How much flow 4 SPS??

[wastedincome420]

For those of you whom have been sucsessful at high coloration/growth with sps How much flow(circulation) is really needed?
My tank in question is a 110g Oceanic (5ft long) and I want to ensure "proper"circulation. Also, what type of returns do you use?? Sparybars?? Sea Swirls?? regular fittings?? Other??
Is there such a thing as too much circulation??

[kevinpo]

I've yet to find a SPS that couldn't take the alternating current I gave it. Continuous direct current by a powerhead can strip coral tissue if placed too close. I really like the Sea Swirls. For your tank I would go with 2 - 3/4" models on a closed loop. They are rated for 850 GPH ea. High flow in an SPS tanks tends to make the corals keep their natural growth forms. I have gotten several corals from the LFS that were thin and spindlely but when placed in my tank (6,500 GPH) they turned into colonies very similar in growth form to book pictures.

I would add in addition to the SS a sump return of 1000-1400 GPH using locline for water surface agitation and additional flow.

Regards,
Kevin

[wastedincome420]

Hey Kevin:
My plan is to use an Iwaki 40rlxt for the sump return.. And an ampmaster3000 & amp2700 on a closed loop....
Is that a bit much for my tank size??

You mentioned "alternating" flow.... Thats what I want to get Do you think just a couple of SS's will do it??

[kevinpo]

For the return you might want to go up to the model MD70RLT to accommodate the head loss the MD40RLXT has a very quick drop-off in flow (it's useable just the 70 would be a better choice IMO for only $22 more in price). The 2700 AM is good to power the SS. However if you got the AM 3K you could T off the output and run a skimmer also (I just finished testing an excellent one that would fit your system @ $224). This would be enough flow for SPS.

SS = 1700 GPH
Return = 1380 GPH
Total = 3080
3080 \ 110 gal = 28 times and hour

Note: All flow rates are assuming 8' head.

Regards,
Kevin

[wastedincome420]

Thanks for the tips Kevin
The Iwaki70 would probly be better then the 40 BUt I have done some "wheeling & dealing" for my 3 pumps and I get what I get.
Did you understand that I pland to use a amp3k AND amp2700??
That would more then boost the GPH up

[MtnDewMan]

Sounds like you will have over 50X flowrate in that tank. The SPS will love it. I hope you don't plan on having a sandbed in the main display though ... It will stir up like crazy ...

I have a 75 with an Ampmaster 3000 on a closed loop and an Iwaki MD30RLT as a return pump. I have about 40X flow rate and my coral do great. I could easily put another 500 gph in my tank and love it

[kevinpo]

I didn't understand that you already have the pumps ;) You could easily get away with using just 2 and save the 2700 as a backup (backup is a good thing .

Regards,
Kevin

[wastedincome420]

Mtdewman: I was planning on having a sand bed in the main tank But your probly right about the stirring up. I have seen pics of your tank and am blown away.

I now wonder if I should just skip the amp2700 and trade it for a pair of Sea swirls ???? I could always add another pump latter If I feel I need more flow I guess. Do you think I would benifit more from the alternating flow of SS's then the extra turn over rate??


I dont really need to be able to surf in my tank, do I ??

[Reefland]

Sorry to butt in on your thread here but I am wondering about the sand bed stirring up. I don't have no where near the turn-over that you guys are talking and I have a problem with the sand bed stirring and keeping the tank a bit cloudy. It did finally clear up after running some carbon but then I added a bit more current and low and behold the tank has been cloudy again for a few days.

What is the resolution? Just let it be and settle on it's own?

Regards,

[golfish]

I'd just go with the AM3K with two Sea Swirls on each end of the tank pointing at each other. This will pretty much cover the whole tank. Along with the iwaki you should have more then enough flow...

I also use and Amp Master 3000 and 2x1" SS for my closed loop on my 150 sps tank. Its a great combo.

[scubadude]

Originally posted by golfish

I also use and Amp Master 3000 and 2x1" SS for my closed loop on my 150 sps tank. Its a great combo.

I 2nd this combo! I think volume is the key not velocity like Kevin said you can strip coral tissue w/too much velocity but as long as you make your outputs/inputs as large as possible then you are not "hotspotting" your current. I think your approach is very noble Wasted but could be overkill if you dont disperse it evenly.

[MtnDewMan]

I also agree about volume of water. That is why I removed the original outlets of my sea swirls as they created too much velocity and jet effects. I put 1" PVC elbows in their place. They allow me to lower the velocity of the water coming out while maximizing the output of the Ampmaster. No sand bed swirling. I am currently using the Ampmaster 3000 on 3/4" sea swirls. The 3/4" Sea Swirls probably limit the flow from the pump somewhat, but it is plenty for my tiny tank

You may want to try that Scott ... to help eliminate the sand swirling.

[kevinpo]

If you go with 1" Sea Swirls you can put a Y fitting on the end and reduce the velocity by 50% but have the same flow. This will also increase the sweep range from 90 to 180 degree coverage.

Scott,
I can't remember but if you are using SS you could do this also. The fittings just snap on the ends of the SS after removing the nozzle they come with. (be sure to turn off the SS and pump first though)

HTH,
Kevin

[wastedincome420]

Thanks for all your help guys
I think thats what I'll do. Ditch the amp2700 and use just the one 3k along with 2 1" (one at each ebd of tank) and the Iwaki for the sump return.