Want to upgrade return and powerheads..

[SSpiro]

Presently for a return I have just a 1" tube from the pump with a u-tube connected, and a 90-degree fitting on the end. For a powerhead, I have in the same corner a "FLU4PLUS" powerhead that was given to me. I can't find much about it online.

This is getting the job done for now, but I'd like to upgrade both.

For the return, I'd like to upgrade to a u-tube with directional return.. perhaps this one. Looking for opinions?
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~SearchStr~return~action~view~idProduct~FT0011~idCategory~FIFTRP~category~U__Tube_with_Di rectional_Return_3_4_inch___1_inch_Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies_Plumbing_Parts_Returns~vendor~.html

For the powerhead, I'd like to place two.. and I'd like for one of them to be sweeping, to stimulate moving current... Not sure what to get on these, so I was hoping for some suggestions.. Any good thoughts? Tank size is 55g.

[Longchamp]

Look into Hydor Koralias, theyre a great deal. They dont sweep though.

[Aquarist007]

I agree for power heads--the Koralias are cheap, have excellent flow, and the flow is turbulant.
#1 gives 400 gph
#2 gives 600 gph
#3 gives 800 gph
#4 gives 1200 gph

on a 55 gal you should be looking for a flow of 1100-2000 gph, so 2 number 3's would be great

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12119993#post12119993 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Longchamp
Look into Hydor Koralias, theyre a great deal. They dont sweep though.

they do have a wide range of coverage because the flow radiates outward from the pump, and there is quite a wide range of adjustment with them.

One of the few drawbacks though is you can't run them on variable or wave timers(unless you buy an expensive SEIO controller)

[SSpiro]

Would you run these 24/7?

[Fourty Two]

you can run them 24/7 or just during the day, its up to you. i turn mine off to save electricity (not much, but it adds up)

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12123625#post12123625 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Fourty Two
you can run them 24/7 or just during the day, its up to you. i turn mine off to save electricity (not much, but it adds up)

I personally would not advocate turning off all circulation in the tank for overnight. Corals depend on that flow for feeding and keeping their polyps from collapsing. Flow is an integral part of the gas exchange in tanks. Rising levels of carbon dioxide are going to also throw off the water chemistry--the first being the pH.
If the power goes off in the house my first concern is to get flow and aerate the tank, then work on the heat.

[Fourty Two]

i wasnt suggesting turning off all circulation, just a couple powerheads, leaving the sump and other gear running. i would not turn everything off, but flow can be reduced at night

[SSpiro]

I'll just leave running 24/7.

And I have everything on a battery backup for power outages.. gives me about 20 minutes of standby time.