Flow Upgrade for Oceanic 58

[longhorn_20m]

I'm looking to beef up my current flow rate. Right now I'm using a Mag 5 for return through single output and external blueline 800 with two returns in the back corners. This has worked for me but I want to improve this to create some different flow patterns and fix a few of the dead spots. What is the best method to do this? I don't have to use the external.

[LoneStar]

What size tank are we talking about?

[longhorn_20m]

Subject: Oceanic 58 gallon

[longhorn_20m]

Right now I have a few SPS corals and assortment of Zoos. Zoos are placed mid to low area of tank and SPS on the top. I'm wanting to get good amount of flow to reduce dead spots and keep everything happy.

[cpreefguy]

When I had my 58g, I used a mag 9.5 for the return, and stuck a seio 1500 in it. The flow was awesome!

[LoneStar]

My vote, Tunze 6000. I made the jump and have never regretted it.

[captexas]

When I had a 58g, I used 2 sea swirls for returns from a Mag 12 and was very happy. You could also try a Red Sea wave maker with a couple MaxiJet power heads on it as well.

[longhorn_20m]

Anyone tried this new Vortech pump that is out? Kinda like the Tunze. I have heard a few testers had them but not available until April. Anyone heard anything about them?

[longhorn_20m]

Would two Tunze be too much for a 58 gallon? Looking for ideas for Flow Upgrade.

[longhorn_20m]

Any help?

[LoneStar]

If you get the multicontroller, I don't think two Tunzes would be too much. That is if you get the controllable ones. You can set the speeds lower just incase it is too much flow.

The Vortex moves alot of water, but without a wavemaker, its all constant. Until they release their wavemaker, its just a straight on flow.

I heard SEIO is coming out with a controller/wavemaker sometime soon. That could be a cheap alternative to Tunzes.

The biggest question is how much do you want to spend and how much are you WILLING to spend. :)

*note* I got a Tunze 6000 but am thinking of adding another with the multicontroller. All in my 55 gallon. Crazy? Probably :)

[longhorn_20m]

I'm not using price as my diminishing factor. I want to get solid flow for my tank without high electricity use. I have been leaning towards getting a reefkeeper II, I would definitely benefit by getting rid of my old timers and having everything on one power strip and some control. For flow I have been thinking about:

1) Using an Oceansmotions unit and external pump (Probably use the Blueline 800 I have now, but kinda want to increase) Upside, less clutter in display tank Downside, lots of plumbing and external pump that loves electricity

2) Using two Tunze 6060's on the reefkeeper II wavemaker. Thinking, if capable, to run one for a few mintues, then the other, then both at same time and continue cycle. Upside: less electricity, all contained, within system, no leaks Downside: Clutters the main tank

I also saw the new Nano Tunze, man I wish they had them out now. Any other ideas? Suggestions?

[Wryknow]

The Tunze 6060 on a wave maker are an excellent option IMHO. I don't like the clutter and potential for leaks that are associated with a CL system.

I also like the SEIO pumps though: they create excellent, diffuse flow and they are quite inexpensive. You can create pretty chaotic currents in your tank just by pointing powerheads towards each other.

The Vortech is very impressive flow and a really cool design. They have had some initial problems with shearing the propeller shafts from what I understand (unsuccessful cost reduction from the test phase to production) but are now shipping an improved shaft that they think will be more durable. It's way more flow than you need in a 58 gallon tank though.

[TroyPham]

i ran a top-close loop with a mag7. 4 outlets. worked great.

[falcondob]

My vote, Tunze 6000. I made the jump and have never regretted it.

Agreed! Tunze rocks AND rules....