New Innovations

[rvitko]

For the fall the following new products will be available.

The Turbelle Stream is a high flow powerhead, the outlet is 2" indiameter creating a very wide flow pattern with no shearing forces. Two models to be available November of 2002.

The Bioelectronics (monitoring instruments) will be redone to feature a new soft touch key pad and a wall mount hanger. The monitors will retain the same premium lab grade glass platinum electrodes or carbon(conductivity) and reliable easy calibration features.

A new complete filter kit including sump, skimmer, bioreactor, mechanical filter, top off system and return pump designated Kit 16 will be available soon. It will handle aquaria up to 105 gallons and is expected to retail for under $800.

The Calcium Reactors have been redone to increase performance and efficiency. The new models will be available in October.

The Magnetic Rotor of the Turbelle Pump line has been upgraded to better resist the build up of lime deposits. The cooling passage is now twice the size and is designed to flush out deposits of lime. This is available as kit 3000.60 and is for all Turbelle pumps produced since 07/00.

Complete aquarium kits will be available soon, to view these and see a list of Tunze authorized dealers visit the web site at
www.tunze.com

For new products click on the Interzoo 2002 link.

[kelhuffman]

OK, stop it. You're killing me on the "stream" thing. As the ultimate consumer I can't wait. If you're maintaining a list, put me on it. kelhuffman@sbcglobal.net

Cheers!

[rvitko]

I will let you know when they are available. I talked with Axel Tunze on Monday and it seems they were on schedule. I announce the date with some apprehension as demand is very high and I predict all of us will be fighting over who gets the pumps first. Not just here in the States either, at Interzoo their were people from the Middle East, all over Europe and the Orient offering to pay for 50-100 units in advance. When new products are released frequently the production is not as smooth as it should be, often the initial offerings are essentially hand made this might restrict supply but I will do everything I can to have them as soon as possible.

Roger

[Nanook]

Hey Roger, good to see you as the Tunze Man in the USA. I am looking forward to the Tunze Stream pumps for a 750g tank in the next year or two. Can the larger Stream pumps be used on a wavemaker, like the multicontroller for the Turbelle's?

Finally, what is the most GPH that the Stream pumps will be able to provide? Any idea how big they are as well? I guess you have seen the Reeftec wavemakers here on Reef Central, they are a propeller based pump. Are these similar in design to the Tunze Stream pumps coming out soon?

Thanks for your help.

Nanook

[kelhuffman]

Hey Nanook,

If you use the link Roger provded, and go to the Interzoo section of Tunze's site you'll see an English PDF file that has the specifics of the stream at the very bottom. I think the PDF is called "innovations" and yes, the larger stream can be pulsed and is based on propellor technology though the design looks infinitely better than the "black box."

[Nanook]

Thanks! I have read the site at Tunze, the pics were kind of small as well. I didn't see anything about their dimensions, unless I overlooked that?


Nanook

[kelhuffman]

sure, and that big one is going to be amazing at 3,170 GPH! I suspect, and obviously I could be wrong, that they'll be the same size as the current electonic powerhead. As I'm sure you know, they are all the same size in the current lineup and its likely that the same housing and motor is being used for the new one but just direct drive and a prop. Would make sense from a manufacturing standpoint. I zoomed that PDF pic to get a decent look at the pump and it does look very similar in size to the electronic powerhead. Can't wait to pick one up and I hope that Roger is able to secure some when they are first released.

[rvitko]

The basic pump motor is the same size, overall the powerhead is slightly smaller as it lacks the strainer and flow deflector. It is magnetic drive, not direct drive.

[kelhuffman]

The Magnetic Rotor of the Turbelle Pump line has been upgraded to better resist the build up of lime deposits. The cooling passage is now twice the size and is designed to flush out deposits of lime. This is available as kit 3000.60 and is for all Turbelle pumps produced since 07/00.

Hey Roger, I just noticed this paragraph in your opening statement. Is this upgraded part for the "Classic" 2002 pump? I purchased my two 2002s about 6 months ago.

[rvitko]

No, it is for the submersible pumps only, the 2002 and 4002 have had only a minor change of a seal added to the lower bearing to help prevent salt damage. I am unsure when this was implemented, yours are probably OK. I just noticed this addition when changing bearings for someone a few weeks ago.

[kelhuffman]

Thanks Roger, Marine Depot has that part listed as a "classic" upgrade on their site.

[rvitko]

Please don't blame MD they are new to the Tunze line and I think really are making a conscience effort to do a good job. I will get this cleared up tomorrow.

