Flow

[Joe69]

Does anyone here use Tunze Streams for flow?

After talking with Todd, I've decided that I need more flow. I was talked into buying a mag 12 for my return pump and whished I had gone with a mag 24. Anyway the 12 is sufficient for now for the return, but I want way more flow in the display.

My options are, add multiple power heads to the display, build a closed loop with an external mag 24 or similar pump, or go with a Tunze Turbelle stream. Something like the 6000 or 6100 and single controller. Any thoughts?

The closed loop would be cheaper than the Tunze, but the Tunze would be much easier to take care of.

What do you guys use?

[CastleRock]

I will be getting the new Ecotech Marine Vortech
No more PH's for me :D

http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=422

To be released in a few days from what I hear :D

[Joe69]

That looks wild, it's a bit on the pricey side, but I would only need one for my 125 and no plumbing what so ever. Thanks castlerock, maybe I'll wait a week or two and see what others think of it.

[racer69]

You would probably need one on each side of the tank to get a turbulent flow. If not you would just have a direct flow right?

[CastleRock]

these put out a wide path, if you watch the vid on that site? I think 2 would be to much for a 120 or 125 depending on what you stock
All SPS I would say 2 would rock, but a mixed eh don't know but you can turn them down to where you can put 1 in a 10 gal tank and not flood everything :)
Check out this thread, warning its a TON of reading:) and a lot of info
Pricey eh a little but about the same as a complete Tunze and not a eye sore in the tank:D http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=672444

As you can tell Im sold on them I have followed that thread since 9/05
Here is more video http://www.icecapinc.com/video.htm

[Deuce67]

Ahhh flow in an sps tank. For starters, here is a good read.
Flow in an sps tank (http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=403161)
There are plenty of ways to generate a lot of flow. Closed loop is definitley the cleanest way to do it, but if you are like me, Im just too lazy to build one. You want to create random flow in a closed loop by integrating either an oceanmotion or a seaswirl. There are other ways too such as an SCWD. Eric(Calvin415) uses an oceanmotion so maybe he can chime in.
Tunze has always gotten some great reviews. A pair of 6100 on a multi controller will fit your tank nicely. Pricey though. The newcomer Vortech has also been getting great reviews but for 345 buck a pop, thats just too much for my blood. That price dont even come with the controller. The Vortech controller is still in developement and the release date is still unsure. I bet it will command a hefty price tag on it. Seio pumps are also a good alternative. I personally have 2 of the 1100s. Downside is it cannot be put on a wavemaker. However, the Seio controller is suppose to come out here soon. Price on it is still unknown. If it is around 200 bucks, Im getting one. There is a thread of the controller going on the equiptment forum right now. If you are handy with tools, you can build the maxi streams that can be found in the DIY forum. I have a pair that I built and it does generate a ton of flow. Its actually stronger than my Seio 1100s and these are on a wavemaker. Plenty of ways to generate flow and it all depends on how much you want to spend. Some folks who have an sps tank say that flow is more important than lights and I happen to be one of them. HTH
Russ

[Deuce67]

Seio controller thread can be read here (http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=808929)

[Deuce67]

DIY Maxi streams can be read here (http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=717034&perpage=25&pagenumber=1)

[calvin415]

I love my oceans motion, you can read about them here...

http://www.oceansmotions.com

They work great on a closed loop for random flow, but to match the output of a tunze setup you'll need some serious flow going through it!

[Joe69]

Russ, thanks for the threads, lots of reading. I didn't read all of the DIY Maxi streams, but I see that it would be very cheap compared to other methods. Do you know how much flow you get with one? I was hoping to have minimal components inside the display.

Eric, which oceans motion device do you have and what pump if you don't mind me asking? I was really thinking closed loop before I started reading about the Tunze and new Vortech.

Todd, if I go with the Streamers I was also thinking that I would need 2 of them, but was hoping to get one at first and then add another to cover any remaining dead spots. I also want to keep LPS and softies towards the bottom of the tank, so I don't want too much flow, but as you saw the other night when you came by, my flow is in serious need of upgrading already and I don't have anythin in it yet...lol

From what I can tell, I mght be able to get away with spending $300 on a closed loop or 2 - 3 maxi jet mods, or spend $345 on a Vortech or Tunze, however as Todd mentioned I might need 2 and a controller, which would be roughly $1000. Hmmmmm.........

