Flow

[jeasko]

currently I have 2 tunze nano stream (think they are the 6025) running in my tank which are always on, they create an oposing turbulent flow but not sure that this is the best use, have been looking at the vortech stuff but seems mega priced for my 145ltr reef (tank is 36 x 18 x 18 inches) have been thinking that maybe i should put the power heads on timers so periodically there is a different flow in the tank or use a d-d duo wavemaker to set the power heads on off creating a wave style flow, my concern with the later is that i dont think the power heads are designed for this and it will likely damage them, hence my thought of periodically through the day changing the flow pattern, failing that has anybody come accross a reasonable price system that will mimic flow?

also any thoughts on the best use of my power heads will be appreciated

 

[jeasko]

ok so have found the hydor koralia 12v powerheads at a reasonable price (using the smartave system) but am now wondering whats best? is it 2 smaller power heads frequently being switched or one larger power head being switch to create a wave motion?

 

[kj23502]

more than 1 powerhead is best. This keep the detritus from settling as it would with just 1. I have two Vortech mp 10's running on my 40g. If they are both full power at the same time, which I doubt they are, they would be 3000 gallons per hour! It is probably likely around 2,000gph or 50x tank turnover. I keep sps, acans and chalices.

 

[jeasko]

Would love vortechs but to be honest the extra £50 for one I just can't justify no matter how hard I try While I could get away with one I'd want 2 for the reason I can't get good flow every where in the tank with just one hence my thoughts of the smartwave

 

[kj23502]

I bought mine second hand from someone who was upgrading. May be a way to look into it for you

 

[jeasko]

Kj been looking for a while but have had no luck, they seem to be holding their price around £150 second hand ( only £170 new though for the mp10) hence looking at the smartwave system can get both power heads and controller for £120 new, not my preferred option but will serve a purpose and keep the tank healthy

 

[kj23502]

wow! My last vortech I got for $100. It was only 9 months old too.

 

[jeasko]

Kj if only they were going for that price here! Seen the controller only for £70 without the p/h

 

[kj23502]

I just happened upon a lucky deal. The guy was getting out of the hobby and wanting his stuff gone.

 

[jeasko]

Why am I never that lucky! Looking about on the net there seems to ha e been a handful of people unhappy about the noise they make not owning one I can't comment but it's another thing that puts me off of them as for the money they should be silent, what's your take on them?

 

[kj23502]

Mine did get noisy after awhile, but it was the bearings. I sent them in to the company and they fixed them at no charge since 1 was under warranty yet. It's VERY important to use the spacers when necessary. It puts the proper spacing between the driver and propeller.

In other words, the bearings will wear out faster if they are being driven too hard (driver too close to wet side).

 

[jeasko]

That's useful to know as seen a few threads on other forums where people moaning about the noise, saw a thread as well about sub standard bearings which or tech swapped for customers but never seen anything about spacers being mentioned! Hopefully something will turn up second ad at a good price!