Ok Need help with Purchase

[fernalfer]

I'm ready to buy my powerheads, return pump and heaters for my 120 Gallon 48" x24" x24" tank.

Any suggestions on a good powerhead that won't break the bank. I don't want bottom of the line but if possible would want to stay away from the pricey top of the line models. Also for return pump i'm having an issue with what size pump to get. I will be using PVC plumbing feeding my dual overflows (Durso) It will be in my last bay of my trigger systems 36" Ruby. Also Heaters do i need 2? And if so they both go in sump srea correct? What wattage do i get for a 120. Brands what be great so i can research your opinions, make a final choice and purchase.

Thanks in advance

 

[bayoupr]

What's your live stocking plans (fish, type of corals, inverts)? The type of corals you plan to keep will determine the amount of flow and powerhead size you would need. I prefer Tunze brand of powerhead. Excellent customer service and these pumps last for years. A decent reasonably priced pump would be the Jebao RW models. As for heater size I ran a 200 watt on a 120 and had no problems. I used a Ranco temp controller with a titanium heater element (don't recall the element brand, maybe Finnex). I use a external return pump so not much help here for internal pump size but good brands are Sicce, Fluval SP pumps or you might want to go DC with adjustable speed settings. The DC pump will help you fine tune your flow somewhat.

 

[Salty1962]

Jebao RW circulation and DCT return pump (internal only). Ehiem/Fluval heaters @5 watts per gallon.

 

[mcarroll]

Easiest Answer First: Return Flow
We'll assume the top of your tank is 5' off the ground and that's where you'll be returning water from the sump.

You want about 2x to 4x of actual flow through the sump to keep skimmers fed, etc.

(5x if you want to account for wear and tear/buildup slowing flow in the future...more than that seems a waste in most cases, and can actually cause noise and bubble issues.)

75 gallons
x2
=150 gph

x4
=300 gph

x5
=375 gph​

A QuietOne Model 2200 should be sufficient, delivering over 350 gph at 5' of head pressure. At most a QO3000, which would deliver about 500 gph at 5' head....but you might want a valve on it if the extra flow causes any of the issues mentioned above.

Heaters
I've always been partial to the old glass Visitherms (now their "Precision" line), but you can't go wrong with Eheims either.

5 watts/gallon is a good rule of thumb, but...

Eheim recommends about 2 watts/gallon, for the record. Marineland, closer to 4 watts/gallon....

Eheim

Marineland


If you (or your tank) live in a hot or cold area, your needs may vary.

A few more thoughts on heaters...

Personally, I'm not too concerned with isolating 100% of my equipment in my sump. I am very concerned with failures not taking out my system. As a result, I have right-sized heaters for each display tank on my system PLUS enough heat in the sump to make it so the heaters in the tank don't have to run all the time. About 4 watts/gallon for the whole system, in my case.

BTW, you can lose a surprising amount of heat between the sump and the display!

Remember that everything in your system that uses power - pumps, lights, etc - is also heating your water. Major changes to any of these pieces of the tank may affect your heating and cooling needs.

Powerheads
There are lots of good options for powerheads these days, but I still think Tunze offers the best bang for the buck and possibly the best pumps overall.

Their 6055 and 6095 controllable pumps are probably the most popular for your size tank, but they have a full range of regular AC-powered pumps as well.

Uniquely, most of their powerheads can be integrated with a ceramic rock they make in order to hide a pump in your rockwork.

A pair of 6055's is only $370 and a pair of 6095's is only $460.

If you don't need controllable pumps ( no, you don't need controllable pumps) you can certainly get off a lot cheaper but still not cheap out. Around $200 will get you a compliment of their standard pumps you can use with regular timers...alternate them ON every few hours for a tide simulation for happy corals!! (I run two SPS tanks at home...one controllable 6095's and one on non-controllable 6045's with timers...the corals like both.) There are too many possible ways to set up your tank to go into, but ask here or PM me if you want more options.

Remember to consider your planned rock layout and (if possible) have your coral placements in mind - especially if you are trying to buy all your flow up front.

 

[Justiful]

Powerhead
Cheap: Sun sun brand
Most cost effective - Jebao RW series
Best -- Tunze

Return pump.
Best cost and reliable -- Rio 20HF
very cost effective for all the features -- Jebao DC-6000
Best -- Tunze brand pumps.

Heaters.
Options
1. Get two pumps rated for 50 gallons.
2. Get one pump rated for 120+gallons and a controller.

Take option 1 if you don't get a controller. That way if one fails your tank still has heat. Also if one malfunctions and starts overheating the tank it will take a lot longer and that buys you time to spot the problem. If you get a single powerful heater it is a much bigger risk.

Cost effective: 2 aqueon 150w heaters.
Better: 1 heater proper size to your aquarium and a JBJ TrueTemp.

 

[fernalfer]

Thanks guys i really appreciate your writeups and suggestions. I'm going to be looking at all these items you have described and see if any fit my needs, my budget, and my likes. I'm sure i will be back with some questions.

 

[mrtian97]

I am also looking at return pump as backup to my Marineland NJ 5500 for my 120 gallon tank (4x2x2).
Try to decide between Sicce, Jebao, Eheim. It will be submersible pump.
Any suggestion?
Thanks