Upgrading PH again, please advise

[sigmachris]

OK, I have a 14G BioCube set up since January '07. I have had on and off battles with hair algae and cynao. Not big battles, but enough to be annoying. The culprit is two fold, lack of flow and most likely over feeding. I need to cut back more, but those puppy dog eyes on my clowns begging for food get me every time.
So here is the deal, since the BioCube is small I am refusing to put a second PH in the DT. I want to save the the limited space for LR, corals, and fish. About 2 months I upgraded the stock PH to a Rio 800 which is rated at 200 gph, but I don't think I am getting that output.
Anyday now, I should be receiving my Hydor Rotating Deflector. This should randomly change the direction of the the return flow through out the tank. Hopefully this will get at some dead spots in the DT.
This is my question...I will be upgrading the PH again, should I go with the MaxiJet 900 or 1200? Anyone who owns a MaxiJet, can you tell me if you can control the output of a MaxiJet? Meaning if I buy the 1200 and it is too strong at full power, is there a dial to turn it back to say 80% output?
As always thanks in advance for your help,
Chris

 

[moneyman]

None of the Maxijet line to date has variable output. MJ1200 will put out 1200 l/hr. Now, you can slow the flow by filing the impeller or cover up the opening. But, that would be frown upon by the manufacture.
You might already know this: The Hydro FLO will reduce the flow a bit. If I have to pick a number, I say it'll reduce it ~30%. Just something to consider when making your decision.

 

[trippkid]

No, there is no way to adjust them back. You could put a 900 impeller in a 1200 PH body, that would make it a 900 then. The flow director is going to cut down on some of the flow. You could split the flow if needed, just have to be a little creative with 1/4" or 1/2" PVC, Loc-Line,1/2"tubing, etc.. You could look at the Minijet pumps(same as Maxijet maker) not quiet as big of a pump, and they work pretty well. Overfeeding is most likely the issue for you algea and cyano problems. Once every other day is fine, they will not starve. When you get control of the problems, you could give them a treat every now and then when you are feeling guilty.
Matt

 

[sigmachris]

Thanks for the advice guys...with the flow deflector reducing the output I think I will go with the 1200.

 

[earlybird]

In my 29 I have a mj 900 with a hydor rotating deflector and it is very powerful, blows my sand around. Just FYI.