[studboy36]

Hi Roger,

I have been following the thread with interest. I have been looking at Reeftec and Wave2k for an alternative to powerhead generated water movement. I am particularly interested in the Turbelle stream. I was looking a the website, and they listed a kit(TS24) that included two 6100 pumps and the 7094 multicontroller for $711.61MSRP and a single pump version with the single controller 7091 for $324.96MSRP. I only have a 50 gallon tank, so I am don't want to be blowing the animals all over the place. This is an issue of mine with the current Reeftec units. I like the back and forth effect that the Wave2k has but not the bulkiness of the unit. Would the single pump kit be sufficient for the type of water motion I want to have in my tank, or would the dual kit be better?

The information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

Efrain

[rvitko]

The output is 2" in diameter, the flow is diffuse. I still believe one would create more than enough flow in a 50gal. Fortunately being a low voltage electronic pump you will be able to turn the flow down as needed. To get a back and forth movement 2 would probably be best but start with one and by setting a high speed and a low speed you will probably get close to what you are looking for. While I know that the flow is diffuse and gentle even to a coral placed directly in front of the pump, I am unsure exactly how the pump will work in such a small tank. The display of the prototype was in an aquarium of about this size but it had no sand only various plates of glass to show that the great flow was not strong enough to blow them over. I expect these pumps to be available late Oct- early November.

[joedelt]

any experience with the calcium automat unit? appears to be along the lines of a reactor for smaller tanks.

also the calcium despenser that works along with an auto topof unit. is that just essentially a kalk flowthrough?

thanks

/john

[rvitko]

The new Calcium Reactor 3174/3 is pretty nice. It works very well in conjunction with a Calcium Dispenser set. I have recently installed both on my 120 and I am still waiting for things to balance out but the pH is staying in a very narrow range already between 8.12 - 8.24. The Calcium Reactor has a small built in pump, the new design seals the pump to a stainless plate similar to how a Grolsch bottle closes. The water recirculates as does the CO2 which is free to rise to the top and is picked up by the recirculating venturi again. The new design also has two effluent drips and the manual suggests drip and bubble rate as well as how to use with the Calcium Dispenser based on aquarium size and inhabitants. It must be used with a pH controller. The Calcium Dispenser does essentially just mix up and dispense Kalkwasser- the advantage is it is a sealed vessicle so precipitate formation is unlikely, it is also very simple really nothing to break. My aquarium running the two systems for the 4th week now has a KH of 14 and Calcium level of 320ppm. Starting parameters were 9KH and 280 Calcium with a pH swing from 7.98 to 8.18 so it has definetly started to work but will require 3-4 months to really stabilize and show results. My aquarium is very diverse, the focal point is an 18" Yellow Ritteri, a 14" Gigas Clam, and a 12" Blue Derasa, I have numerous Acropora and Porites species and a few Lobos and Blastomussa as well as a couple of Leathers. The aquarium was recently torn down for a move, that is when I added the new hardware. Most of the animals have been maintained for 3-4years in the same aquarium but I became frustrated with using Kalk, Calcium Chloride and Buffer constantly and wanted to automate as well as clean up the plumbing and the entire Tunze Sump system. I also upgraded to Schedule 80 PVC and 45degree elbows while in the process of moving.

[joedelt]

how much space does the reactor take up on a tank. i have rather limited space so its of concern. i really like the concept, and its reasonably priced. im thinking of getting the reactor setup, and running it manually untill i can afford the controler.

/john

[rvitko]

Running it manually is likely to be a failure. This design is really dependent on the pH controller. I would recommend purchasing the reactor, the CO2 controller set and regulator all at once. You don't want to have excess CO2 in the aquarium or you will end up with algae problems. The pH is an important system feedback for KH and Co2 levels. This is really what regulates the reactor function. The unit is 4.5" square and 11" tall, 4" must be submerged. What size is your aquarium and what are the inhabitants, sump or no sump?

