water flow on a 50 gallon

[aussiefishy]

Hello all. i just started a 50 gallon SPS/Clam tank and right now i have a Quiet1 6000 (1600 gph pump with a squid), the wavemaker slow the flow quite a bit, so i am planning on getting some powerheads for this tank. the dimension is 36X18X18.

i am planning to get 2 Seio 620 and installing it one on each side of this 36inch tank.. i cannot afford a wavemaker (electonic) yet... i have 2 questions: please help!

1. will the flow be too much?? if so, what would you recommend?
2. should these WIDE FLOW poerheads be blowing straight onto the corals??

8)

 

[danmhippo]

I will answer the Q number 2, the flow should be over or around them.

 

[hillbilly]

I would place the powerheads in the back corners and aim them at an angle toward the front center tank wall. Too much flow? Not for sps, they prefer turblent flow. Maybe a bit much for any softies in the tank.

 

[GOGO]

I agree with Hillbilly, in the corners with the powerheads would work!
I had a similar setup before and it worked out great! as far as turbulance you will have this problem anyway due to the size of your tank but as long as you are not directly in the path of soft coals you should be fine.
GOGO

 

[Tackett]

1. will the flow be too much?? if so, what would you recommend?

No such thing as too much IMO. Even corals directly infront of the flow, IME has just adapted to the current....granted they were a little sideways...but alive.

 

[ChrisRD]

For SPS corals I'd agree - generally the more flow the better. There is a such thing as too much flow velocity however (ie. don't point strong, concentrated powerhead outlets directly at nearby corals). With the wider flow powerheads you're talking about this will be less of an issue (or maybe not at all). Also, if you're going to have clams take that into consideration - some will not appreciate the vigorous, turbulent flow preferred by many SPS.

 

[jwc3]

Saw that you have a QuietOne pump. Do you think it's more quiet than other pumps?

 

[aussiefishy]

yes, it is very quiet, viturally no sound at all. but still there is the issue of heating up water if you use it as internal. 8)

thanks for all of your help!

the next question is can i do 2 seio 620 without the wavemaker first?? will the flow be too (constant)??

 

[Anonymous]

Bouncing it off of the glass should be fine. Also, the SCWD will help to "randomize" the flow. I do not see the need for a wave maker.

 

[Tackett]

Wazzel is a smart man. SCWD's just vary the flow a little, I dont think I would call them wavemakers.

 

[aussiefishy]

by wavemaker i mean wavemaster pro to hook up seio's

 

[Tackett]

I wasnt directing that comment toward your reccomendation aussie, I am unfamiliar with the wavemaster, I was just making a general statement about SCWD's and those little powerstripo thingers that just turn crap on and off.

 

[Len]

A quick advice about the Quiet Ones: At least every 6 months (preferably 3), disconnect it and soak the impellar area with unflavored white vinegar. Because these are direct drive pumps, things tend to build up and clog the impeller fairly quickly and easily.

 

[Tackett]

Ok question here, I have never cleaned my pumps, or powerheads since I bought them. I will have to rip my rockwork down to get to my powerheads, and cleaning the magdrive would be a royal pain. Am I cruising for a bruising?

 

[ChrisRD]

If your Ca/Alk levels are up where they should be, then IME it's just a matter of time before an unmaintained pump will seize and/or die. I have to do the vinegar thing like Len mentioned periodically or else...

 

[Anonymous]

Agreed! Given that my softie tank is my oldest (4 mos), I have taken down all my powerheads at least once already in that tank. No Calc buildup thus far, but lots of slime and other unidentifieable stuff. Plus they will last longer!