[calvin415]

Joe, I've got the Squirt running with a Quiet One 5000 (max flow for the squirt), but on a 125 I would recommend either the supersquirt of maybe even a 4-way with a Dart pump. Figure if you go with a Dart ($220.00 Marine Depot w/ free shipping) and a 4-way ($375.00 plus shipping) you're looking at 595.00 + about 15 shipping on the OM 4-way, but you're using around 3000 gph+ Or you could get a Super Squirt (205.00 wired plus shipping) and then throttle back the Dart with a valve and max out the SS at 2200 GPH. It's a great way to create random flow and still get great turn over. Hope this helps!

[Deuce67]

I probably get around 1300 to 1500 gph on my maxi streams. If you decide to go the Tunze route, better off getting the pair on a multi controller. If you buy just one, it only comes with the single controller. The multi controller comes in handy since it alternates the streams.

[Joe69]

Appreciate the info guys, it helps out a lot. Thanks.

[CastleRock]

http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/melevsreef/video/vortech_flow.wmv

Im sure by now you have decided what you will do
Pricey? Yea but whats not in this hobby? :D
And its an ICECAP! so the customer service is second to none right out of the gate! ;)
Vid From a beta tester.
1 Vortech on a 6' tank!
This is the reason I will be going with a Vortech :D
Linear flow not direct like all the rest out there
OK im done beating the drum on this, you can all see it when I get it and drool:p

[Joe69]

Wow, cool vid, it's hard to believe that much flow comes from just one Vortech and it reachs the entire 6' of the tank.

[CastleRock]

Here is the Beta thread if you or anyone else cares to look through it
Yes its a amazing little pump :)
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=767005&perpage=25&pagenumber=1

[racer69]

Russ, did you diy the maxi streams? I am thinking about trying the mod myself. I have heard claims of up to 1800 gph on a single maxi-jet 1200. Heck half of that is still really good flow from a 300 gph powerhead.

[Deuce67]

Yup. The flow depends on the prop you install. I have some different props ordered and should be waiting for me when I get home. I might set up a spare 20g with water and do a demonstration at the next meeting.

[racer69]

I am planning on having my own by the next meeting. LOL It doesn't look to be that hard of a mod, and Joe has asked me to help him make some too. I guess I better start ordering stuff.

Russ, can you give my some of your ordering info?

[Deuce67]

1 1/2 PVC test caps are available at Lowes or HD. Some folks have a hard time finding them but all of the HD here has them.
They are found where all the ABS fitting are.

.098 Carbon fiber rod can be purchased at Towerhobbies .com
The best prop to get there is the Dumas 3004. But you need a bigger PVC shroud for it. Claims say it will put out over 2000 gph.

Im getting the Octura 1435 prop from Funrcboats.com. A little pricey (2.99 each) and shipping is a little high. I was suppose to get them yesterday but UPS rescheduled for today.

[Deuce67]

And you can have the demonstration at your place. Im still trying to perfect mine anyways. Im still trying to figure out the best way to center the impellar. Mine works but there is a slight hum on one of mine. The other is really quite.

[racer69]

Joe and I finished our first MJ Mod last night. Man that thing puts out some flow. It looks pretty good too. We have three more to make this weekend, and will bring one up to the meeting next week. Total cost including 4 MJ900's $120. ($30 each)

[Deuce67]

Cool. Ill set up a tub with water.

[Crit21]

Is there a DIY drawing or instructions for these?

[Deuce67]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7177054#post7177054 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Crit21
Is there a DIY drawing or instructions for these?

Maxi streams (http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=717034&perpage=25&pagenumber=1)

[Joe69]

Russ originally posted the link to this mod earlier in this thread. Thanks Russ!

Go here (http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=717034&perpage=25&pagenumber=1) and you'll find all the info. Todd and I did ours a little different, so no glue is needed on the impellar assembly, only the stopper.

[Crit21]

What exactly is a test cap?

[racer69]

A test cap is in the plumbing dept. near the abs pipe. It is a thin cap that fits in the pvc to allow air tests. Just ask someone in the plumbing dept. at HD or Lowe's. I didn't use the test cap though, I just made a cut half way into the pipe and then notched it out with a dremel.

[Crit21]

I have a couple Aquaclear 802/402's I may try it with.