[Jorsan]

Hi Rvitko,

As most of the people here, Im very interested in the new Turbelle stream. Reading some of your post here, you mention that you saw one in action. Do you think that a cube tank of 38x38x38x24 will have enought water movement for SPS corals with two 6100 pumps and the 7094 multicontroller?. Im very interested; they look very nice and if with just two pumps I could get lots of courrents, will be great!; expensive but great.
Thanks

[rvitko]

The Stream pump was demonstrated in an aquarium of 100cm in length (42"). The demonstration featured a pane of glass about 8" square on an equal size base. It was positioned about 12" infront of the pump to demonstrate that the extremely high flow was diffuse enough as too not move the glass pane. While in theory the total volume of two pumps would be sufficient and the pumps flow has a cubic spread i.e. at about 24" from the pump the current is about 24" wide and tall. I have some doubts as to whether this will be sufficient given the fairly extreme depth of the aquarium. I think my personal preforance would be, and this is bearing in mind your inhabitants and the fact that the diffuse flow will not carry as far as a more directed flow. I would use 2 7400/2 pumps positioned on the back wall. I would use extension tubes with T connectors and a second strainer to extend the intake from the pump positioned say 6" below the surface to about 1" above the substrate. This will sweep up settled detritus and bring the water to the surface for good gas exchange. This will also ensure good circulation behind the rock structure. To this I would add one Stream pump blowing across the rock structure, positioned on the side of the aquarium about 16" deep. This will require an extension rail. I would use the multicontroller such that it is in Tide mode, The 7400's would be on ports 1 and 3 and the Stream would be on port 2. This will set it such that the Stream will be on when the 7400's are off. While they are on I would set the power setting for 100% power and 50% power respectively with a 3sec cycle between settings. This will create colliding waves which will further broaden the flow. I would set the Tide program interval at about 30min but this is probably the variable that you will have to play with most. You can vary this setting between 1min and 12hrs. The photo cell will switch all pumps to 50% power or whatever your low power interval setting is. I think this set up will completely eliminate any dead spots. I am sure another configuration using Sea Swirls in place of the 7400's with a proper intake set up could work as well. I personnally like my sump to turn no more than 4X an hour as I use all Tunze equipment and excessive turbulence interferes with the skimmer, denitrators and osmolator. I have always gotten most of my flow through Turbelle pumps. My aquarium is a standard 48 x 24 x 24 120 and two 7400 pumps with a multicontroller and 500gph return provide sufficient flow for my diverse inhabitants including sps, lps,softies and a large ritteri with a few clams.

[Jorsan]

Roger,

Thanks for your great and valuable info. One thing that looks not clear to me is that you mention " I have some doubts as to whether this will be sufficient given the fairly extreme depth of the aquarium"; maybe I was not clear when I mention the dimmensions of my new tank: will have 38" per side and just 24"deep ; as you know, this deep is the standard in regular tanks. Maybe this could clearify more my idea and if I make the mistake, any addicional comments will be apreciated.

About the sump; Im not quite sure that Im gonna use one; I know all the difficulties that not to have one produce: all pumps, heaters, cables, etc. etc. that shows in the display, but my paranoia about " carpet floods" force me to have actually 2 tanks (one 65G and other 180G) without sumps. If I have one, I think the same as you about the turn ratio; not too high.

Sandbed another issue: I love to have 2-3"of very fine sand but right now, because of my 4 gemini pumps in my 180 the bottom looks more like the himalayas than a sea bed. As I can understand in your mail, I could use fine sand and dont have all the turbulences in the bottom; if thats correct, please let me know . . looks like Im aproaching where I want to go: nice display less caos . . .

I'll apreciate your comments. Thanks again for your time

[rvitko]

Well, 24" deep does change things abit. Two 7400 might do the job just fine on their own. The Stream pumps are great for flow, they do not allow the attachment of any sort of quick filter or carbon basket like the 7000 series pumps do. It is also planned to make a fake live rock shell out of ceramic for mounting the stream inside a pile of rock and making it virtually unnoticable. The stream pump was really designed as part of a comprehensive program that will hopefully later include a book. The idea is to be able to exactly define what type of flow occurs where in the reef and the species that occur in these zones. It will take at least three years to write such a book as alot of research has to be done and the cooperation of numerous scientists and engineers is a prerequisite. I am going to see if I cannot get some of the prliminary research from Claude Hug the representitive from Tunze France and post it here. In general the Stream was designed to replicate the flow one would find in a reef trench or right on the reef slope, the area would likely be dominated by certain species of leathers and acroporas. It is also hoped that perhaps with the right supplements maintanance of crinoids and Sea Fans will become a reality with this pump. Some experiments are already underway along these lines.

