PH, heater, skimmer capacities for 65-gal FOWLR tank - Page 2 - Aquarium Advice

bpeitzke · 07-02-2007, 04:01 PM

I like the idea of not using a cannister filter, as it simplifies maintenance. But now I'm worrying about adequate water flow. In our 36-gal tank, the return from the Fluval 204 provides significant current to supplement the two PH's.

Wonder whether 3 PH's and a skimmer would provide enough flow in the new 65-gal tank without a cannister filter. Maybe if I go without one I'd need one of those Hydor Koralia in-tank pumps.

I'm finding this discussion very illuminating. Appreciate all feedback.

flip_lx · 07-02-2007, 05:33 PM

get one of the wavemaker/swivel PHs. do the "standard" 2 up top and put a swivel say halfway down in center of the tank. another thing is if you add a skimmer it will create current like a mini PH (depending on its size and gph) or if you add a refugium your output into the tank will add some as well

bpeitzke · 08-05-2007, 09:16 PM

Still trying to finalize my list for this 65-gal tall tank (36w x 18d x 23h) upgrade (delayed by work etc).

Figuring on ordering 3x30lb bags = 90 lb of aragonite sand, e.g. Aragamax. According to the sandbed calculator, this will give me a 2.2" bed.

At this point I'm figuring on using two of the MaxiJet 1200 PH's and one Hydor Koralia 1 (400gph) circulation pump which I'll locate in the center ~ 1/3 up from bottom. Concern here is too fast water turnover. I've read that 4x/hr is optimal, but this pump, their smallest, is rated 400gph. According to that rule of thumb I should have one ~ 260gph. However it may be that actual flow rate is maybe 3/4 of quoted rate, so this Koralia 1 might close to what I need.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

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07-02-2007, 04:01 PM	#11
bpeitzke Aquarium Advice Activist Join Date: May 2003 Location: Pacific Palisades, CA, USA Posts: 130	I like the idea of not using a cannister filter, as it simplifies maintenance. But now I'm worrying about adequate water flow. In our 36-gal tank, the return from the Fluval 204 provides significant current to supplement the two PH's. Wonder whether 3 PH's and a skimmer would provide enough flow in the new 65-gal tank without a cannister filter. Maybe if I go without one I'd need one of those Hydor Koralia in-tank pumps. I'm finding this discussion very illuminating. Appreciate all feedback.

07-02-2007, 05:33 PM	#12
flip_lx Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 225 Images: 1	get one of the wavemaker/swivel PHs. do the "standard" 2 up top and put a swivel say halfway down in center of the tank. another thing is if you add a skimmer it will create current like a mini PH (depending on its size and gph) or if you add a refugium your output into the tank will add some as well

08-05-2007, 09:16 PM	#13
bpeitzke Aquarium Advice Activist Join Date: May 2003 Location: Pacific Palisades, CA, USA Posts: 130	Still trying to finalize my list for this 65-gal tall tank (36w x 18d x 23h) upgrade (delayed by work etc). Figuring on ordering 3x30lb bags = 90 lb of aragonite sand, e.g. Aragamax. According to the sandbed calculator, this will give me a 2.2" bed. At this point I'm figuring on using two of the MaxiJet 1200 PH's and one Hydor Koralia 1 (400gph) circulation pump which I'll locate in the center ~ 1/3 up from bottom. Concern here is too fast water turnover. I've read that 4x/hr is optimal, but this pump, their smallest, is rated 400gph. According to that rule of thumb I should have one ~ 260gph. However it may be that actual flow rate is maybe 3/4 of quoted rate, so this Koralia 1 might close to what I need. Any thoughts or suggestions?