Critique my hardware setup!

[Absinthe]

Well, after some soulsearching (and a few long discussions with the boss AKA fiancee) I have decided not to leave the hobby altogether, but rather change focus to a SW FOWLR tank and skip the reef for now. Too much time and money for me right now.

So I came up with a solution...plan FIRST and be less impulsive!

Well, on an impulse I bought a 72g bowfront today! :

But it was HER idea so its ok.

But I want to make sure I plan this tank properly and with minimal change of plans.

Here is what I am working with:

72g Oceanic bowfront (48" x 12"-18" x 22" high)
Solid wood AGA stand
Glass covers
Homemade canopy (which I likely wont use)

SO here is what I am planning as of now...and also the reasoning behind my thoughts.


1. Skimmer = Aqua C Remora with prefilter box on the SIDE of the tank. I need the tank to be closer to the wall and also for ease of access, the skimmer will go on the side. Pump will be a MJ1200 (already have). Preskimmer box to improve function of skimmer and help hide pump & heater.

2. Heaters = (2) x 100w visitherm stealth

3. Water movement. Here is where I need advice. I have decided on the Hydor Koralia pumps. I am trying to minimize the number of powerheads in the tank and wavemaking is not essential to me...FOWLR. I do want wide flow and lots of flow...I think it helps with the health of the tank. SO...what combo of Koralias do I use? I am planning on using TWO koralias, one in each of the back corners.
Seios run too many watts = heat, plus they get pricey with the magnet holders and such. Tunzes are too expensive for me. Plus I have heard good things about the Koralias and the strong flow they put out.

Link to the koralias:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=15955&inm=1&N=2004+22788+2035

RED box = remora
BLUE ovals = pumps

Well, thats about it!

Thanks!!

 

[billyr98]

we are doing a group buy on those hydors right now.. if you didn't know..

 

[arvin]

Absinthe:

Setup looks good. But, where is your sump? ;D

Btw, welcome to the 72g bowfront chapter of the club!

 

[Absinthe]

I am going to get in on the Hydor group buy...I just need some help on choosing which 2 pumps to get!

I cant do a sump right now.

I travel a lot for work and I need something that my fiancee can easily manage should something happen. I cant afford a "your plumbing is leaking (again)" phone call. I am sometimes gone for weeks at a time.

So this time...keep the water in one box!

I am buying a remora from someone here in the club.

Again, once I have a clear idea of which size Koralias I can order them in the group buy!

 

[mott768]

I have the k2 and a k4 in my 80 gallon bow, the k4 seems a little too strong and the k2 doesn't seem Strong enough, I would recommend 1 k2 and 1 k3 or just 2 k3's hope I could help

 

[mfisher2112]

I run a K3 in my 90 which is also 48" long. I don't know how the dynamics of the bow front would come in to play, but from what you pictured there, I'd run 2xK3.

Just to give you an idea:

I ran the K3 in the 55 gallon (also 48" long) on the left edge pointed straight across the tank. The flow reached the half way point easily, and as far as about 2/3rd across the tank.

In the 90, I have it back further and angled towards the front, similar to your picture.

The only thing you would want to keep an eye on is your rock work. Make sure that with only the two pumps, your rocks don't block or deflect the flow enough to cause any dead spots under the pump or in the center lower section of the tank (either front or back).

I would try the 2x K3s, and if you find you need more flow to fix a dead spot, you could always add something small low and hidden to help out.

I think the K4 will be too much, and the K2 will not quite be enough.

Hope this helps.

 

[mfisher2112]

You can see the K3 in the left of thie picture. See where the little orange tomato clown is in the center? The K3 pummels the front glass that far out on the angle it's at. You can also see the Tunze nanostream 6045 in the right corner for size comparison. I had to move the clam on the bottom over the left a bit so the rock work would block some of the flow. The poor little thing was getting his mantle "whipped in the wind" so-to-speak. Hope this gives you a better visual idea. ;D

 

[kabal2]

i think you have a pretty good idea of what you want, and your ideas and design looks good

Gabe

 

[Absinthe]

Thanks for all the help everyone!

I think two K3s would be the best way to do it.

I plan on having a few low mounds of rock in the middle of the tank so the flow would be unimpeded from one end to the other.

 

[PMolan]

How does one get in on a group buy. What kind of discounts do you guys get?

 

[Phyl]

Discounts vary by product and vendor. The carbon is 27# for 36$, the Hydors are 5% off of TFJPetcenter.com pricing, no shipping. PA gives us 15% off of everything (scheduled for June).

To get in on the group buys you need to be a member. The Group Buy forum has all the information you'll need once you're a member.

All the information you'll need to join is HERE.

If you need any other information just holler!