCH larger tank than your, but that would let you run them at a very low-speed (quieter, longer lasting) and they'd be virtually upgrade-proof. (Not to mention that these are all more economical choices than what you suggested.[emoji6]) All of these pumps have an optional rock-face attachment you can buy if you want to hide them in your tank disguised as a piece of live rock.

Fwiw, there are other possibilities from those two pump lines that would also be worthy of consideration.