How much power in my powerheads?

[mcarroll]

Ok, I think I'm going for two Koralia Evolution 750s ... No wavemaker for now.. I'll try a method i've been reading about where I will point them towards each other to make a current. For a 38-gallon reef tank (LR, corals and a couple fish) is this good??? :neutral:

Thanks!!

P.S. My only worry is too much current - where then I may scale down to my Option B) two Tunze Nano 6015s :juggle:

I read an estimate somewhere that the flow an average reef sees in the wild is on the order of 20,000 gph or more. Too much flow is not a likely problem for us.

A few more thoughts:

Aiming power heads at each other is kind of a bad strategy unless you're in sort of a weird situation. (You aren't.) You're working the pumps against each other in effect. Remember that turbulence is enemy #1 where flow is concerned! Using timers (nothing fancy required) to alternate your pumps in this situation is key.

Also, if budget for two 6045's + timers is an issue, start with one pump and you'll be fine until you can get the second. When the second is added, run them on timers so one is off and the other is on, switching every few hours. Each pump can have its maximum effect and you get a nice tide simulation out of the deal. Your tank will love it.

Of course if budget isn't an issue, jump to two pumps straight away and be done with it. Your tank will stay even cleaner right from the start!

FWIW, thought you said 39 gallon tank at first....I think with your "38" you may have the same tank I have (and the one I started with). Is it 36 x 12 x 19" or so? If that's right, then two 6045's will be perfect for that tank. I'd do one 6045 on each side-wall, mounted about half-way up the glass, or between the top of your rock work and the water surface (at least for starters).

The non-controllable Tunze's aren't that great on on/off "wave timers" IMO, but I don't really recommend these anyway. Although I did it for years with mine (feature of my Reefkeeper...I wouldn't spend anything on that feature alone), it does cause a bit of "premature" wear IME. Now after 4+ continuous years of 15-minute on/off cycles, they vibrate a bit while running. But don't take this as a complaint: My pumps were not treated well, they are still kicking and replacement parts are reasonably priced if needed!

Stick with long cycles like 3-6 hours on per cycle and you will be safe IMO.

-Matt

 

[MelO82]

Thanks so much Matt... Well I ended up going w/ Koralia evos the 750s cause Dr. Foster n Smith was having a really good sale on them. No wavemaker for now. I might just put them on timers. I took advantage of the sale and bought test kits, siphon, etc. Can't wait to get started!=)))