Refugium turnover and DT flow questions

[CoralClasher]

Tank is WaterBox 6025 about 150 gallons and a good size refugium. One single overflow. No skimmer or filters. Return pump is 1500gph. I’m running the return pump full power but has a tee and a valve set to the flow the overflow can handle and just recirculating the rest of the water in refugium. DT has two MP40s.

Question 1. How much turnover do I have with just a one inch overflow box and is that enough?

Question 2. Is two MP40s enough for flow in DT?

Tank has been running for a month now. I had both MP40S on the same end by the overflow and was getting some scum on the opposite side on the top of the water so I moved one MP40 to the side. What do people do for flow in a Peninsula style tank?

 

[SPR1968]

The display will be fine with 2 MP40 s that’s what I run now in my Red Sea S650 which is a similar size. I’d have them at opposite ends myself

As far as the return is concerned it’s very much personal choice, it’s sounds like it might just be ok at full power.

In my new big system I’m running at about 3-4 times total volume through the sump so the filtration has plenty of contact time. Again it’s all personal choice really as long as it’s sufficient

 

[Michael Curtis]

Tanks to sump turnover has a little bit of contention to it

Some say 3-5x others say 10x its all dependent on the setup

Perosnaly I'm not sure restricting the flow from the pump with a valve is a good idea but it depends on if its ac or dc ( controllable ) due to the back pressure it will be causing affecting flow and potential for damage to the pump its self.

Can't really comment on mp40 placement as I don't have a peninsula tank but would say they should be on the same end

 

[CoralClasher]

The display will be fine with 2 MP40 s that’s what I run now in my Red Sea S650 which is a similar size. I’d have them at opposite ends myself

As far as the return is concerned it’s very much personal choice, it’s sounds like it might just be ok at full power.

In my new big system I’m running at about 3-4 times total volume through the sump so the filtration has plenty of contact time. Again it’s all personal choice really as long as it’s sufficient

What determines sufficient? I have tested both DT and refugium parameters are the same and the temperature in DT stays consistent.

 

[CoralClasher]

Tanks to sump turnover has a little bit of contention to it

Some say 3-5x others say 10x its all dependent on the setup

Perosnaly I'm not sure restricting the flow from the pump with a valve is a good idea but it depends on if its ac or dc ( controllable ) due to the back pressure it will be causing affecting flow and potential for damage to the pump its self.

Can't really comment on mp40 placement as I don't have a peninsula tank but would say they should be on the same end

No restrictions on the pump. I put a tee before the valve so it just restricts the flow to DT and sends the rest of the water back to the other side of refugium.

 

[SPR1968]

What determines sufficient? I have tested both DT and refugium parameters are the same and the temperature in DT stays consistent.

If you look on the ecotech web site below you can put in your dimensions and it will tell you the flow requirements for different corals etc for each type of pump.

VorTech Flow Calculator - EcoTech Marine

ecotechmarine.com

The display and sump parameters should be the same, but as already said it depends on your set up, filtration etc. I’ve gone for 3-4 times turnover because that’s what I decided was about right for the media I’m using including Seachem Matrix and a lot of it. Like about 48 litres I think and counting!

I don’t think there is any definite answer as such as there are different ways of doing it depending on individual setup and sump media etc. In my case I don’t want water rushing through the sump, I want a steady flow and contact time

 

[CoralClasher]

The MP40 I put on the side has cleared the sand in the corner. Not really happy with that.

 

[CoralClasher]

If you look on the ecotech web site below you can put in your dimensions and it will tell you the flow requirements for different corals etc for each type of pump.

VorTech Flow Calculator - EcoTech Marine

ecotechmarine.com

The display and sump parameters should be the same, but as already said it depends on your set up, filtration etc. I’ve gone for 3-4 times turnover because that’s what I decided was about right for the media I’m using including Seachem Matrix and a lot of it. Like about 48 litres I think and counting!

I don’t think there is any definite answer as such as there are different ways of doing it depending on individual setup and sump media etc. In my case I don’t want water rushing through the sump, I want a steady flow and contact time

Sump contains 120 pounds of Oolite sand and some rocks held off the sand with egg crates. Much more flow would really blow that lite sand around. Thanks for that link.

 

[CoralClasher]

If you look on the ecotech web site below you can put in your dimensions and it will tell you the flow requirements for different corals etc for each type of pump.

VorTech Flow Calculator - EcoTech Marine

ecotechmarine.com

The display and sump parameters should be the same, but as already said it depends on your set up, filtration etc. I’ve gone for 3-4 times turnover because that’s what I decided was about right for the media I’m using including Seachem Matrix and a lot of it. Like about 48 litres I think and counting!

I don’t think there is any definite answer as such as there are different ways of doing it depending on individual setup and sump media etc. In my case I don’t want water rushing through the sump, I want a steady flow and contact time

So I put my tank dimensions it that calculator and says only need one MP40? I didn’t realize they put out that much water. Maybe I have been blasting too much flow?

 

[SPR1968]

So I put my tank dimensions it that calculator and says only need one MP40? I didn’t realize they put out that much water. Maybe I have been blasting too much flow?

They can put out some serious flow, but I run mine on the S650 at around 85-90% full power for most of the day at different programs, mainly reef crest, tidal etc.

In my ‘big tank‘ I have 2 MP60’s and a single MP40 in the middle and that’s some serious flow as well.

Play around with different flow patterns and power, but the tank looks ok

 

[CoralClasher]

They can put out some serious flow, but I run mine on the S650 at around 85-90% full power for most of the day at different programs, mainly reef crest, tidal etc.

In my ‘big tank‘ I have 2 MP60’s and a single MP40 in the middle and that’s some serious flow as well.

Play around with different flow patterns and power, but the tank looks ok

Yes the tank is looking good. I’ll try the both ends and turn them down a little.