I need advice about water circulation...
 

Hi guys,

While I wait for the contractors to strengthen my floor, I can start shopping for other components.

Display Tank Specs:
- Oceanic 175G Bowfront - Reef Ready.
- Two 2" corner overflows (one on either side of display tank)
- Two 1" returns (one on either side of display tank) with Loc-Line
http://www.oceanaquatics.com/plumbing%20supplies.htm
- Sump approximately 30 - 50 gallons (haven't purchased one yet)
- Red Sea WaveMaster Pro

My Outlook:
- Cost is always an issue but I am realistically prepared for the big $$$ - maybe not all at once BUT over time.
- I value Quality over Price (since this is a long term investment)
- Ideally, this tank will start as a FO / FOWLR, then I'll progressively keep adding LR/LS and eventually end up with a REEF (within one year - give or take) .

Make your recommendations as if money was no object - and you were buying it for yourself but feel free to mention some "good bang for the buck" lower cost alternatives.

1> What would you recommend for powerheads?

- 3 or 4? x Hagen 402 Powerhead (270 GPH)
- 3 or 4? x Hagen 802 Powerhead (400 GPH)
- 3 or 4? x Maxi-Jet 1200 (295 GPH)
- Other? (please specify)


2> What would you recommend for a Return Pump?

- Iwaki MD30RLXT (1100 GPH - 4'Head Flow Rate: 960GPH)
- Iwaki MD40RLXT (1200 GPH - 4'Head Flow Rate: 1100GPH)
- Little Giant 3MDQX-SC (1100 GPH - 5' Head: 600GPH)
- Little Giant 4MDQX-SC (1350 GPH - 5' Head: 900GPH)
- Mag 1200 (1200 GPH - 4' Head: 1100 GPH)
- Mag 1800 (1800 GPH - 4' Head: 1390 GPH)
- Quiet One 4000 (1017 GPH - 6' Head: 600GPH)
- Quiet One 6000 (1506 GPH - 6' Head: 950GPH)
- Other? (please specify)


2> Would it be advantageous to put "Y Fittings" on the Loc-Line to divert the returns for a more varied water current?


This one isn't about circulation - but here it is anyway...
4> What would be a good skimmer for this type/size of system?


Thanks in advance.

I say forget the powerheads and go with a closed loop with Sea Swirls. You're going to need alot of powerheads cluttering your display to circulate a tank as big as yours.

I'd not try to get the majority of your water circulation from your sump, closed loop or power heads would be the way to go, but seriously, the Turbelle would be my choice.

Doug

forget about magdrives and look only at the pressure rated pumps. like the MAK 4 and others.

a tunze would be nice in there but I would also have some stratigicly placed powerheads to mix up the flow. If you are looking at wave makers the red sea is a nice one.

for return current I wouldent worry to much about loc line and the such, it gets salt creep and you are always cleaning it. I would just use PVC and set it up with some thought.

Steve