Do I need more flow?

[Guest]

I currently have 2 hagen 402's in my 55.. should I invest in more flow? just curious.. I also have my turbo floater pumping in as well...

 

[steve-s]

Depends on the other features of your set up (sump or canister?) and the type of tank really. The skimmer will not contribute that much in the way of overall flow as much as a small contribution to aeration. The two 402's are about 270 GPH each so you would be considered at the low end for a SW tank if this was a reef tank. Good water flow will always help in keeping a tanks ecosytem happy and healthy. If FO or FOWLR you might get by but personally I would up that with another PH.

Cheers
Steve

 

[Guest]

thanks Steve for your advice..I think I'll invest in more flow...any suggestions on what i should use and a good placement for it in the tank...the 402's are 1 on each end towards the back pointing towads the front.. as for what type of filtration..i still have only an aqua clear 500 on the back but i'm working on up gradeing very soon..

 

[steve-s]

Personally I like having PH's or water movement that is not luminar and flows throughout the tank. The two you have at the surface are fine but in my tanks I also like having ones that boost the flow in the lower areas of the tank. This helps keep the sandbed and rock free of detritus and allows for better gas exchange.

Cheers
Steve

 

[Guest]

what would you suggest is the best to use in my situation for the flow? I don't wanna make a poor decision.

 

[steve-s]

If it where me, I would move the 402's down in the tank and place two additional MJ's at the top. This will effectively apply flow to all area's of the tank and keep the water more caotic.

It will also depend on what your eventual "upgrade" will be. If you are going to add a sump with a good size return pump it will make the extra PH's unneeded. If that's not too far off, you might just hang on until then and save some extra cash.

Cheers
Steve

 

[Guest]

Thanks again Steve..Think i'll get some MJ's anyway even though i'm leaning towards sump..don't know when i'm getting the sump just yet so the flow couldn't hurt..besides MJ's aren't really that pricey..

 

[Wally]

MJ's are very reasonably priced and perform very well. Her is a link to a store in Wisconsin.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=4609&Ne=40000&R=8961&N=2004+22788

 

[Guest]

thanks for the link Wally...I'll look into it.