Got a Cube? Tell me your water circulation.

[majorstare]

I have a 2x2x2 cube and have tried just about every powerhead available in a quest to get water movement right.

Currently running two Jecod RW4 and a Vortech MP10 (plus sump return pump @600ltr/hr).
Rock work is centre of the tank and 90% SPS.

Doesn't matter where I place the pumps, I have dead spots and/or not enough surface agitation.

Tell me, what have you done for water circulation in your cube tanks?

 

[Radman73]

I've been happiest with an MP40 in my 60 cube. Have to have it dialed up pretty high though.

 

[Zoaeasy]

I've been happiest with an MP40 in my 60 cube. Have to have it dialed up pretty high though.

Do you use one MP 40? Where do have yours?
Setting up Cadlights 60 and was thinking of MP 40 high and MP 10 lower area .

 

[spscubed]

I have the cadlighting 60 cube myself I run an MP 40 up high on on the back wall reef crest most of the day at about 50% to 60% nutrient export no higher than 48% for fear that it will spill out of the tank. For my return I have a ventral m1 and I have it set somewhat high for this tank it's about 60% It connected to a spray bar that goes across the top over to the side of the tank. I also plan to add another MP 40 down low. I don't have any dead spots I just want to add one to get a little more undertow action. Personally I have an MP 10 and I don't think it's enough for this tank. Oh and it's about 95% SPS

 

[Radman73]

Do you use one MP 40? Where do have yours?
Setting up Cadlights 60 and was thinking of MP 40 high and MP 10 lower area .

Single MP40. About of the third of the way down on the back glass in the middle.

 

[1Clown]

I also have a cube the same dimensions, I have an MP10, Jebcod RW4 and a Gyre XF130. Still not happy with the flow to be honest but that's also because my rockwork is a certain way that I can't change so...

 

[Zoaeasy]

I have the cadlighting 60 cube myself I run an MP 40 up high on on the back wall reef crest most of the day at about 50% to 60% nutrient export no higher than 48% for fear that it will spill out of the tank. For my return I have a ventral m1 and I have it set somewhat high for this tank it's about 60% It connected to a spray bar that goes across the top over to the side of the tank. I also plan to add another MP 40 down low. I don't have any dead spots I just want to add one to get a little more undertow action. Personally I have an MP 10 and I don't think it's enough for this tank. Oh and it's about 95% SPS

Thanks .
do you have any tank pics ?
I have not been able to find many of these on line for information.
This is mine right now !

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I have a 2x2x2 cube and have tried just about every powerhead available in a quest to get water movement right.

Currently running two Jecod RW4 and a Vortech MP10 (plus sump return pump @600ltr/hr).
Rock work is centre of the tank and 90% SPS.

Doesn't matter where I place the pumps, I have dead spots and/or not enough surface agitation.

Tell me, what have you done for water circulation in your cube tanks?

Can we see a pic of the tank?

 

[majorstare]

Here you go.
Taken on my phone, so not ideal. Tank is actually 1400k.
Top pic shows the RW4's.
Bottom pic shows the MP10 and on the right is two RW4's with return from sump just out of shot.

Tank is corner mounted, so MP40's will not fit between the tank and walls.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

Following! I'm setting up a cube, and so I'll have a similar question. I was planning on using 2 MP10's.

 

[ss95003]

I had a 2x2x18" tall. I put 2 mp10s on the back wall and had them at 50% max if that. Just got a 30x30x18 and the plan is the same.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Great Tank!

Have you tried lowering the rws (one or both) and pointing them up at the surface? IME it moves more water mass, and begins to make it a circle. Or is there not enough power to do that?


I would assume that or a semi Gyre and put the rw on each back side and alternate them and have the MP provide the barrel roll and turbulence as it hits the two Mp streams.

the next would be the Rw on each side L&R pointing up and forward(dual barrel roll) and the mp middle back and surge.

I dont see the return,

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Following! I'm setting up a cube, and so I'll have a similar question. I was planning on using 2 MP10's.

If I had that tank and scape Id do two gyre pumps verticle and go counter clockwise Gyre spin(aiming at the return) with a BIG reverse every so often and then two MP or rw over the top for turbulence.
But I want Acros AND sea fans

 

[Jahalu]

I have a 75g cube- mixed reef. Not happy with flow either. I have one mp40 on left side 6" from surface running at almost max. And a Tunze 6095 on bottom right back of tank, pointed up. I still have a dead spot in back left corner. I am already thinking if adding a third powerhead to left side. I hope the tank can take it. I'm holding off, though, cause I'm thinking the shape of the gyre might be better suited for cubes. May just switch the whole thing to gyres.

 

[majorstare]

I'll try mounting the RW's lower for a barrel roll effect and the MP10 to cause turbulence across the centre.
Or
The RW's, one on each back wall pointing along the glass to move water around the tank like its being stirred. The MP10 firing low across the tank for turbulence.

Need to ensure I have enough flow over the sand bed.

Cubes are so hard to get right.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I have a 75g cube- mixed reef. Not happy with flow either. I have one mp40 on left side 6" from surface running at almost max. And a Tunze 6095 on bottom right back of tank, pointed up. I still have a dead spot in back left corner. I am already thinking if adding a third powerhead to left side. I hope the tank can take it. I'm holding off, though, cause I'm thinking the shape of the gyre might be better suited for cubes. May just switch the whole thing to gyres.

I still like the punch you get with a standard head though. Maxi jet koralia mp tunze jebao all deliver different streams and spreads.

 

[Nano101]

My 12 gal is 33x per hour

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I'll try mounting the RW's lower for a barrel roll effect and the MP10 to cause turbulence across the centre. Need to ensure I have enough flow over the sand bed.

Cubes are so hard to get right.

oh yea.

 

[DHill6]

I have a 30x24x24 starphire rimless cube built by MiraclesAquariums out of Canada. It has an internal overflow on the center back of wall, 6 inches in depth. Built it this way as to lessen the chance of any leakage on floor, it also has the emergency overflow. I've placed a mp40 QD on either side of this, approximately half way down and I don't have a flow problem. Pumps run from 19% to 44% with ramp ups of 20-50% . BB with a bonsai reef sculpture, mostly SPS.

 

[spscubed]

this is my 2x2x2 cube as you can see I have bad sand storms sone I will add some thicker sand to help with that also I'm going to add another mp40 down low or maybe two mp10 down low to add an undertow.
You can't see it but there is a lock-line spray bar from my return in the upper left that shots acros the entire surface to the right of the tank.