Water Flow/Powerhead Question

[jeffltodd]

I have a 72 Gal Bowfront, in which I have the flow running from the right to the left of the rear of the tank. It seems on matter where I point the flow, it always creates a spot that it clears the sand from the bottom of the tank. This is only resolved if I point it directly at some live rock (which I do not wish to do).

My pump is a Rio+ 2500 Powerhead http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=TA3156

I would like to place a powerhead on the opposite side (right rear) backwall of the tank to counter the flow and hopefully solve this annoying problem.

Any suggestions as to what you would recommend?

[mg426]

Thats a lot of pump top use as a (powerhead) Mabe plumb some 3/4 inch pvc around the top with some 1/2 inch outlets.

[davocean]

I've seen WAY TOO MANY disasterous outcomes to ever have a RIO pump in my tank.

[imtheonlylp]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8262210#post8262210 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by davocean
I've seen WAY TOO MANY disasterous outcomes to ever have a RIO pump in my tank.

yeah, no doubt...jeff, i would check into getting a different powerhead system altogether..maybe a couple of maxi1200s or my preference, the AquaClear models...i have mine pointed upward, diagonally toward the center of the tank, and there is no visible deadspot anywhere

[jeffltodd]

Just so everyone is on the same page - the pump mentioned (Rio) is in my sump and plumbs up and back into the tank.

I never had a problem with this before, but this time around I am using much less rock, so I seem to be getting this area that the sand is swept from.

I was just looking for a powerhead I could place in the tank on the opposite side.

[imtheonlylp]

ohhhhhhhh ok...well yeah, you do want your return line to somewhat flow downward so youre not getting the return water back into the overflow right away....that must be a heck of a pump though to overcome the headloss and still blow sand around! :D

[jeffltodd]

In my last set-up it was fine because my rock went all the way across the back wall, so it kind of deflected it a bit. This time around, I noticed a spot that is about 2"x4" that has been cleared in the back, right corner. I can correct it by pointing the flow down towards the rock to deflect it, but if I put any corals on those rocks, they get all torn up.

So, my goal is the have good flow, without tearing up any corals. So that's where I thought if I point a powerhead directly at the return from the opposite end, they might balance each other out and possibly create a better turbulant flow.