The fine sand could be a problem as the Stream does not have a flow deflector, I could probably get the correct size PVC fittings from the factory though to make some sort of deflector, the Interzoo show also featured the pump attached to an elbow just to show the shear amount of flow that came up so i know it connects to PVC but I am assuming it was metric. I have had problems before with the sand getting in the impeller of the 7000 series pumps, fortunately all the Electronic pumps including the larger stream pump have an alarm that goes off when the impeller is obstructed, this prevents any permanent damage but could get annoying, perhaps consider a coarser grade, I really like the Knop reef base and the various pre bagged live sands on the market in terms of grain size, and cleanliness. My tank consists of a 3" blend of the two sands I mentioned. Even the 7400's are capable of digging a pit in the corners. This is from about 28" away and about 16" above the sand! Of coarse you can always speed up and slow down the pumps as needed and the Stream pump features a swival mount so you can change the direction side to side as needed.

[Jorsan]

Thank you very much again Roger for your comments. Was my mistake when I mention "Cube"when I had to say "square"(deep is much less that the sides).
This new design of pump is very interesting for all reefers because open a new way to do the things: more natural. Hope that you have the preliminary research of the book you mention and you could post some here.
I suppose you gonna be in the next MACNA, hope to meet you there. If thats the case, Are you gonna have there some pre-productions models to show?

[rvitko]

I will be at MACNA. I was told I will have a Stream pump to show, it will be a working model however it is a bit crude it is the "hand made" version. While all the pumps are hand made for the most part- part of why they cost so much, this one is not going to be the same color as the final model and some of the castings will be less than perfect and of a different plastic because it is a prototype. With any luck someone their with a water connection and an aquarium will let me hook it up for demo purposes. My booth will pretty much be bare bones. I emailed Claude already but it is 7pm in France and it is Friday so he is probably out for the day. If possible I will post some more soon.

[Jorsan]

Great !
Thanks

[rvitko]

TUNZE® current: Division in zones of a corral reef aquarium and application of the different Turbelle® Transition zone Micro atolls reef roof external reef slope strandzone interior reef edge external reef edge Vorriffhang alga zone A B C D E F G

Level A strandzone/alga zone zone moderately and gently flowed except periods, where the wind can blow strongly. This sand zone is settled with algae and Anemonen. TUNZE® current: Turbelle stream synchronously in continuous operation or with controlled cycle switching by timer 7085

B transition zone/micro atolls zone moderately flowed, where the waves have a small influence. Ebb-tide and tide can be felt here. This zone meets the first Korallenformationen. TUNZE® current: Turbelle stream electronics with single CONTROLLER 7091 or multi-CONTROLLER 7094

C interior reef edge zone more strongly flowed with influence of tides however wave impact remains still small. This zone knows a strong lighting and a magnificent Korallenwachstum. TUNZE® current: Turbelle electronics with multi-CONTROLLER 7094 or Turbelle stream electronics with multi-CONTROLLER 7094

D reef roof zone strongly flowed with large influence of tides and wave impact. The growth of korallen is close. TUNZE® current: Turbelle electronics strongly dimensions 7094 with multi-CONTROLLERS

E external reef edge zone of the reef with the strongest current, the wave impact is intensively like that as the lighting. This zone is particularly for growth all Acropora, Favia, Porites Steinkorallen the very substantial grows, suitably. TUNZE® current: Turbelle electronics strongly dimensions and Turbelle stream electronics with multi-CONTROLLER 7094

F external reef slope zone very strongly flowed with wave impact and high lighting. The bio diversity and number of Steinkorallen are very high. TUNZE® current: Turbelle stream electronics strongly dimensions 7094 with multi-CONTROLLERS

G Vorriffhang deeper zone of the reef with parallel flowlines. This zone contains korallen with somewhat slower growth and plankton of corrosive kinds. TUNZE® current: Turbelle stream synchronously strongly dimensions

[rvitko]

I was unable to upload the word document, email me offline at Tunze@sbcglobal.net and I can forward the document to you. I did send the text portion as translated by babelfish.altavista.

[rvitko]

OK, so I can't win. The jpgs are to big and the word files won't post. If someone knows something I don't let me know. Otherwise send an email to me and I can send you the files, they will be in German. I would not recommend requesting the files unless you have a high speed connection.

[kelhuffman]

Hey Roger,

Any definitive word on the US debut of the Tunze Stream? My tank is in dire need of more flow as my two 2002s are just not cutting it with all the acro growth.

[rvitko]

The Electronic pump 6100 is finished and should be available by the first week of November. The price will be $280.25. The availability of the Synchronous model 6080 is still not final for the US. Since it is of a different construction for US voltage and HZ we want to test it further. So far no problems have been found and it should follow soon behind- an oversize coil is being used however increasing the wattage to 25W. Price for this model will be $167.97. The flow kits TS24 and TS48 will be available on schedule, however the single control kit 6110 may be a little late in arrival.

