Powerhead for shallow reef

N2950H · May 13, 2019

My tank is a WB frag 80 (48x24x12) and I currently intend to have softies, LPS, and SPS.

I can't use MP10QDs due to glass thickness, so now I'm looking at the Maxspect Gyre XF330 pumps as small form factor and quiet operation are important to me. I understand I should have somewhere around 20-30 times turnover per hour for my purposes, though I'm not sure if that is for total volume or just display tank volume. In either case, two XF330s puts me well beyond that turnover rate. I may be blowing some sand around depending on how fine the TBS stuff is when it comes, but I assume I can dial down the speed as needed.

The unknown to me is this shallow tank design and how that affects flow patterns. Does anyone see an issue with running a pair of XF330s on opposite ends of my tank? Or perhaps both on the back would be best, but that probably depends on my aquascspe. Maybe I could even get away with one, I'm not sure. Or maybe this type of pump just isn't suited for the frag tank dimensions? Was hoping someone with shallow reef experience could sort of guide me in the right direction here.

Mykesocalreef · May 13, 2019

I use 2-250's and 2- 230's on a 12" deep frag tank, bare bottom. I use the 250's on about 10-30% about midway up the glass. Mainly SPS, might need to be careful with the LPS depending on type.

Sod Buster · May 13, 2019

I had a pair of 230 gyres on each end of a cadlights shallow. Dimensions were 36 x 24 x 14. They worked great. I also had a pair of mp10's on the back to aim at dead spots. Plan your scape accordingly, higher point to the side so the pump deflectors can blow down the slope to the middle, and into the opposing slope on the opposite side. I was set up as a 2 island scape. Old pic before the pumps were on, but all I have of that tank that I can recover.

N2950H · May 13, 2019

Thanks guys.

Sod Buster - that scape is beautiful, very close to what I'm hoping to accomplish. What kind of rock did you use?

Sod Buster · May 13, 2019

That was reefcleaners dry. I had no idea how difficult it was going be working with those dimensions. I had to walk away from it several times, a drill w/ a Mason bit, a dremel w/ a several knurled tile cutting bits, a 4" carbide Mason wheel on a grinder, a 3lb maul and some chisels. When you can only be 7"s high, becomes frustrating making it look nice. I lost track of how much beer I drank coming up with that scape. I was proud of it how it came out though. I wish I could find the data stick I have all the pics on. That tank ran for almost 3 years before i nuked it w/ a fancy 3 part salt that a liquid ingredient precipitated in jug. Good luck w/ the scape and have the flow pattern in your mind building it. On the left side, I'd run in reverse about 60% to go down the glass and up the big island wall, while the right side was running 70ish forward. When the left pump was running forward, the pump on the right would be off. The gyres were staggered with the islands because of the left side overflow/return box. When both pumps were synced in forward occasionally, that was nice turbidity all around the middle of the tank. You've got another foot of length to work with, so with an offset and mp10's on the back, you can probably figure out a way to make the tank spin on 2 separate axis. We all want pics of what you come up with. Link the build thread!

Edit: one more tip for a shallow tank. Get a kitchen timer near the tank. You will be shutting off all the pumps for a straight down look all the time when things start taking off. Set the timer, or you will lose track of time checking everything out. That was my favorite thing to do w/ that tank. The top down view.

N2950H · May 13, 2019

Excellent info, appreciate the detailed response. I initially wanted Haitian live rock because I love the look but I can't seem to find any. Next I considered TBS tock but I'm worried the pieces will be too big for my shallow reef after seeing pictures of what people have been getting. I may still order the TBS and ask for a mix of medium and smaller pieces and hope for the best, we'll see. And yes, I'll definitely start a build thread when I'm done accumulating hardware.

As for MP10s on the back, I wish I could but there is that darn glass thickness issue.