Minor system design question

[stevertr]

I need somje more flow in my 46 gal bowfront and I'm looking at two options.

Currently I have a 200g/h powerhead in the tank itself, and then another 200g/h in the fuge pumping up about 4ft into the tank (I'm envisioning it's probably putting out 70gph at the tank due to the height.)

Thinking of limiting power use, as well as the "things that can go wrong" component, I was thinking of upgrading the fuge pump to a 600gph pump, (about 450gph at the tank due to the height). Then I can get the flow without an additional pump. I also thought that since the overlow and return have filter material on them it would keep the tank even cleaner to increase that flow. On the other hand, perhaps that would cause flow through the fuge to be moving too quickly...and no I'm rethinking about just throwing another 200gph into the tank itself.

Any thoughts on which would be the better way to go?

Regards

Steve

 

[mikestod]

Steve, check out the tunze nano stream pumps. I just picked one up and its great. Way better than the maxijet modification I built. Its only slightly bigger than a maxi-jet and the flow is great! You're welcome to come check the tunze out and compare my modified maxi with it anytime...

 

[jbundas]

Yeah, I'd go with another decent powerhead style in-tank circulator. It'll be more efficient for what you want rather than wasting energy pumping more water up from the sump.

Be careful with mechanical filters in your overflow/return loop. If you're not on top of cleaning them every couple days, you may be better off without them. They tend to collect detritus and trap it where it will rot and pollute the tank with with nitrates and such versus just keeping the water well circulated so the suspended detritus can be broken down by the bacteria in your rock or completely removed from the water column with a skimmer.

 

[stevertr]

thanks....
wouldn't the mechanical filter have the same bacteria in it as in the LR to break down the nitrates? Just curious.

 

[jbundas]

You'll have some in there but anything trapped is still just destined to become nitrate algae food. You don't have the diversity you get in the deep, low O2 crevices in rock or other micro-organisms (including corals) that will filter-feed on the suspended detritus and consume it rather than just break it down.

 

[willray]

Filter material on the overflow and return? Keep it clean!!!!!I would get a better pump(depending on the pump some put out more flow and use less electicity)and split the reurns.