Tank flow with Gyres and Powerheads

[rpkneumann]

Please explain your choice in the comments. If None, please explain alternative

2 Gyres 3 Powerheads 1 Gyre an 2 Powerheads

Assuming a rectangular DT. Left side has large return weir.
PH = Powerhead (stream or Nero type)
Gyre - Gyre Flow Pump (Maxspect type)

 

[PharmrJohn]

Two Gyres all the way. I'll have 3 in my next 203g build.

 

[rpkneumann]

topic bump for more votes

 

[ruxsir]

Assuming you don’t want power heads on the side?

Two gyres on back wall facing forward + 1 power head on the return wear pushing water left to right behind rockwork

 

[exnisstech]

Sorry if I'm missing it but tank size?

 

[landlubber]

i've had 2 gyres for 10 years and am now onto 2 Vortech powerheads.
Based on very different maintenance requirements and similar flow i would never use a gyre again. I just found them to be a hassle, use too many parts, change versions often and flow is cut considerably quicker.
my vote is the 3 powerhead scheme.

 

[rpkneumann]

Thanks. The tank is 4 x 2 x 28” but it has a deep sand bed. See my build thread.

 

[Jolson10]

i've had 2 gyres for 10 years and am now onto 2 Vortech powerheads.
Based on very different maintenance requirements and similar flow i would never use a gyre again. I just found them to be a hassle, use too many parts, change versions often and flow is cut considerably quicker.
my vote is the 3 powerhead scheme.

Agree gyre maintenance is a pain

 

[Hair Algae Wizard]

Interesting. I'm in a similar situation. I have a 6 foot Peninsula tank, and have two MP 60's on the return side, with a single Gyre on the far side.

The MP 60's are making me nuts. To high up, and water spills out the top (rimless tank) and two low, they stir up the sand. I guess I can dial them down, but then I worry about sufficient flow for what will be an SPS dominate tank.

The gyre doesn't seem to cause those issues.

 

[mlivvy]

After lots of debating I went with 2 gyres on the back wall of my 5 foot tank and I love it.

 

[Nate Chalk]

Depends on tank size?

Shape

 

[Nate Chalk]

I see that's part of your question. For your tank size above now.


Uhhh 2 gyre pointed towards each other, if you were 6 ft and 30 inch wide maybe same + mp60s like me.

 

[Jmcg89]

I have a big gyre sideways on the side of my 180 and I really like it. I have it angled back a little and on a momentary wave pattern so it blasts a big wave that goes all the way around the back of the rockwork and the the opposite direction in the front and then pauses.

 

[rpkneumann]

I will install one gyre and two powerheads.
No experience yet since I’m waiting for delivery. They got stuck in customs for 2 weeks for some reason.(AlieExpress).
I have had good experience with delivery times before but this is the first time I ordered more expensive parts ( from that site). AliExpress continues to update me.
It might have todo with the closing of the fast ship loopholes for under $500 value. Or simply bad luck. All speculation ;-)
Waiting ….

 

[landlubber]

Interesting. I'm in a similar situation. I have a 6 foot Peninsula tank, and have two MP 60's on the return side, with a single Gyre on the far side.

The MP 60's are making me nuts. To high up, and water spills out the top (rimless tank) and two low, they stir up the sand. I guess I can dial them down, but then I worry about sufficient flow for what will be an SPS dominate tank.

The gyre doesn't seem to cause those issues.

Acropora don't require water spilling levels of flow, just random, chaotic movement. while you never mentioned how hard you're running them or how many gallons your 6-foot tank is i'm sure positive you can get away with dialing them down a bit. The other benefit to that is the pumps run even quieter.
The gyre will expose it's own issues once you have that sps dominant system. the sheet off water that the gyre produces is tricky to orientate in a way that doesn't miss the coral entirely or hit them directly stripping the skin right off.