[RFL]

I'm in the process of building a 120g reef/fish tank and want to drill the acrylic befor putting it together. I was planning on two 1.25 in overflows in each corner and three .75in return lines across the back. I think this will fill and drain the tank nicely. My question is how much water do I need going to my sump/skimmer. I've read that 7-10 cycles/hr is ideal, but does this all need to go the the sump and skimmer, or can powerheads in the tank achieve this circulation?

[Reefland]

RFL,

The total amount of flow really depends on the types of coral you plan to keep but in most cases, the more overall flow the better; 7-10x overall turnover is low for any tank if you ask me though. I think that this is a better amount through the sump but more would be desired in the display. This additional current can be provided with powerheads, Tunze Streams or other similar internal pumps. In your case I would suggest a closed loop, do a search as I think it will interest you.

[sweetrav18]

Reefland,


How much flow should i have for a 55g? I dont want a sandstorm or to blow away my fishes? I dont have any corals yet, but will have later so I am building the closed loop now. Are we talking a 600gph pump or something like an 1000gph pump? Any pumps we should avoid? Thanks for the info and sorry about the piggyback.

[Poseidon]

Do a search for "Rio" and another search for "maxi jet" that should get you on the right path. When I had my 55 I had 2 Aqua Clear 300 "back filters" 300 GPH each, a skilter 250, (junk) and 2 402 powerheads, I think those are about 300 GPH each. that put at about 1500 GPH total. Worked well for my softies and LPS...

[charlie]

I would go with the 1000gph at least. You will be able to drill your returns so that they are pretty high up in the tank. If you used locline inside the tank, there are just alot of options!!!!!
Do you know what kind of corals you are going to keep? That will help make a determination as to how many times an hour you want to turn the tank over. I turn my 80 gallon sofite tank around about 20 times an hour, for example!
HTH

[sweetrav18]

I just want to make sure that it won't be a tornado in the tank blowing everything around and clouding up the tank. Will my clownfish, angels and damsel will be alright. How noticeable with this flow be and what can yo suggest to minimize micro bubbles. Also, does anyone have any pictures or diagrams of their own closed loop systems?