Powerheads

fencer · #1 10-10-2007, 05:54 PM

Like the idea
1. add up all the power you are using to circ now and compare what you single pump is outputting...see if it is worth it.
2. Remember lots of piping equals lots of pressure drops. A powerhead get high flows because it has not height to push against and no pipes. So you may get less flowrate than what your pump is rated at.
3. It is not just all about flowrate. It is how it is pulsed through the system. I have seen many systems where alternating flows are used and the corals respond very well to them. Tunze wave maker is nice if you got cash to burn.

Joe Reefer · #2 10-10-2007, 06:05 PM

I tried your idea, and I ended up with 5 or 6 baffles in the sump and still had a micro bubble problem. I ended up having to swap the return pump out for something a little smaller.

mark · #3 10-10-2007, 06:31 PM

It is done as you describe and to get a more constant flow through each outlet a manifold is sometimes used (often called Calfo manifold). Loc-line nozzles can be used to aim the flow.

Pescador · #4 10-10-2007, 07:31 PM

I'm a fan of a spray bar on the return, I'm using irrigation pipe sort of like this thread on RC but without the nozzles. It gives great flow down the back and out to the front under the live rock.
But.... it's not enough flow on it's own.
If you don't like the look of powerheads there is the Tunze streamrock option as well.
I have 5 anenomes that have never wandered near the Tunzes.

ponokareefer · #5 10-10-2007, 09:55 PM

Is there anyone else out there that has had the same success with the Tunze powerheads and anemones? If that is all it would take, I think I would just do that.

BTW: Thanks for all the input everyone.