Flow plan for my new tank.. enough???

[nlreefguy]

Originally Posted by i have crabs

I think your options will depend on your plans for the tank.
I assume you mean that the tank will be viewable from both sides and 1 end pannels?
If so having powerheads on the viewable end will kinda suck so i think vortechs on the nonviewable end would be nicer.
Also if both side pannels are viewable then the rocks will probably be stacked dpwn the center of the tank so 1 vortec wont be that great, 1 vortech blowing down each side of the rockwork would be much better, mp20's shpuld be plenty in a 36" tank but if the money isnt a factor i would get mp40's and dial them back a bit if needed rather than find out you dont have enough power.

Yes, I want it to be viewable from both sides and one end as you say. I was kind of concerned about having the vortechs only because it seems like all my flow would be originating from only one side, but after reading what I have about the vortech pumps, it seems like it will produce excellent flow through the whole tank anyway, correct?

[i have crabs]

they definatly provide the widest flow pattern but the only way its gonna cove both the viewable sides is if its placed in the center, but having the tank viewable from both sides implies that the rock will be stacked down the center of the tank. is that your plans? if so having 1 vortec in the center is just gonna blow strait into the rocks and not really provide flow to the whole tank,
in my opinion even a mp40 isnt gonna provide overly strong flow after 36" of tank
i really think your decision is gonna depend on your layout of the tank and the budget you have to spend.

[nlreefguy]

yep, rock in the middle, maybe in a couple of "towers" with swimming space between. I want a lean layout this time instead of the "wall of rock" i have usually had.

[fkshiu]

Originally Posted by nlreefguy

yep, rock in the middle, maybe in a couple of "towers" with swimming space between. I want a lean layout this time instead of the "wall of rock" i have usually had.

Then put your flow generator (vortech, tunze, closed loop w/eductor - doesn't really matter which one) in the hidden end off to one side and you'll have a Gyre. It works the same way as a whirlpool that builds up centrifugal force as it spins round and round. It works best with an up/down pulse. If you want really fancy then simply put a flow source alternating on each side for reversing Gyres.

[golf nut]

If you have the source at the overflow end at the bottom,moving down the tank and the sump returns at the surface at the opposite end you will get a barrel effect that will guarantee surface water gets to the overflow and detritus is picked up and into the water column.