how to achieve adequate flow on a 1000 gallon mixed reef

[quirkylemon103]

im setting up a 1000 gallon reef tank and i dont know how to acheive enough flow.
the tank is going to be 8 feet by 4 feet by 4 feet.

 

[Huff747]

I think WWC and Jason Fox use Panta Rhei pumps on some of their large systems.

 

[quirkylemon103]

i forgot to mention that it is a closed loop system not sure if that changes anything

 

[jt17]

It will be difficult to get the flow you want with a closed loop. You will use way more energy than with powerheads.
A combination of Mp60, maxpect gyre 280 or panta rei will move water more efficiently

 

[quirkylemon103]

ok

 

[quirkylemon103]

thanks for the advice

 

[Water Dog]

i forgot to mention that it is a closed loop system not sure if that changes anything

That certainly does... I‘d love to see the plumbing layout on your closed loop in a tank of that size. While I don’t personally have experience with a closed loop, I know @ca1ore uses a closed loop in addition to traditional powerheads on his 450. I believe he uses a Vectra to run his closed loop. It’s one of the benefits of the different wave modes found on modern DC return pumps, and is really where they shine. They also aren’t bogged down with head pressure limitations in closed loop applications.

 

[ca1ore]

Even though closed loops are probably viewed as ‘old tech’ by many younger reefers, I actually think modern, variable DC pumps have changed the calculation. A couple of vectra L2 pumps on a closed loop of adequate diameter will push a lot of water a long way. OK, maybe not the same total broad volume as a vortech MP60, but certainly with greater reach. I personally use both MP60s and a closed loop. Panta Rhei 63 (hyrowizard) is a nice pump, but it has a significant intank profile and is quite pricey. For the price of a single ECM63, you can buy three MP60.

 

[quirkylemon103]

what i'l probably do is have the closed loop for the non flow demanding coral and then a 1 ecm63 for the more demanding corals. and then 3 or 4 mp6os.

 

[quirkylemon103]

this is off topic but is this a good heater https://www.fishtanksdirect.com/aqu...phase-titanium-inline-heater-hti-6-220-3.aspx if not does anybody know a good heater for my tanksize

 

[C. Eymann]

I'd be looking into closed loop setup like others mentioned, maybe a Tunze master stream?

 

[quirkylemon103]

ok

 

[Nhltc99]

Check out David Saxby's tank. He uses only closed loop on his tank that is well over 1000g. System is over 3000g. If you scroll down there is computer drawings of all the equipment.

David Saxby's Aquarium | D-D The Aquarium Solution

www.theaquariumsolution.com

 

[ca1ore]

this is off topic but is this a good heater https://www.fishtanksdirect.com/aqu...phase-titanium-inline-heater-hti-6-220-3.aspx if not does anybody know a good heater for my tanksize

I've no experience with those particular models, but unless you plan to keep your tank outside during the Winter, you wont need anything close to 6,000 watts. I use about 1,000 on my 700 gallon ish system.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I have 660g with similar footprint. I run a Reeflo hammerhead gold and 4 outlets on right side and looped over the top to the left side with another 2 outlets.

 

[quirkylemon103]

thank you

 

[vetteguy53081]

thank you

 

[pdxmonkeyboy]

some of the new jebao pumps push some serious water for under $200. I have a 4,000 gph closed loop from a jebao that runs at 110 watts and cost me $150.

It is a shame that soo many people just parrot what they heard and say "closed loop is old school" and "you use too much power to move water" is that they fail to realize three important things.

1. closed loop can put the flow right where you need it!! Mine comes through the bottom of the tank.
2. DC powered pumps are very efficient
3. and the biggest thing is they REQUIRE ZERO MAINTENANCE. maybe once a year pump cleaning. I love my gyres but the flow will drop 50% in 6 weeks if you don't clean them. The closed loop just keeps chugging along.

 

[Ridgeway]

this is off topic but is this a good heater https://www.fishtanksdirect.com/aqu...phase-titanium-inline-heater-hti-6-220-3.aspx if not does anybody know a good heater for my tanksize

Not sure how well insulated your house is but since i installed my 800g system here my heaters have never switched on. I have 2 x 600w Schego titanium heaters that are like ornaments sitting in the sump, but good to have as a back up i guess.

 

[Ridgeway]

For your question about flow. I installed only powerheads on my system, starting with 4 x MP60's and then later on adding 2 x Gyre XF280's, i also have around 4,000 gph coming from the return pump that feeds under the rock scape, it's a kind of reef flush that splits roughly 50/50 over the 2 sides.

As the coral has grown out i now have a serious dead spot on my front LHS and as so far i have achieved a "no visible equipment" look then i'm loathed to install a PH in that area and a CL would have been perfect, it's like is posted above that CL's are really perfect for discreet positioning and getting to awkward corners, especially in deep tanks, mine like yours is nearly 4ft high.

So my advice would be use both smartly and plan well. CL's certainly can't easily be added afterwards but an additional PH can be.

I'm just installing another XF280 here in the next week and actually ordered 2 as i think i'll need to add a 4th unit quite soon.....