Gyre Alternative... the Search for Random Flow

[john.m.cole3]

Hello everyone, how's it going? I wanted to start a discussion about powerheads and how to arrange them in your tank to create the ever so sought after, "random flow".

I envy the capabilities the gyre has. The ability to move a large sheet of water across the surface of your tank, hit a wall, drop, and return along the bottom just to get spit back into the fast moving water up top. I want that, but I don't want a gyre. There are too many reports of the blades getting broke, blades not sitting correctly in the motor, ecessive noise, and the need to clean frequently... All of that deters me from getting one. But I want the type of flow the Gyres provide. I was thinking about some nanostream pumps from Tunze. Having 2 or 3 appropriately sized pumps in a row near the water line on the side of your tank. This would stream the flow across the top and create a gyre. I tried it with 2 jebao powerheads synced together but the flow wasn't reaching the opposite side of the tank well/ Those style of pumps create too wide of a flow pattern IMO.

what do you think? Plausible?

 

[ahiggins]

Following along :)

 

[reeferfoxx]

Hello everyone, how's it going? I wanted to start a discussion about powerheads and how to arrange them in your tank to create the ever so sought after, "random flow".

I envy the capabilities the gyre has. The ability to move a large sheet of water across the surface of your tank, hit a wall, drop, and return along the bottom just to get spit back into the fast moving water up top. I want that, but I don't want a gyre. There are too many reports of the blades getting broke, blades not sitting correctly in the motor, ecessive noise, and the need to clean frequently... All of that deters me from getting one. But I want the type of flow the Gyres provide. I was thinking about some nanostream pumps from Tunze. Having 2 or 3 appropriately sized pumps in a row near the water line on the side of your tank. This would stream the flow across the top and create a gyre. I tried it with 2 jebao powerheads synced together but the flow wasn't reaching the opposite side of the tank well/ Those style of pumps create too wide of a flow pattern IMO.

what do you think? Plausible?

How big is the tank? I can't imagine jebao pumps not being strong enough? You could look into a pair of Aqualink S1 controllers for the jebao pumps. In addition to the basic controller settings, you can add scheduled flows (ex: 12am - 6am low flow 6am - 12pm pulse 12pm - 5pm alternating flow). One WIFI app controls both separate controllers at the same time. I have one of the S1 controllers and love it. Plus it allows you to overclock the pump speed. Lets you go from 100% to 120%.

The basic controller "sync" option is flawed.

 

[fragit]

I am currently using a 1" Sea Swirl on the over flow side of my 120gal peninsula attached to my return plumbing. On the opposite side I have 2 hydor pumps that I think are the 1345gal/hr models attached to a hydor wave maker. I won a Tunze Stream 3 pump here but it has not arrived yet, that will replace the two hydors. At any rate the Sea Swirl is awesome, I get plenty of strong flow out of it. More than enough to reach the opposite wall 48" away. I get a nice gyre effect and it is oscillating so the flow is totally random. Additionally with the two hydors on a 10 second cycle the flow in my tank is totally random, no dead spots what so ever. Plenty of flow for SPS, LPS need to be placed strategically but I'm okay with that. I've never had a Sea Swirl before but it was well worth the investment.

 

[john.m.cole3]

it's a 4 foot long 72 gallon. 2x RW8s is what I tried it with and the flow pattern was too wide. I have a BTA on a rock on the far side that was getting blasted. I wanted the flow to go above and around the BTA.

 

[john.m.cole3]

I am currently using a 1" Sea Swirl on the over flow side of my 120gal peninsula attached to my return plumbing. On the opposite side I have 2 hydor pumps that I think are the 1345gal/hr models attached to a hydor wave maker. I won a Tunze Stream 3 pump here but it has not arrived yet, that will replace the two hydors. At any rate the Sea Swirl is awesome, I get plenty of strong flow out of it. More than enough to reach the opposite wall 48" away. I get a nice gyre effect and it is oscillating so the flow is totally random. Additionally with the two hydors on a 10 second cycle the flow in my tank is totally random, no dead spots what so ever. Plenty of flow for SPS, LPS need to be placed strategically but I'm okay with that. I've never had a Sea Swirl before but it was well worth the investment.

I remember the sea swirl from your build.

 

[reeferfoxx]

it's a 4 foot long 72 gallon. 2x RW8s is what I tried it with and the flow pattern was too wide. I have a BTA on a rock on the far side that was getting blasted. I wanted the flow to go above and around the BTA.

The wide flow pattern is what I like lol? I understand what you're saying, though. @mcarroll loves Tunze pumps.

 

[mcarroll]

Flow reach by pump model?

 

[mcarroll]

@reeferfoxx is not wrong. ;):rolleyes::D

Maybe consider two or three Turbelle® nanostream® 6040 transverse pumps? ($140/ea) They can be placed out of view behind some rocks on the back wall and aimed straight up or straight sideways.

The more traditional answer would be approximately a pair of Turbelle® nanostream® 6055's. ($185/ea)

You might opt for a third pump if your 72 is a bowfront. (That shape is notoriously difficult to flow.) It doesn't have to be a third 6055 (but could be). The third could also be a 6040 in the back, or even a 6045 or 6095 hidden in one of their Stream Rocks ($55 or $77).

 

[mcarroll]

And for heaven's sake watch this, if you haven't already:


Not specifically about gyre flows, but quality info!

 

[fragit]

I would be happy to let you know how I like the Stream 3 when/if I ever get it. According to the literature they have published it is supposed to create some nice gyre effects.