Recommended flow rates for powerheads (60 gallon reef)

[Johnny Reef]

Hi guys,
I am in the process of ordering things for my first reef.
I am interested in purchasing the "Maxi-Fet Natural Wavemaker System" which is composed of 3 powerheads and a wavemaker/timer.

My tank is a 60 gallon tank, with a minimum of 60 pounds of live rocks.
What system would you recommend best for my tank and why?

3 Powerheads each @ 106 gph
3 Powerheads each @ 160 gph
3 Powerheads each @ 230 gph
3 Powerheads each @ 295 gph

 

[Tackett]

In my opnion, 3 295s isnt enough flow in a sixty. You could check out the tunze streams. If you want to spend a little extra dough and get alot higher flow rate. These are going to be some of my next purchases. Get a high high flow rate man, you wont regret spending the cash on it. One of the reasons for a high flow is to eliminate dead spots where detrius could accumulate on the aquarium floor. 3x295gph wont get the job done.

http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_pow ... sp?CartId=

 

[Tackett]

If you want to know what one I would get.

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem. ... uct=TZTS24

 

[Tackett]

This is the one Im going to get for my 55 if I ever get the cash.

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem. ... uct=TZTS48

 

[Tackett]

Or you could get a high GPH external pump and put it on a closed loop.

 

[ChrisRD]

What are the dimensions of the tank and what do you plan to keep in it? Some animals prefer vigorous current, some prefer less turbulent conditions.

 

[Johnny Reef]

Wow, those are some pretty expensive equipment you recommended!!

My tank dimensions are: 48L X 17H X 15W

I plan to keep several groups of xenia.
A pair of percula clownfish. Some different types of shrimps.
Mandarin Goby.

I have some used Water pumps (via aqua) that pumps from 700-1100 gph (depending on the model). Would these be better.

I was just worried that too much current will tire the fish...

 

[Tackett]

Wow, those are some pretty expensive equipment you recommended!!

My tank dimensions are: 48L X 17H X 15W

I plan to keep several groups of xenia.
A pair of percula clownfish. Some different types of shrimps.
Mandarin Goby.

I have some used Water pumps (via aqua) that pumps from 700-1100 gph (depending on the model). Would these be better.

I was just worried that too much current will tire the fish...

Those would be much better, alot of current will never be detrimental. (unless like chris said, you have hurricane force current and try to put things in that like low flow.) just do your research on your critters. I would definatley put the via aqua pumps on closed loops with SCWD's rather than spending the cash on the maxijets. Everyone likes maxijets, and Im inclined to agree, they are very well made powerheads. I hate them on larger tanks though, they just dont have the power. Another good thing about keeping powerheads out of your tank is that you will not have to worry about animals getting sucked into them. As I said though, this is just my opinion and what I would do if I was in your position. Take it as you will.

 

[Johnny Reef]

I would definatley put the via aqua pumps on closed loops with SCWD's rather than spending the cash on the maxijets.

What does this sentence mean? Sorry, I'm a newbie...
"closed loops?" "SCWD's?"

thanks for the great recomeendations. keep them coming!

 

[Tackett]

Oh sorry, spoke before thinking.

SCWD: Switching current water director.
http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_wav ... sp?CartId=

Its a little Tee device that you plumb inline on the outlet of your water pump. The incoming pressure will slowly switch from one outlet to another.

"closed loop" simply means that instead of pumping water from a sump to the main tank, the pump is set up so that water is sucked in from the main tank and then squirted back into the main tank without sump involvment. You can do it pretty easily rigging up a hangon back inlet and outlet. This will keep ugly powerheads out of the display.

If you are still confused just say so. I should have clarified, I apologize.

 

[Johnny Reef]

thanks for the clarification. I appreciate it very much.
I guess I will use my large water pumps instead of the powerheads.