[kelhuffman]

If only you could see me jumping out of my skin on this end!! I have the multicontroller so the 6100 is exactly what I'm after. I realize you are now wholesale. Will you still be so kind to let me/us all know when they are available and through which retailer? And if there's a waiting list, I want on it!! Thanks.

[rvitko]

Can you email me privately, availability will be limited this year. I will let you know the minute they show up and both Champion and Marine Depot will stock the product. If you live near the following vendors they will have it too- Aquarium Arts in Arizona, AquaTek in Texas, Preuss Animal House in Wisconsin. I cannot really reserve one for you but I can do everything I can to put you amongst the first to know and then you will have to contact the vendors.

[Jorsan]

Roger,
I read in this post that will be an option that include two 6100 stream pump plus the 7094 multicontroler (is this the new one too?) for about $711.61 MSRP. Will be this system aviable at the same time than the pump (early november) and thru the same retailers?
Thanks

[rvitko]

Yes these flow kits will be available- the kit you describe is TF 24.

[Nanook]

Hi Roger,

How many gph will the largest Stream pump move? Is my understanding correct, that the Multicontroller 7094 will work on these units?


Nanook

[rvitko]

The larger model which produces 3170gph is controllable by a multicontroller- model 6100. Model 6080 is synchronous and can only be controlled with a timer at no more than 4 off and on cycles in 24hrs with at least 15 minutes between cycles- use with a wavemaker will cause impeller damage and such damage is not covered by warranty. This model produces 2100gph.

[kelhuffman]

Hi Roger,

I'm also waiting on some new ballasts from Champion so I'm going to place a pre-order for the stream to make sure I have all my bases covered when the Stream finally arrives.

My glass tank has horizontal euro-bracing. The brace around the edges is two inches wide and a 1/2 inch thick. Do I need to also order a universal clamp or something else to mount the Tunze Stream like I needed to mount the 2002's?

[rvitko]

If you have the multicontroller already you will need only the two stream pumps 6100. You have two options for mounting. One is kit 3000.244 which will suspend the bracket from the bracing with a bottom spacer of about 1.5". The other option is more involved but nicer looking. You will use accessory 3000.26 and a hacksaw to fahion an L bracket which will follow the bracing horizontally and then drop vertically to support the pump. Instructions are included with the kits. They are not too much about $3.50 for 3000.244 or $7.50 for 3000.26. For anyone else reading this, kit 3000.244 is required for intallation on most glass aquariums including Oceanic and All Glass. It includes longer screws to accomadate the heavy trim on US aquaria.

[michaelross6]

Roger:

I just purchased two of your 6110 from Champion for a 700 gallon reef. It is not clear even after reading most or all of the posts here concerning the units that this will be sufficient flow. What are your thoughts? Do you anticipate the development of larger units in the future?

Thank you,

Mike

[Nanook]

I do not own the new Tunze Stream pumps yet, but do have two Reeftec PE-2s and two Reeftec PE-1s in a 300g and it is decent circulation. For a 700g tank, I would want at LEAST four of the Tunze streams for average current and probably 6-8 for high flow. Just my opinion. I do plan on using 4 Tunze Streams in each of my twin 500g tanks being built this year.

Nanook:)

[michaelross6]

Nanook:

I was afraid of that. I am doing this as something of an experiment since no one I know has anything like these units.

This tank already has a closed loop with two Iwaki 100RT and motorized ball valves. The flow is OK, but I've always wanted more (common refrain, eh <G>?).

Hopefully these will help. If they are not sufficient, I'll get more or await larger units.

Thanks!

Mike

[rvitko]

Yes, we are working on larger pumps, I saw a prototype last May but it was very crude and alot of bugs had to be worked out, it is larger physically, a larger transformer will be required and sourcing this has not been easy. I am going to hesitantly say by November this will be available. But this is going to be a new pump from the ground up and I am sure their will be many delays, the Stream pumps you have took 3 years to get from concept to finished product so I don't want to promise anything. The prototype pumped 5200 gph. With what you have on closed loop you could try it and see, a customer today was telling me on his 215 he has one 6110 and a Sea Swirl running off an Iwaki 70 and he feels he has plenty of flow to keep anything. I think two could do a 500 on their own, for a 700 2-4 should do the trick. My honest preference is more smaller pumps and a multicontroller, 4 pumps and a multi can do amazing things with tide simulation, sequential operation and surge mode. Two pumps don't enable you to do all the programs. Two big pumps and the multicontroller might save you a little bit of money but based on what I saw of the complexity of the new pump and the size, roughly 1.5" deeper, cost is likely to be pushing $400 a pump. From looking at it the size of the drive magnet required is going to be a real engineering issue for mass production.

