Keeping in mind I want to add two pumps on the top back glass, would you still mix the two or would you get two Orbits?
Makes sense. I think the Orbits on the back glass will have enough power for the width of the tank. Might go with two Orbits for more spread and different direction options like you mentioned.
You're the second person to mention build up and lower performance. Definitely something to consider. I was concerned that the Nero 7 having a more narrow flow path would be an issue if it's positioned on the back of the tank.
I love the mix on my tank from each side., but that’s specific to my needs and the corals I have. On the back glass I would personally go two of the same. If it were me I’d go two Neros on the back and two orbits on the sides.
Thank you so much going through explaining all that. You really gave me a lot to think about. Four Nero 5's would make the most sense for the reasons you mentioned. I was thinking two Nero 7's only for the wider flow diameter (compared to the 5's). I agree, the 5's are plenty for 24". I was hoping for an easy, indisputable answer....but there's no right answer here.That’s a 5’ tank right?
If you’re wanting to run everything on the back glass, I’d consider four Nero 5’s better than two 7’s. It gives you infinitely more options on what you want your flow to do. It would cost you about $240 more with this option, but worth it in my opinion. I have all 3 on my tank (6’, 180gallon). Two Nero 5’s, two 7’s, and 2 Orbit 4’s.
All the Nero’s are on the back glass with the 7’s in the middle and 5’s towards the sides. The Orbits are on opposite ends on the sides. I can likely get away with just the Nero’s, but love what the Orbits add. They do have to be cleaned more but I just pull the props leaving the motors in the tank. It’s pretty quick, but it is something else to do.
The 7’s are very strong and will push water over the glass if you crank them. It’s only 24” back to front. I really prefer the 5’s on the back glass than the 7’s. Don’t get me wrong, the 7’s work great back there, but a bit over sized. Here’s a pic of my tank with pump placement from my build thread.
Also, would you say that if the frequent cleaning wasn't an issue, it's better to go with the two Orbit 4's against the top back glass because I can point the props in different angles? It's like having 2 fans in 1?That’s a 5’ tank right?
If you’re wanting to run everything on the back glass, I’d consider four Nero 5’s better than two 7’s. It gives you infinitely more options on what you want your flow to do. It would cost you about $240 more with this option, but worth it in my opinion. I have all 3 on my tank (6’, 180gallon). Two Nero 5’s, two 7’s, and 2 Orbit 4’s.
All the Nero’s are on the back glass with the 7’s in the middle and 5’s towards the sides. The Orbits are on opposite ends on the sides. I can likely get away with just the Nero’s, but love what the Orbits add. They do have to be cleaned more but I just pull the props leaving the motors in the tank. It’s pretty quick, but it is something else to do.
The 7’s are very strong and will push water over the glass if you crank them. It’s only 24” back to front. I really prefer the 5’s on the back glass than the 7’s. Don’t get me wrong, the 7’s work great back there, but a bit over sized. Here’s a pic of my tank with pump placement from my build thread.
Good luck with the choice and one more thing. My 5’s are 100% silent, but I hear the 7’s. Not bad, but I hear them.
Haha, you are right about that. But I’m pretty confident you’d be happier with 4 pumps vs 2. As your tank grows out, you usually have to be more strategic on where you place pumps to get flow all over the place. 4 pushers just gives you more places to do it from. Also, the directionality is pretty limited on these. Don’t expect too much. They are not like Tunze’s that are completely directional.
I’ve never put them back there because they push so much water, I thought it would be too much. I’ve seen a few people on here that put them back there just haven’t done it to comment.
I get it, four pumps would give me more flexibility and coverage.
I say go with your gut and get the two 7’s. You can always add in the future if needed. I always sweat this stuff so I get it. By the way I have all my PH’s on one outlet. The app still controls them individually.
I appreciate you and everyone else that chimed in. Don't hesitate to follow up on this if any other ideas come to mind. I don't want to make it more complicated than it needs to be, but you're right, I tend to overthink everything.
