New 312 Gal. Reef Tank-Circulation Questions

[brbrown]

I would like to start by saying hello to all,

I am new to this forum and this is actually my first attempt at a saltwater set-up. I have been doing my research for a long time and I am trying to learn everything I can from everyone I can to avoid as many mistakes as I can. Anyways, on to my questions. I am having a 312 Gal. (96" X 30" X 25") reef ready tank built as we speak and also having Jeff at Lifereef custom build my Berlin type filtration/skimmer system which I will utilize LR and LS as my biological filtration. My question is dealing with water circulation. I will have 3 overflows in the tank (1 in each rear corner and 1 in the rear center). My plans are to run SCWDs from the return pump which is an Iwaki MD70 which has approx. 1500 gph and was considering 4 Maxijet 1200's @ 295 gph each, running off of a Wavemaster Pro, for a total of approx. 2680 gph. I was wanting everyone's input/opinions on this set-up. Does this sound like a good set-up or does anyone have any better recommendations. As I stated I am new at this and need all the help/advice I can get.

Thanks to all and I look forward to getting to know all of you I can.
Bryant

[Silkks11]

ok heres my suggestion... I like the idea of getting a giant tank to start off with... VERY good move.. you will have limited problems in a tank this size. I just set up a 360 and I'll tell you what I am going to run.. A wet/dry that I built handles up to 1000 gallon tanks, 80 watt uv sterilizer, etss protien skimmer, an ocean clear, and then a little giant 5 and a little giant 4. Personally the little giants are the exact same as the iwaki's just less in price, same proformance. you might want to look into that. Also I would scratch the maxi jets,, in a 312 like your doing all that is going to do is add current(electrical) to the tank causing in the long run HLLE disease to your prize fish. Consider these suggestions b/c its better to spend the money in the begging than watch your 100 dollar fish die.

[Zack]

Sikks11 is yours a Fish Only or a reef? May be diffrewnt filtrion from one to another right?

[Telco Guy]

I agree with Zack. In a reef tank you need water movement. I think that 1500gph is not enough for a 312gal reef tank.

By the way, welcome to CoralForum.

[Condiman]

I agree you will have to have more watermovement then that for higher rated pumps I think you could go with I think that they are called Tsunami they are quite powerful

[brbrown]

Thanks to all who replied, this gives me some new food for thought. I also think I am seeing a trend that maybe I need more circulation than the Iwaki will provide and to possibly stay away from using the Maxijets for the additional water movement.

Thanks again,
Bryant

[blackangler]

also if its a reef, dont put a uv sterilizer in it.(bad move)

[Telco Guy]

Yeah, I've always wondered about that. A lot of corals feed on the tiny critters that flow in the water and if the sterylizers kill them all off then that would be bad. But, I've heard a lot of people use them.

[Condiman]

you kindof have to look at all the benifits and concequences when you use a UV and deside for yourself but IMO they are not really worth it in a reef

[brbrown]

I appreciate this additional information because I had planned on using a UV. This is the first time I have been told not to use one but it makes good sense. I guess this is where a good quarintine tank comes in to play. Do you guys recommend using RO/DI water in the reef tank or do you just use tap water? I was planning on hooking up a RO/DI system because I have read so much bad about using standard tap water. I am on a community well system where I live so I don't really know much about it's contents but was afraid to take any chances.

Thanks again,
Bryant

[Telco Guy]

I use an RO/DI system. I think it's great because I also use it for drinking water. Just don't try to boil RO/DI water in the mircowave. :wink: It won't boil! Until you put something in it, then it will practically explode :!: Basically, it is so pure that there is nothing for the bubbles to form on until you put something in it, then it boils rappidly. :!: But I got a bit off subject there.

[brbrown]

OK,
Thanks for the reply and also thanks for the caution about boiling. That's something I did not know either and like you I was also planning on using it for the family drinking water.

Thanks again,
Bryant

[blackangler]

ro/di is a must.

just a bit of knolledge.

the dallas/ fort. worth texas water supply has trace comtamints of prozack in the water.

[Telco Guy]

:lol: So, then you'll just have a bunch of Happy Fish!!! :lol: :lol:

[mjc]

With respect to the post re: powerheads and circulation, may I suggest in addition to the Iwaki, have you considered the Turbelle Tunze stream (powerhead)? I have one that pushes 2250 GPH (one model pushes 3100 GPH), and with your large tank, the tunze will definitely move water.

http://www.tunze.com/usa/en-gb/dept_161.html

- Marty

[Telco Guy]

Thank you, mjc, for bringing this back back on topic. :oops:

[brbrown]

Yes, in reply to the Tunze. I actually talked to a guy at Tunze and he said they are coming out with the 6200 series streams after the first of the year that fan out about 30" of spread which will be perfect for my tank since it is 30" from front to back. Thanks for your replies and I was wondering if I could get some of that Dallas/Fort Worth water shipped to Tennessee. The fish can have the RO/Di water and I'll drink the water from Texas.

Thanks again,
Bryant

[Charles Poole]

Back tp the topic of stray electrical current from the maxi-jets. I run only maxi-jet pumps for in tank circulation, and they have never failed me.

Have you had problems with them in the past?

[Paidbychrist0825]

Rodi. definately Rodi. there are things in tap water that would make you scringe. the piepes leach copper int the water( very slowly) and many other unplesnat things are there from the start. Used RO/ Di