Circulation Options

[Jamie]

Hi everyone,

I'm trying to decide if I'm really satisfied with my flow....well, I guess I already know the answer but am looking for a little feedback. I currently have an Ehiem 1262 as my return pump going through a SCWD and 3 Koralia 4's as circulation for my 150 gallon mixed reef (5X2X2). I feel like I'm missing out by not having a good "random" flow. I'm always fidgeting with the positions of my Koralias searching for the perfect flow where all of the corals are happy. I was originally just going to get a wavemaker for my K4's, but I read that the Koralias don't do well with them...hard starts or something. I have half convinced myself to get a used Wavemaster Pro with 3 or 4 modded MJ1200's. The modded MJ's will put out 2100gph each! What do y'all think...should I stick with what I got, try a wavemaker with the K4's, or go with the wavemaker and modded MJ1200's?

Thanks, Jamie

[cbianco]

You need waves! Lol.

I know you didn't list it as an option but Vortechs are nice. I have a MP20 on my 30 gallon and it rocks.

Christopher

[stoneroller]

I'd like waves too. I have a K4 facing off with modded 1200. The 1200 kicks butt.

Still, I get knocks out of both units when I power them up.

[Jamie]

I wonder if it would be better to run a wave box...like the tunze nano or 6212....in addition to my three Koralias or if a wavecontroller like the wavemaster pro does a better job....any input?

[CoryDude]

Jamie,

DO NOT USE THE MODIFIED MJ'S ON A WAVEMAKER. After a few months of stop/start, the pumps will begin to startup in reverse. If the pumps are off, and an algea grazer is nibbling on the pump when it starts back up, they can be sucked into the impeller. I lost a blue tang and almost lost a yellow blenny.

I'm assuming the regular Koralias on a wave maker will do the same over time. Not sure why this happens. Maybe the magnet's polarity gets reversed or because AC current fluctuates in direction, but either way it will happen.

[ErikH]

+1 Vortech

[Gilbert]

I have modified mj and sometimes when i turn them off they either start properly, don't start, or start in reverse. So i don't recommend them to be on a timer.

[Jamie]

Vortech is a bit outside my price range...I'd need 2 and don't have 850 bones to drop on a couple pumps. What would be better, a couple Tunze's (6101's) on a multicontroller, or a wave box? I have seen lots of used Tunze products for sale on RC. Maybe everyone's going with Vortech over there.

[cbianco]

Vortech is a bit outside my price range...I'd need 2 and don't have 850 bones to drop on a couple pumps.

I hear that. My Vortech was a planned investment.

What would be better, a couple Tunze's (6101's) on a multicontroller, or a wave box? I have seen lots of used Tunze products for sale on RC. Maybe everyone's going with Vortech over there.

Just make sure that what ever PHs you use, they were meant to be used on a wavemaker. As mentioned earlier, a PH that was not meant to be used on a wave maker almost certainly will have premature failure or face some sort of problem. Most PHs that are meant to be used on wavemakers are have AC to DC converters (I believe), someone correct me if I am wrong.

HTH somewhat.

Christopher

[CoryDude]

You're right Christopher on the AC/DC thing. That's why the adjustable pumps are so much more expensive.

You'll get more flow options with the two 6101's + controller. Those wave boxes are great, but I personally don't like the eyesore they create.