Flow rates

[mhender]

Well, here is the question. The tank is 300 Gallons.

What should the through put of my tank be. How many time an hour should I put the volume of the tank through the return pump. It's rated at 3600 GPH, but I think I'm running about 1400 gph through that system. I am going to re-plumb the system in a month to include a closed loop system between several tanks in dufferent areas of the house. I'm trying to figure out how much water I have to move where.

Thanks
Mark

[Reefland]

The more the better. The key is to ensure there are no dead spots in the tank. Therefore, 3000gph from several outputs is going to be better than 3000gph from one.

[mhender]

The more the better. The key is to ensure there are no dead spots in the tank. Therefore, 3000gph from several outputs is going to be better than 3000gph from one.

I can achive the circlulation with powerheads. Should I use the return from the sump for all of the curculation or just put like 900 GPH through the sump. If I allow the return pump to run all out it can actually move the rocks around. No dead spots but damsels can't swim against the current !!

[Reefland]

I don't think it is feasible to run that much flow through the sump. You should look at alternatives like using Tunze Streams, or similar internal pumps, or a closed loop.

[mhender]

I don't think it is feasible to run that much flow through the sump. You should look at alternatives like using Tunze Streams, or similar internal pumps, or a closed loop.

what volume do you think I should run through the sump. I guess that is what I was asking in the first place....

[Reefland]

Drum roll please.....it depends.

Do you have a refugium built into the sump? Really what it comes down to is flowing as much as you can without bubbles returning through the return pump. This varies depending on the size of the sump, the baffles used, etc. The best bet is to put a ball valve on the output of the return pump, and run it as open as you can without bubbles, or so much turbulence in the sump water splashes out.

[mhender]

Well there is a refugium in the sump, but not much in it. Some Macro Algae and live rock and some rubble on one side and on the other side are bio balls. I have 2 other small tanks that are going to be a qtank and ref. There will be other tanks in the house that will connect into that system when I get motivated to do so. So many plans .... I can run it full out with out causing to much disruption in the sump, no splashing at all due to baffels and such.

Mark

[Reefland]

Most people like to keep the flow in their refugiums low, in order to provide a more gentle environment for the pods and algaes, and especially to keep sand in place (for those that use sand in their 'fuge). Why did you opt to use bio-balls in the sump? They are waste collectors, I would remove them. ;)

[mhender]

They came with the sump and tank.

[Reefland]

Do a search here for bioballs, I think you will find that it is better to remove them. ;)

[dabossinokc]

So what is a better media? I have a 20 gallon sump on my 150 with bio balls and I am thinking I need more bio to eat the heavy load my predator tank presents. I am running a skimmer but still have nitrite spikes every once in a while. I have read quite a bit about mangroves but I am pretty sure my wife will think that I am a looney toon if I start growing trees under our aquarium. Suggestions>?

[The R/C Man]

Live rock is the ideal replacement for bio-balls.

[dabossinokc]

I have over 240 lbs of live rock in both of my tanks, 2lbs per gallon. Do I need more there won't be any room for anything in the tank? Or are you suggesting to put live rock in the sump? Please explain.

[mhender]

I'm planning on moving the filter with the bioballs to a easier access location. I'll just clean the balls every now and then. I'm also adding a refugium above the tank and another 100 gallon sump in the basement with live rock in that. I don't think cleaning the bioballs every 3 months is going to crash the system.

/mh

[Mr.Firemouth]

Let me add my 2 cents.
1. flow thru the sump should be at the maximum rate that the system can handle safely without overflowing. Turn over rate is very important and is different thru the sump than circulation in the tank. They are 2 different things.
2. If your skimmer is plumbed to the sump and turns over sau 3000gph then you want the sump turn over rate to be as close to that as possible. This will increase the efficiency of the skimmer to exposure of DOC's.
You can read more about this in Bob Goemans book on Protien Skimming Secrets.
3. Higher flow rates in eurpean tanks have shown huge improvements in tanks that were awesome before the increase in turn over. Daniel Komp -numerous Coral Magazine articles.
4. Mangroves do not remove as much and as fast as Chaeto will. Personal experiences.
5.Live rock is superior to bio balls. Personal Experiences. Place LR in sump!
6.When plumbing other tanks to system don't forget check valves in plumbing or else design sump to be able to handle all the water when power goes out. Deliberately shut off system and test sump capacity after it is up and running to make sure there is no problems.

I am a gadget guy who fiddles with everything. I like maintenance free type set-ups.(even though they still need maintenance!!!) I have tried almost everything! High flow is better! Push the system to its safest limit!