Pumps/Power Heads/Both?

[Sunny]

Hello again

I am getting a 150 reef ready tank and am new to saltwater. I plan to get 2 magdrive 9.5 for intake from sump to tank (sorry for terminolgy - still understanding the "technical" terms.) I was told in other post that maybe one magdrive 18 is a better bet.

Now, do I still need powerheards if I go with two 9.5 or one 18?

How noisy are these things? I plan to put the tank in my family room and wanted to get an idea of what my options are.

I have African Cichlids for 5 years and this is first saltwater experiment.

I plan to get a 150 RR tank, AGA megaflow model 4 sump, ASM G4 skimmer and (how many sumps and powerheads??)

Thanks for looking.

Sunny.

 

[MadReefer]

My tank is only 75g but can give some basics. You will need something in the display tank for water movement. What kind and how many depends on what you keep. SPS would like much flow where LPS and softies less. It will also help with cyano as the water moves around it can't take hold. I think one return pump would be better. Two would produce more heat in the sump and cause more evaporation. I have a mag7 on my skimmer and a mag5 for my return. I am sure someone else with a big tank will chime in.

 

[Sunny]

Any suggestions?

 

[JRWOHLER]

Well what I have on my 120 is 2 Koralia 4s, 2 MJ900 on wave maker, and a Mag 12 return.
The MJ900 are slightly less GPH then the 1200 but use less energy that is why I use them FYI.
The Koralia are good sized but are energy efficient and reasonably priced and quality.
The Mag 12 I have actually T'd it off to run a TLF reactor because I wanted the return quieter.
There are a lot of powerheads to choose from the Koralia are probably the most reasonable priced, Tunze are good quality but pricey, and the EcoTech Marine Vortech are maybe the best of all(small size, energy use, and controlable) but are the most expensive.
Check out the following site.
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=koralia
We do a group buys from them, one coming up, of course you have to be member but if you are setting up a tank the free shipping and 20% off pays for a lifetime membership. ;D
I have about 30 times turnover...it is good for the mixed reef that I have. The two Koralias are at the top for surface agitation. If you want all SPS you will want more. Maybe less if you don't have any SPS at all.

 

[Sunny]

Thanks

So if I get just one Mag 9.5 for the sump (inflow) and get 2 of Ecotech Marine VorTech Propeller MP20 Pump will that be enough flow for the 150 gallon tank?

 

[JRWOHLER]

I would think so, honestly the Vortechs have stayed out of my price range, so let proud owner of some answer that for you.

 

[Sunny]

Do you think 4 Koralia model 4 can generate the same type of flow?

 

[JRWOHLER]

The ones that you can control yes I would think so. But that is getting pretty expensive. And honestly they are not small powerheads. So 4 will take up 4 times the room in your tank as the Vortech. If you I use MJ900 like I said on wave makers for my "cheap" alternative to the Vortechs....the Koralias I have higher up and more or less aimed at the center to try to create turbulance in the center of the tank.

If I had the cash burning a hole in my pocket I would go with the Vortechs, I don't so went with the setup that I have. Some folks love the Tunze too. Again price is an important factor.

 

[mr_X]

you will definitely need more flow in the display than the return pump affords you. also, depending on the size of your sump, a return pump of that size might cause a microbubble issue. so much water coming down so fast and not enough sump to handle it.
i'm using a mag24 return on my 195, but my sump is a 125 gallon tank. it seems fine for that application, but if i was to use, say a 55 gallon tank, my sump would look like a raging river, and be almost as noisy.


koralia 4's aren't a bad choice if you are on a budget.

vortechs are the way to go if you don't mind the $$$

 

[Sunny]

So should I use just one mag drive 9.5 and T it? I am thinking to get AGA megflow model 4 unless there are some suggestions for a bigger sump....

 

[JRWOHLER]

http://www.theaquariumgroup.net/sho...erchantid=459793&catid=1901&shop=itemlist.asp

This is where I got my sump/refugium. Shan is the contact guy very nice. They will build the sump without skimmer ect.
Oh and they will customize what you are looking for also. Think mine is like 36x12x14. I bought without the skimmer or lights(use clip on shop light)....actually I bought my skimmer from him too but it was a custom job, built like a tank.
If you talk to him say hello.

I would go with the Mag 9.5 or 12 after checking the overflow rating.

 

[Hawkeye]

http://www.theaquariumgroup.net/sho...erchantid=459793&catid=1901&shop=itemlist.asp

This is where I got my sump/refugium. Shan is the contact guy very nice. They will build the sump without skimmer ect.
Oh and they will customize what you are looking for also. Think mine is like 36x12x14. I bought without the skimmer or lights(use clip on shop light)....actually I bought my skimmer from him too but it was a custom job, built like a tank.
If you talk to him say hello.

I would go with the Mag 9.5 or 12 after checking the overflow rating.

shan should give you like royalties for all the times you mention him.

Just like tunze should for me. hahah.

hey monroereef - powerhead choices include:
vortech (never owned)
tunze streams gen2 (never owned)
tunze streams gen1 (no longer made, but they well built and still supported by tunze)
hydor koralias gen1 (not controllable) - great for the price
hydor koralias gen2 (controllable) -

i can only speak to the tunze gen1. Bulky but they provide a nice wide flow at low watt draw. I can't afford a german car but I can pay for the german powerhead. These days you should be able to find a used pair for sale.

 

[JRWOHLER]

Yeah I know mention him all the time. But he gave me great service and good prices. So since they are not as well known I put it out there.

 

[Sunny]

Called the number on their website and left a VM.

Thanks for all the suggestions.