TOO MUCH CIRCULATION????

[LParker480]

I have a 120g tank with 2 MJ1200's on opposite ends. When they're both on, the fish (2 clowns, 1 yellow tang, 1 blue hippo tang) seem to hide out in the rock work. When I turn off for a bit for feeding time, the fish come out and swim all around and will until I turn the power heads back on. Is it possible to have too much circulation and can I leave the powerheads off for longer periods of time other than feeding?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I have a 120g tank with 2 MJ1200's on opposite ends. When they're both on, the fish (2 clowns, 1 yellow tang, 1 blue hippo tang) seem to hide out in the rock work. When I turn off for a bit for feeding time, the fish come out and swim all around and will until I turn the power heads back on. Is it possible to have too much circulation and can I leave the powerheads off for longer periods of time other than feeding?

id agree with the fish and say yes. Its annoying.

is that the only heads you have?

 

[120reefkeeper]

Possible stray voltage?? Just thinking out loud. Maybe when one of the pumps is on they may be getting a tingle? Maybe it's just super high flow??

 

[Pepcrylic]

That is not too much flow for that size tank. Clowns are lazy.

 

[LParker480]

id agree with the fish and say yes. Its annoying.

is that the only heads you have?

Yes those are the only two powerheads in the tank along with the return flow coming from the sump. How can I deter stray voltage?

 

[LParker480]

@saltyfilmfolks so you think I'm good to just leave the powerheads off then for the most part? I don't have any coral in the tank. Just fish and crabs/snails

 

[LParker480]

Possible stray voltage?? Just thinking out loud. Maybe when one of the pumps is on they may be getting a tingle? Maybe it's just super high flow??

how can I detect and get rid of stray voltage?

 

[JaimeAdams]

how can I detect and get rid of stray voltage?

cut your finger a little bit and stick it in the water. If there is stray voltage you will feel it.


Granted if you aren't into self mutilation you could use a voltage meter. Just a cheap one from Harbor Freight will do you just fine.

 

[120reefkeeper]

You can check for it using a multimeter.

Here is a link to help describe what you need to do to check for stray voltage

How Do I Check for Stray Voltage??
https://www.reef2reef.com/index.php?threads/How-Do-I-Check-for-Stray-Voltage??.206511/

 

[LParker480]

cut your finger a little bit and stick it in the water. If there is stray voltage you will feel it.


Granted if you aren't into self mutilation you could use a voltage meter. Just a cheap one from Harbor Freight will do you just fine.

I've got a fluke multi-meter, but I've never tested anything like this before...One lead to ground and the other......?

 

[LParker480]

@120reefkeeper Thanks for that link!

 

[JaimeAdams]

I've got a fluke multi-meter, but I've never tested anything like this before...One lead to ground and the other......?

I don't know I always just go with the finger trick

 

[LParker480]

Thanks guys for the answers and suggestions. This is what the site is all about!

 

[120reefkeeper]

No problems let us know what you find with both on.... then try each individually. Write down your results. You can check each piece of equipment this way. If you find the offending piece of equipment then you know what to replace.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

@saltyfilmfolks so you think I'm good to just leave the powerheads off then for the most part? I don't have any coral in the tank. Just fish and crabs/snails

you can yes. But did the mj's come with the diffusor?
If you show me a FTS we can help more withe some flow ideas.

 

[LParker480]

good deal. I'll get this tested and post the results. I figured there had to be something wrong and I attributed it to too much circulation but this makes more sense. I wouldn't think 2 PH's would be too much in this size of a tank. Hell, I spend too much money on the fish to not see them swimming around!

 

[LParker480]

you can yes. But did the mj's come with the diffusor?
If you show me a FTS we can help more withe some flow ideas.

I don't have a FTS due to me being at work right now. But roughly, each power head is on opposite sides of the tank, the over flow is set just off the middle and the return outlet is set about midway between the center of the and the side. Hopefully that makes sense

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I don't have a FTS due to me being at work right now. But roughly, each power head is on opposite sides of the tank, the over flow is set just off the middle and the return outlet is set about midway between the center of the and the side. Hopefully that makes sense

kinda does. The mjs IMO actually pack a good punch so two facing them its prob pretty rough. Great for sps, prob makes fish grumpy. Mine took a while before they settled in, it seemed to have a break in of sorts.
i used the filter screen(dont want to suck up fish guard) and the diffuser that came with the pumps if you still have them to slow the flow. I wound up only leaving the screen on as it slowed a bit. I also hit the jet at the back wall(from the side) so it was super indirect.

Maybe that will help let the sissy fish get used to the new flow.


I didn't have any real stray voltage probs with the Mj's but its good to look at. If your getting a lot of stray voltage, look at the polarity of the plug.

 

[LParker480]

kinda does. The mjs IMO actually pack a good punch so two facing them its prob pretty rough. Great for sps, prob makes fish grumpy. Mine took a while before they settled in, it seemed to have a break in of sorts.
i used the filter screen(dont want to suck up fish guard) and the diffuser that came with the pumps if you still have them to slow the flow. I wound up only leaving the screen on as it slowed a bit. I also hit the jet at the back wall(from the side) so it was super indirect.

Maybe that will help let the sissy fish get used to the new flow.


I didn't have any real stray voltage probs with the Mj's but its good to look at. If your getting a lot of stray voltage, look at the polarity of the plug.

I don't have the diffusers on just the cages. Adding them would hinder that flow a bit. good suggestion there. I'm going to check for stray voltage then adjust the heads and maybe just go to 1. Right now they're both at about the same angle height almost facing each other. Not totally, but I just always figured on the more movement in the water the better. Swimming in the current I would think would develop stronger fish...not raising any sissies over here! LOL

I'll have to get some FTS up one of these days. I started building back in March and based my ENTIRE design off what I've read from this website. The info, opinions, and experience is priceless. In this hobby, what works 100% for one person, won't work at all for another. I learn something everytime I log on and its a great a rewarding feeling knowing that everyday I'm getting better (baby steps). Thanks for the help!!!!!

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I don't have the diffusers on just the cages. Adding them would hinder that flow a bit. good suggestion there. I'm going to check for stray voltage then adjust the heads and maybe just go to 1. Right now they're both at about the same angle height almost facing each other. Not totally, but I just always figured on the more movement in the water the better. Swimming in the current I would think would develop stronger fish...not raising any sissies over here! LOL

seriously the fish will pout!

I'll have to get some FTS up one of these days. I started building back in March and based my ENTIRE design off what I've read from this website. The info, opinions, and experience is priceless. In this hobby, what works 100% for one person, won't work at all for another. I learn something everytime I log on and its a great a rewarding feeling knowing that everyday I'm getting better (baby steps). Thanks for the help!!!!!

Yup, I try to just suggest. good place here. good folks!
and no you owe us a an fts like...tomorrow.

hmmm. maybe a build thread? hmmmm we can let you off till this week end.