Flow..

[Davy Jones]

I understand this is going to be a topic that people can debate for ages, but I am hoping to gather opinions on my upcoming build.

First the basic info-
Custom 48x30x20
Mixed reef, favoring anemones, frogspawn/hammer's and zoas. There will be some sps as well however.
Tank will be drilled for a ghost overflow and have 2 return lines. Return will be RO varios 6.

The last thing i need to decide for the build is flow. Below i will list out what i am currently considering for the tank. dont hesitate to list other options however!

1. Neptune wav starter kit (already have apex classic)
2. Tunze 6105 (x2)
3. Ecotech MP40WES and MP40QD and mp10wes (already own the mp40 and mp10, so would only need to buy the mp40qd)
4. 2 Gyre xf250's and controller.

 

[malacoda]

If it were just a straightforward choice of the options listed, my pick would be the Gyres (which I voted for). I much prefer the flow and control-ability I get with my xf230 in my 24g versus the flow I got when I tried an mp10.

That said though, if you already have two of the 3 MPs, getting the MP40QD may be the best choice. Will be far more affordable, and with two 40s and a 10 you'll likely get just as much flow and control as you would with a dual gyre setup.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Look at the shape of the tank and the way it will be aqua scaped.

Each of the heads you mentioned have different flow patterns.

Visualize with each how that will "look" in the tank.

And most importantly, look at you bank account.

 

[Davy Jones]

Look at the shape of the tank and the way it will be aqua scaped.

Each of the heads you mentioned have different flow patterns.

Visualize with each how that will "look" in the tank.

And most importantly, look at you bank account.

I think flow wise it may work best to have the vortechs or gyres since the tank is so wide. Gyres would be my first choice but ive read plenty of stories about users being unhappy with their quality and that scares me quite a bit. Tunzes are the champs for longevity and reliability plus they sell replacement parts for everything, but im not sure if 2 pumps would be enough. Would probably need 4 6095's or something to work well.. I dont want to spend that much unless i can find some used for a good price

 

[MSB123]

Gyre xf230- I have a xf 250 in my 48x20x25 and i keep it at under 30% or my frags and sand get blown everywhere. I now use an xf230in my 60x20x30 180 gallon tank, and its the perfect size at 85% power.

 

[cracker]

When You state " gyre xf250's " . I'm assuming you mean 2? I have 2 250 gyres in the 180. This tank is a 6 feet . They blow the sand around even. 2 gyres in a 4 ft tank will be some serious flow ! I guess you can always run them at lower power .

 

[MSB123]

When You state " gyre xf250's " . I'm assuming you mean 2? I have 2 250 gyres in the 180. This tank is a 6 feet . They blow the sand around even. 2 gyres in a 4 ft tank will be some serious flow ! I guess you can always run them at lower power .

+1 on this, only use 1

 

[Rakie]

2 pumps is never enough to get good flow. If you disagree, that's fine, but I would heavily suggest 4 pumps.

I'd go with 4 Tunze.

I have the equivalent of 2 6105's in a 24x24x18, and my corals respond extremely positively to increased flow.

 

[Davy Jones]

So many options... This is hard lol

 

[Cory]

I' say one gyre and 1 vortex. Best of both worlds.

I love the gyre but I got the worst experience ever from the model 1. So I voted vortex. The propellers broke to pieces. The cable got a split in it.