[michaelross6]

Roger:

Cost isn't so much the issue...I just don't know anything more than I've read here and elsewhere to consider using the streams to begin with. I've never seen one in action. I haven't even told the owners of this tank that I'm getting this <G>.

I set this tank up about 7-8 years ago with what I thought was "state of the art." That didn't last long <G>. Even with the 4000gph and high pressure of the Iwaki's, I felt I needed more flow. There just wasn't any way short of a large number of intrusive powerheads.

I can generate pretty good flows and velocities across the 8' length of the tank, but there are still dead spots. I'm hoping that the streams will help. If it turns out that I need two more, I'll get those at a later date.

I hope to be setting up my own tanks again in the next few months. If Tunze does come up with larger units, I would likely trade out the ones I'm getting now and place them in my tank (a 280), and use the larger ones in the 700.

Thanks for the help!

Mike

[rvitko]

First, I can assure you of the reliability of these pumps. Every effort has been made to ensure a long life and a rebuildable product. The most common problem of the past was a build up of calcium in the mag drive unit. This problem has been largely eliminated since March by increasing the magnet bore size and the size of the cooling port in the magnet, we now have a new record low for internal heat production and this is the prime cause of calcium build up, the water inside the pump gets hot, degasses and because of low CO2, calcium precipitates. In addition the plastic inside contains Teflon to make it somewhat non stick. At any rate a problem with the drive unit sounds an alarm and shuts down the power supply so permanent damage is highly unlikely. The driver is very robust and short of spilling water on it, it should last for several years, if needed every individual part of the pump can be replaced. On the large streams I will keep you posted, it is part of a project to produce very large pumps for returns, a large skimmer and of course a big stream. But as I said before, being a completely new type of pump, castings still have to be made, the prototype was made by hand gluing pieces together to form a bigger pump, a large magnet will have to be developed and this is tricky, you will notice most large drive magnets are two piece and frequently break where the pieces are joined, this would not be acceptable especially seeing as the propeller subjects the magnet to a fair amount of torque. A lot of issues have to be overcome but it is a frontburner project.

[michaelross6]

Roger:

I'd appreciate the updates as they happen.

Large reefs are nice, but there is little equipment suitable for them (understandable given their relative numbers). Such large tanks need more of everything, but doing that so far as regards water flow requires a very cluttered tank. Even with the large flow of your 6110 streams, I would need four, maybe 8 to do the job as I'd like. Starts making the tank a "mini-stream" tank instead of a "mini-reef" <G>. This is why I never used the turbelles or other such devices.

Thanks!

Mike

[rvitko]

I understand what you are saying about the equipment and its obtrusiveness. We have two soutions on the drawing board both as Turbelle Stream accessories and perhaps it would be useful to gain some input from the users.

Option 1, a Stream pump in a PVC housing that couples to the aquarium through a 2" Bulkhead. Drawbacks are expensive to have such large holes drilled, holes must usually be drilled prior to construction. Difficulties in water proofing cord exit, most practical option is to string the cord out and through the tank which is not the most professional solution but it is the only 100% solution, especially with variations in pressure with placement.

Option 2, a cast Ceramic "live rock" with a swivel mount enabling various delivery angles for a Stream pump mounted inside. So far this has been our favored option just for ease of service and ready adaptability to any situation. While not popular in the US, blown ceramic rocks and natural limestone rocks are the norm in Europe due to the expense of live rock. When grown over it is almost indistinguishable and has a good porosity.

If you have any comments or additional suggestions please let me know and I will present this to my superiors.

Roger

[michaelross6]

Roger:

I think that option #1 would be unpopular for a variety of reasons. One, few people I've seen plan their tanks to that degree, and even if you did, how do you know for sure how many streams to use and where? Most reefs are a process, not static, and some degree of flexibility is needed even after the tanks is set up. Sometimes even for years after.

Option #2 would be more practical, though I'd have to see the ceramic rock to know if it would be useful, since it would have to mimic live rock quite closely. As you say, live rock is easier to optain here. I should think, though, that one could simply place some branch rock or such over your existing units.

My concerns about obtrusiveness is with the large numbers of powerheads necessary before. If your stream works as advertised, then few would be necessary, and I think most reefers can deal with that.

Mike