Pump problems in my Low Boy - photo

[Steverd]

I am cycling my Low Boy tank and I see a possible problem with the sand bed.
The Gyre pump is clearing a large spot (see photos).
Right now I am using a Icecap 1K Gyre Aquarium Flow Pump (max flow 1000gph)
set to 50%. I also have a IceCap 3K Gyre but that is more powerful and might be worse.
This is be mainly a frag tank.

What would you do? What is the best pump solution for a Low boy tank?
Do people just not use a sand bed?
Do I just push all the sand the other other end of the tank?
THOUGHT please.

 

[Hitman]

I’ve personally never seen any substrate in frag tanks and I think for that reason.

 

[JBKReef]

I have to agree with @Hitman I've never seen a substrate in a lowboy

 

[Water Dog]

What kind of sand are you using? Perhaps using a larger grain sand would help. Use something like Tropic Eden Grand Select as it has a big 4.5mm grain size.

 

[Steverd]

Great points, there will be some fish in this tank, so I was thinking that the sand with help with the bioload.
BUT I do have a sump, so would you remove the sand? Or maybe have 1/2 the tank sand with a few pieces of
live rock.

What pumps do people generally like for Lowboy tanks?
I now think my IceCap 3K Gyre might be too powerful, but is wider than the 1K.
It's still new in box, I'm trying to decide should I keep it or return to Amazon.

Thoughts?

 

[joseserrano]

No sand, its a frag tank.

 

[Hitman]

Great points, there will be some fish in this tank, so I was thinking that the sand with help with the bioload.
BUT I do have a sump, so would you remove the sand? Or maybe have 1/2 the tank sand with a few pieces of
live rock.

What pumps do people generally like for Lowboy tanks?
I now think my IceCap 3K Gyre might be too powerful, but is wider than the 1K.
It's still new in box, I'm trying to decide should I keep it or return to Amazon.

Thoughts?

Personally I would remove all the sand and run the 3K. You can always turn the flow down on it which will allow it to not only work easier but last longer and be quiter.

 

[HawaiianReef]

I had a 33 long tank, 48x12x12, and ran multiple low flow pumps. I had 6 plus the return. The pumps were mostly 200 gph but I also ran 1 400 and 1 600. I loved that set up. Everything thrived.
I had a decent sandbed. Just over an inch. No problems. If the sand moved, I just redirect that pump causing it.

 

[Gray]

I also vote to ditch the sand. If you are worried about the bioload just add some biological media in the form of ceramic media or plates in the sump.

 

[Steverd]

I also vote to ditch the sand. If you are worried about the bioload just add some biological media in the form of ceramic media or plates in the sump.

I do have a sump under this tank and just purchased the Algae Barn Refugium starter kit for it.
So maybe that will be all I need for this tank?

 

[Gray]

I think you will be perfectly fine then. You’ll probably be happier not having to deal with the sand.