School Tank Progress

[cheeks69]

BTW Rodger I read quickly thru the thread but I didn't notice, what is the total turnover rate for the tank ?

[Rougiem]

Cheeks:

We turned over in about 2 1/2 weeks roughly.

Cheers!

[Craig Manoukian]

Just FYI,

Rodger and I have discussed having two different biotopes predicated on lighting in the tank. MHs on the left and flourescents on the right. He is going to install fans and modify the hood on the left where the halides will be!

[Rougiem]

Thanks Craig! I have talked about the lighting but not about the biotopes..Thanks for adding that.

Cheers!

[Woodstock]

Originally Posted by cheeks69

BTW Rodger I read quickly thru the thread but I didn't notice, what is the total turnover rate for the tank ?

Rodger, I believe the question is regarding water flow. For example, in my 90 gal tank I have a total of 3 pumps; a return pump rated at 700 gph (after 2' head pressure it's about 600gph), 2 PHs(power heads) with a total gph of about 600 gph. Thus, my water's total turnover rate is 13 times per hour (600 + 600 = 1200/90 = 13 times per hour). I think the minimum should be about 10 times per hour for softies/LPS corals and should be MUCH higher for SPS corals.

[Rougiem]

Right you are Woody...Sorry mental exhuastion has set in...I will have to look at my pumps and calculate it for ya! Well Cheeks wanted to know too!
When Craig was here some time ago we were trying to determine it but did not put forth a lot of effort on it.

Thanks Woody...keeping my on my toes!

Cheers!

[Rougiem]

Okay Woody and Cheeks!

Take a look at this for me: We have 2 pumps rated at 588 GPM (I am sure some is lost due to as in post#13 - control valves) which would give us 1176 (not taking into account reduction in flow) 1176/200 = 5.88 times an hour. Looks like we are going to have to do something about that.

Woody - Question - We also have a pump in the sump (wow that rhymes!) for our skimmer and I am not sure if that adds to the flow?

Our pumps are Little Giants model number - 3MDQX-SC. May want to double check and see if I have the right pumps. Only number is 3000 rpm.

Cheers!

[cheeks69]

Originally Posted by Rougiem

Cheeks:

We turned over in about 2 1/2 weeks roughly.

Cheers!

Sorry Rodger should've been more clear.

5.88 times an hour

Rodger that really needs to be increased IMO. That will probably lead to serious algea issues and detritus buildup on and around the rocks, the minimum is 10x turnover rate but that is the absolute minimum I would try to get at least 20x turnover rate.

Here's a quote from by J. Charles Delbeek B.Sc., B.Ed., M.Sc

Water movement is extremely critical in a reef aquarium. Many of the
organisms you will be keeping such as corals, cannot move from where
they are growing. They depend on the water to bring them oxygen and
nutrients, to take away wastes such as carbon dioxide, to remove
fouling organisms and to ensure that all the polyps get enough light.
This water motion can be achieved in many ways but it should not flow
in a straight line (laminar flow). Best are small eddies and swirling
masses of water that cause the water to flow in a chaotic manner
through the aquarium. This is best achieved by having a number of water
returns and/or powerheads in the aquarium, located such that their
flows can interact with each other. Water motion is also critical for
the suspension, and removal of detritus and debris from the aquarium.
Make sure that you have good turbulence at the water surface too, as
this greatly aids in gas exchange.

[Rougiem]

Thanks for the response Cheeks! That does expalin the tremendous amount of algea we had and this also had to do with our lighting which since changing bulbs has been of some help. Our cleaners are doing a good job with that as well. More things to address! But helpful Thank you! Would putting in some powerheads help?

Idea from Craig I believe....Here is the Roug and Kmoney...found a shark in the tank and we are taking him for a spin....Science teachers all have a bolt lose upstairs and me and K are no expception!

Cheers!

[cheeks69]

That does expalin the tremendous amount of algea we had and this also had to do with our lighting which since changing bulbs has been of some help

Algea outbreaks are common in new tanks but they can be very persistant with low water movement and nutrients which usually accompany new uncured rock.

Would putting in some powerheads help?

Yes absolutely ! I would recommend a couple of Seio 1500's they're not as pricey as the Tunze and can also move some water but I don't know if that's feasible. Here's a link:

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...egory_Code=RIO

BTW that pic is hilarious !

[Gina]

Rodger,
Who is who in the pic? Sounds like Cheeks is getting you under control with your turnover rate! I also like alot of water movement in my tank. We probably have about 15 times turnover. I have 4 PH in a 46g and then the return pump from the sump.

[Rougiem]

Thanks!

Cheeks: Thank you for the link. Those look like they would help a great deal. I like the price too. How many do you recommend? I am doing this off a grant so anywhere I can save, but that does not mean we want to cut corners. You have been a great help! I will get it rolling.

Gina: You are more than welcome to add input. Kmoney is in the front and I am in the back of the picture...Sorry about that! Hey we are not two you put together often. We are like a couple of kids but is fun person to work with!

Cheers!

[Woodstock]

LOL Rodger!!! Great photo!! hahaha

[KimPossible]

Your a fun guy Rougiem! Love the pic!

[Craig Manoukian]

You guys are a real scream! Too funny man. Tell kmoney to get to work on that remodel project, eh? When can I stop by to see you two