Flow in the 90 . . .

[BigAl07]

Ok I have my 90g (in sig but it's 120+ gallon total ) up and running. Have water heating and mixing as we speak for a bit WC change tonight.

I have a couple of options for FLOW and I'd like some input

I have

2 #4 Koralias I can use (1200 gph)

or

2 #3 Koralias I can use. (850 gph)



What are your general thoughts? I don't plan on having anything EXOTIC in the tank that can't handle flow but I also don't want stagnation due to low flow.

The system is operating off of a 1800 GPH return but with head calculated it's down to 1350gph. I have this going into a "Y" with one returning left and one returning right.

Since this if my first big tank (only have 1x 6g, 1x 10g and 1x 12g untill now) I don't know what to do.

Ideas and experienced input would be appreciated!

[panmanmatt]

Well I would go with the 4's and see how they do. If it's too much then drop down to a 3 and a 4 or the two 3's.

Also I noticed you say you have 1350 gph through your sump, have you tried throttling back on your return pump and see if that helps eliminate your micro bubbles? With that much flow you may be pulling the water past the bubble trap too quickly and not allowing it to work it's full potential.

[michael_cb_125]

I would go with the 4s. I will have two in my 240. I put one in my 100 gallon a while back. It made a huge difference. I guess you will be having them on the Aqua-Jr.?
That way you have that extra little bit of flow. I cant wait to see this tank all filled out.
~Michael

[goldenmean]

I think you will have to play with them in the tank for a while.
You might even try using 3 of the 4 PH

[BigAl07]

Thanks gang! No I haven't "throttled it back yet because I don't know how the Mag18 would handle that restriction. I've changed some of the flow characteristics by adding more flow to the FUGE area and less to the drain area.

Yes I'm planning to run this on a Controller eventually but for now just on a power strip.

I'll probably go with the #4's initially and then if need be I'll get the #3's. I don't have them IN my possession but I have them here locally to purchase.

Thanks gang

[Jason25]

Al, I have a mag 5 on my 54 with a 300gph overflow, I had to throttle back my pump using a ball valve or I had a ton of microbubbles in my DT. I would try like Matt suggested and I bet you bubbles will be gone. The only thing I ran into throttling back was at a certain point the pump starts to hummmm so I just opened it up until it stopped and no humming, no bubbles, life is good.

[BigAl07]

Looks like tonight is a "Throttle Back" kind of night

[Jason25]

Have you had a chance to try throttling back yet Al?

[BigAl07]

I throttled back just a hair and it did help. Unfortunately the front of my tank/stand is blocked with 36 gallons of water I am mixing for another water change. I'll mix it tonight and WC tomorrow night. So I was able to squeeze (BigAl doesn't "Squueze" very well) in between the can/stand and reach in. arm bent backwards, almost upside down, and turn the "throttle" back a hair. I'll experiment more once I have clear access to everything.

Thanks everyone