[ToxicDice]

Would this pump be too much for a 75g reef tank? The only other flow would be provided by the sump/fuge return of just under 600gph. Using the Tunze's flow rate of 1500+gph my tank would have a total flow rate of roughly 30x tank volume... That sounds high but is the Tunze's rating accurate in your experience and since the flow is 'wider' will it be as destructive as it sounds or will it be good?

Any alternative suggestions would be much appreciated by this novice reefkeeper who's trying to build his tank right the first time.

Thanks for your time!

[NATIVEVAMAN]

Even at the flow levels the tunze will provide you would still have dead spots in your tank.The two main reasons for flow in the tank are keeping the water moving across coral to provide its food and keeping ditritus suspended in the water column so it can be carried to the skimmer. Flow recomendations go something like this.10x the tank volume for fish only,20x the tank volume for soft coral and anemones,30x the tank flow for hard coral.Have a look at the hydor koralia pumps,they use very low amperage putting less heat in your tank and they are inexpensive so you can use 3 small or medium sized pumps.Using 3 pumps along with your return flow from the sump should eliminate all the dead spots.

[Ganrin]

I have 3xkoralia#2, 400gph return from sump(afterheadloss), and a maxijet900 (230ghp) in my 75 for about 35x turn over and ive still got spots that arent turned as id like. I would have gone with 3xkoralia#3 if I had seen the flow before purchasing.

[ToxicDice]

Thanks guys. It sounds like Hydor Karalias are the poewrhead of choice amongst experienced folks and that's exactly the advice I'm looking for. I wasn't too keen on a bunch of powerheads all over the place simply for aesthetics but proper function and reef well-being will always come first.

How do you guys feel about a closed loop system incorporating a spray bar that would provide small amounts of flow to all the little nooks and crannies along the bottom and back?

[NATIVEVAMAN]

I like closed loops on larger tanks.But if they are not plumbed properly they can make your life a living _ _ _ _.

[gimmito]

If you were already budgeting for tunze's, I would recommend the vortech pumps instead:
300-3,000 "adjustable" gph
No interior heat
Takes little room in tank
Wireless drivers for various modes (lagoon, crest, pulse, etc.)
Optional backup battery(It saved my tank once already during a blackout)
Backed by icecap customer service

I use 2 in my 75 and get serious "random flow." I could'nt recommend them any higher.