Circulation Question

[cbshark]

I know that this is a nano forum, but I posted this in reef tanks and I never get any responses from the people over there. I don't know what their problem is. I feel that I get much more info and feedback from this forum. Any way, here it is I currently have a CSL Velocity T1 as my return pump on my 125 gallon tank. It seems as though the flow is not nearly enough so I added a Rio 1700 inside the tank for more circulation. I also have a Rio1700 as the pump on my CPR SR4 skimmer. My question is this. When people talk about turnover rates, does it really matter if it flows through the sump for turnover or do you consider total flow throught entire system, in the tank, sump and skimmerl turnover? I have a fuge built into my sump now and feel that maybe the lower flow through my sump may be an advantage for getting the effects out of the fuge I am looking for, i.e. the water staying in contact with my fuge inhabitants longer. I think I may add another Rio 1700 inside the tank for even more flow. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[thomas712]

What type of tank are we talking about - reef?
Personally I use a velocity T-3 on my 90 gallon. For a 125 I would go for the T-4 and use a spraybar to even out the circulation. The T-1 would not have enough power for your 125.
Your fuge should have a slower turnover rate, if you can plum it right then there should be no problem.
Can you calculate your turnover rate? Give us the gallons per hour of all pumps and powerheads, take into count the hight that it has to flow up and any 90 degree angles that may reduce your flow.
Thomas

 

[black99l]

well lets see my mother has a 150 reef with a sump and two rio somethings for flow and it is doing really good. enough for circulation but not overkill. i'd say two PH and a main pump would be good. HTH

 

[cbshark]

Thanks guys. I currently have the T1, Rio1700, a penguin mini hob filter and a penguin 660 in operation for a rough total of about 1200 GPH. I purchased the T1 pump under the impression given to me by the shop owner that it was equal to my old quiet one pump that burned up. After making a rush purchase to avoid a tank crash, I investigated and found that he was totally wrong! I was probably flowing half as much, which prompted me to add the powerheads and HOB filter. At the time I was running a fish only tank. A few weeks ago my 10 gallon nano glass cracked and I had to transfer everything into my 125. I had to get rid of my 22" banded catshark and changed about 40 gallons of water as well as purchase new lighting for the tank. Since the change, I have lost my xenias and everything else has been looking pretty bad. I tested the water and all parameters were great but my nitrates were quite high. I changed another 40 gallons and got them a more under control and things are looking a bit better, but not great. I recently converted part of my sump into a fuge and this seems to be making a great difference. I put some of my more sickly looking corals in the fuge under 24 hour light and it seems to be helping. I plan to fill the tank with base and live rock soon and install some additional lighting but will stay away from any new corals until I get everything in check. I will update everyone with my progress as I make changes. Thanks again.