Hi Flow Low Velocity Pump Options

spsick · May 12, 2019

Trying to get better flow throughout my 36x24x18 SPS tank

Currently have 2x Jebao SW8 75% alternating (any more is too violent) and a Tunze return pump doing ~200gph

I get good varying turbulent flow in the center/upper part of the tank but I want more volume with less velocity. Bigger pumps at lower settings? 2x Gyre XF330? Not doing Vortechs with the reputation they have.

I tossed in 2 old PP4 in the back lower corners at 50% alternating and get the desired effect but 4 pumps in the tank is UGLY.

Thoughts?

Pic-

Ron Reefman · May 13, 2019

I don't think the extra 2 pumps make much difference in the look of the tank, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Gyres do move more water, but they are also much bigger and, unfortunately, more delicate with low torque motors that are easy to bind up. I've had a few and all but one have failed. I think the newer ones are better, but I'm not inclined to spend my money on another one until they improve even more.

You might consider a pair of slightly bigger diameter and lower profile (how far they extend off the glass) RP-M pumps. I have one in a 40g cube (24"x24"x20") and run it at 30%. It's dead quiet and moves a lot of water IMHO.

https://www.reefbreeders.com/reef-power/

ca1ore · May 13, 2019

There aren't a lot of broad flow pumps on the market. You need size for that and the trend seems to be smaller profile not bigger. Agree that the RP-M might be an option for a small tank like yours, though my experience with them is that they are no more/less reliable than the vortech …. much cheaper of course.

jsvand5 · May 13, 2019

The Gyres will definitely do what you are looking for but they will be more obtrusive than what you already have IMO.

bigcheese · May 13, 2019

spsick said:
Trying to get better flow throughout my 36x24x18 SPS tank

Currently have 2x Jebao SW8 75% alternating (any more is too violent) and a Tunze return pump doing ~200gph

I get good varying turbulent flow in the center/upper part of the tank but I want more volume with less velocity. Bigger pumps at lower settings? 2x Gyre XF330? Not doing Vortechs with the reputation they have.

I tossed in 2 old PP4 in the back lower corners at 50% alternating and get the desired effect but 4 pumps in the tank is UGLY.

Thoughts?

Pic-

Just spitballing here, but what about going external with the pump? Intake on one corner (say, back left) and return on the back right. Maybe a vertical spraybar or DIY multiple returns with Line-Loc fittings for the return to spread the flow and lower the velocity.
It should get you what you need with minimal in-tank clutter and definitely cheaper than a giant PH that will only run at 20%. Downside is you're running plumbing outside the tank.

Potatohead · May 13, 2019

spsick said:
Not doing Vortechs with the reputation they have.

Not quite following on this one. An MP40QD run at low to mid speeds would be one of the best options for you.

spsick · May 13, 2019

bigcheese said:
Just spitballing here, but what about going external with the pump? Intake on one corner (say, back left) and return on the back right. Maybe a vertical spraybar or DIY multiple returns with Line-Loc fittings for the return to spread the flow and lower the velocity.
It should get you what you need with minimal in-tank clutter and definitely cheaper than a giant PH that will only run at 20%. Downside is you're running plumbing outside the tank.

Actually not a terrible idea. I drilled the tank myself and the intent was 2 returns but just the one took FOREVER and the bit was basically smoked so I just called it good. Plumbing a spray bar up on the side or just a Loc Line Y wouldn’t be that much trouble.

Viking_Reefing · May 13, 2019

What about one of these https://www.amazon.com/Coral-Box-RN-1/dp/B07DQBJBND Or perhaps a Nero?

spsick · May 13, 2019

Potatohead said:
Not quite following on this one. An MP40QD run at low to mid speeds would be one of the best options for you.

As far as people having issues with rusting magnets and drivers etc. I have a hard time justifying that $. But dang I didn’t realize they move 4500gph. Wonder how gentle that would be at 60%?- as the pump would be fairly close to the colonies.

spsick · May 13, 2019

MichaelE said:
What about one of these https://www.amazon.com/Coral-Box-RN-1/dp/B07DQBJBND Or perhaps a Nero?

These move the same amount of water as my SW8s.

Viking_Reefing · May 13, 2019

spsick said:
These move the same amount of water as my SW8s.

Yes, but with a wider cone of water meaning that you could add a couple and not have the problems that comes with a more narrow flow pattern.

spsick · May 13, 2019

MichaelE said:
Yes, but with a wider cone of water meaning that you could add a couple and not have the problems that comes with a more narrow flow pattern.

Ahhhhh ok that makes sense!

spsick · Feb 13, 2020

Update here. One of my Jebaos went kapoot so I figured I’d give Vortechs a go after all. I would have preferred Tunze or Gyre but the ease of cleaning made it a clear winner as I don’t have to pull cords.

Installed with a WXM so I could have one touch feed mode. Trying to get it set up as close to the flow pattern as my previous setup which was 1 minute alternating with pumps at 80% and 20%.

The tough part is the Vortechs move too much water at minimum setting to creat the nice alternating gyre i had before so my corals are getting hammered too hard. This is with a max of 20%!

Kind of stumped here so I’m open to any advice.