A few questions from a newbie

[levinsh]

Hi

I'm just starting out with my first tank. I have a 72 gallon All-glass reef-ready tank. I just started to cycle it a couple of days ago by adding some cured live rock and a few Damsel fish. I intend to make this a fish-only tank, and then maybe in time (a year or two) move towards a reef tank.

I bought two Marineland maxi-jet 1200 powerheads, and put one in each back corner. But it seemed (to my extremely untrained eye ) like there might be too much circulation with the return from the sump (via a Magdrive 700GPH pump from the sump) and the two powerheads, so I removed one of the powerheads.

After reading some postings on this board I'm wondering if I should put the second powerhead back? Is there such a thing as too much circulation, and if so could I possibly be anywhere close to that, or would it be fine with the two powerheads and sump return?

The powerheads also have a tube that can be used to allow air in. I've turned this off, as I assume I have enough aeration via my protein skimmer (CPR SR2) and quite a lot of bubbling in the sump where the drain pipe from the overflow ends. Do I probably have enough aeration, or should I consider using the tubes from the powerheads as well?

Also, I got 90lb of Arragamax aragonite, and 20lb of live sand. I've already added all of that, but I'm wondering if it's too much? It's about 3.5" deep on average.

Thanks for any help/advice.

- Stu

 

[ChrisRD]

Hi Stu and :welcome:

Two MJ1200s plus your return is reasonable for a tank that size, definitely not too much IMO. I'd put the other powerhead back in.

As for the aerator tubes, you were right to unhook them. Those are useful in freshwater applications but not in your reef. Using them would just result in lots of micro bubbles clouding up your tank and salt creep that would need constant wiping from the bubbles breaking at the surface.

Certain types of damsels can be very aggressive, so you might want to look into what species you have and what fish you'd like to get later or you could have compatibility issues.

As for the sand thing - opinions vary widely. I think you'll be fine with things as is, but you can always syphon some out if you feel it's too much. You certainly don't need that much IMO.

Good luck with your new setup and welcome aboard.

 

[Len]

Welcome to Reefs.org! I think two Maxijets 1200 with one Mag 700 is good flow. A good idea (but unfortunately one that's gonna cost some money) is to purchase a wavemaker so you can oscillate the two Maxijets. This is very useful to help mix up the circulation patterns in the tank.

Yep, your skimmer is plenty of aeration. Reef tanks with skimmers and proper water movement rarely have O2 problems.

As Chris mentioned, sand bed dept is controversial, but I'd like to say I have had 4" of sand in my 120g for 10+ years without a problem

 

[Juck]

I have a very similar setup on my 75g,,, a Mag7 return and two MJ1200's.

I wish I had more flow through the sump but that's my fault for drilling the hole too small (duh). Definitely put the other powerhead in the tank,,,, once you get going with corals you'll appreciate the extra turbulence.

I wish they made more powerful Powerheads that are as small, quiet and reliable as the MJ1200's ,, I'd really like more water movement but don't have enough room for a closed loop.

Good luck,,, you're taking it slow which is half the battle.

 

[levinsh]

Thanks for all the responses and advice! I put the other MJ1200 back in, and I'll consider getting a wavemaker in a few months (when I get over the cost of everything else!).