Creating tidal flow in my aquarium

[Jubei2006]

So the 500 gallon is going okay, but I feel as though I have some flow issues. There isn't much in the way of obstructions, but I am having some cyano blooms and slime algae issues in the tank. My main question is, I have a closed loop on the tank with an outflow in each corner. I was using an ocean motion 4 way, which was very nice, but the maintenance was a pain. So now it's just continously flow on all outflows. I was thinking of using two dolphin ampmaster pumps. One on each end. One would push from one side for 6 to 12 hours, then alternate to the other side for 6 to 12 hours. How hard would this continously start/stop be on the A/C motors? The only D/C pumps that would come close are the red dragon or abyss pumps, and dont wanna spend that much. Thanks

 

[CoralB]

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[Pistondog]

So the 500 gallon is going okay, but I feel as though I have some flow issues. There isn't much in the way of obstructions, but I am having some cyano blooms and slime algae issues in the tank. My main question is, I have a closed loop on the tank with an outflow in each corner. I was using an ocean motion 4 way, which was very nice, but the maintenance was a pain. So now it's just continously flow on all outflows. I was thinking of using two dolphin ampmaster pumps. One on each end. One would push from one side for 6 to 12 hours, then alternate to the other side for 6 to 12 hours. How hard would this continously start/stop be on the A/C motors? The only D/C pumps that would come close are the red dragon or abyss pumps, and dont wanna spend that much. Thanks

You describe starting and stopping every 6 hours. This is not an issue for the pumps.

 

[BristleWormHater]

You describe starting and stopping every 6 hours. This is not an issue for the pumps.

He wants to schedule flow in the tank to create variable flow.

 

[FUNGI]

IMO.....Maxspect Gyres 350's with controller........that will take care of it

 

[Jubei2006]

You describe starting and stopping every 6 hours. This is not an issue for the pumps.

Thanks, this is what I thought. Watch a video awhile back from BRS, where they were discussion that yes turbulent random flow is good, but in the ocean you have mass laminar flow in one direction towards shore over 6 to 12 hours, and then mass laminar flow away from shore for 6 to 12 hours. This was the flow I'm trying to recreate with my closed loop.

 

[Jubei2006]

IMO.....Maxspect Gyres 350's with controller........that will take care of it

Thanks, but the wife is cord and powerhead adverse to the look of the tank. It is a 4 side viewable tank in my place of business

 

[Clownreef]

I have 4 MP40's and 2 Ice Cap gyres all doing their own thing at different, variable speeds. Tons of flow in my 9 ft tank..