Random Flow Generator for LSP tank

[Jimbo662]

Still working on plans for a new build. Tank is 48"x24"x16". It has dual return nozzles coming out of the sides of a center overflow box. I was wondering if using a couple of RFG's with enough flow would work for an LPS tank. I realize I'd more than likely have to vacuum the sand to remove some detritus build up.

Thoughts?

 

[Ron Reefman]

Sounds a lot like my tank. It's a DIY 90g (36x30x20). I tested my overflow and drilled it so I got 1500 gph drainage. So my return runs just short of that, like 1200-1300 gph. I split the 2 returns with a "Y". My tank is mostly zoas and RFAs, but I do have a few lps and sps and they seem to be doing fine. I think my strong lighting (2 Photon V2+ fixtures) may be making up a bit for low flow in the sps.

 

[Jimbo662]

Sounds a lot like my tank. It's a DIY 90g (36x30x20). I tested my overflow and drilled it so I got 1500 gph drainage. So my return runs just short of that, like 1200-1300 gph. I split the 2 returns with a "Y". My tank is mostly zoas and RFAs, but I do have a few lps and sps and they seem to be doing fine. I think my strong lighting (2 Photon V2+ fixtures) may be making up a bit for low flow in the sps.

Wow...that's a lot of plumbing!

I hadn't thought about doing a Y on both sides.

 

[Ron Reefman]

The best part is it's so easy to tune the flow that it doesn't make any noise at all!

 

[Jimbo662]

The best part is it's so easy to tune the flow that it doesn't make any noise at all!

On my current tank I've got a pair of WAVs for cross flow along the back behind the rocks and a pair of MP40s on either side of the tank. The WAVs cause vibrations between the power cord and the lid and one of my MP40s makes a clicking noise. Being able to have a solution that requires no powerheads would be amazing!

 

[jda]

They work OK. You have to get the flow perfect - too little or too much and they don't move too much.

If you want to just use a return, then see if you can find a Sea Swirl to fit your needs. These work great, but some do not like the look. They are a long lived piece of equipment and I have a few that I used for a decade and are now on the shelf and would work perfectly if I set them back up. This might kill your "look." Oceans Motion is a way to direct flow from one outlet to another in a back/forth kind of deal - another high end piece of equipment.

 

[Jimbo662]

And I guess it'll be hard to really know if getting the flow just right will be too much or two little for the tank.
I've seen the sea swirls and yeah...they'll be too bulky...and the Ocean Motion is a bit on the expensive side. My original thought was a pair of Octopus Pulse 2's on the back wall.