Tank circulation

[spiral_72]

I'm (still) building a sump for my 55g FW. It's a learning experience
to say the least. Perhaps I am over-thinking this thing, but I'd like
some input from whoever is willing......

As brief as possible: My existing HOB circulates water poorly. The tank
stays far cleaner and more algae free if install a powerhead to keep
the water moving and the junk stirred up, so the filter can do it's
job. No brainer, right?

Given that, I tried to over-size the pump to eliminate an unsightly
powerhead to circulate water. The question is: how to determine where
to put the return(s) and two siphons? I'd like to eliminate standing
water, but keep the surface to a gentle roll if I could (to contain
CO2.) I'd also be good if I could acheive a good circulation without
exercising my fish too much.

I thought I could put the return at the water level in the middle of
the tank exiting at the 5 and 7 o'clock positions by slotting a single
PVC pipe twice...... and place the siphons at the left and right rear
corners. quick picture at:
http://www.geocities.com/spiral_72/tank_circ.jpg
Ya' suppose that's just a fancy picture, or do you think it'll work?

Thanks!

[Fishman]

Sea Swirls

I have two 1" Sea Swirls on my 240 gal that keep the water well stirred. If
you're not familiar with them, Sea Swirls have rotating return heads that
roatate over a 90 degree range.

http://www.sea-swirl.com/

You won't need as high of a flow rate to get the same effect using these.
My Sea Swirls are next to my overflow intake for the sump pointing away.
(Okay, poor description. I'll try to post a picture sometime.)

Fishman

"spiral_72" > wrote in message
ps.com...
> I'm (still) building a sump for my 55g FW. It's a learning experience
> to say the least. Perhaps I am over-thinking this thing, but I'd like
> some input from whoever is willing......
>
> As brief as possible: My existing HOB circulates water poorly. The tank
> stays far cleaner and more algae free if install a powerhead to keep
> the water moving and the junk stirred up, so the filter can do it's
> job. No brainer, right?
>
> Given that, I tried to over-size the pump to eliminate an unsightly
> powerhead to circulate water. The question is: how to determine where
> to put the return(s) and two siphons? I'd like to eliminate standing
> water, but keep the surface to a gentle roll if I could (to contain
> CO2.) I'd also be good if I could acheive a good circulation without
> exercising my fish too much.
>
> I thought I could put the return at the water level in the middle of
> the tank exiting at the 5 and 7 o'clock positions by slotting a single
> PVC pipe twice...... and place the siphons at the left and right rear
> corners. quick picture at:
> http://www.geocities.com/spiral_72/tank_circ.jpg
> Ya' suppose that's just a fancy picture, or do you think it'll work?
>
> Thanks!
>

[NetMax]

"spiral_72" > wrote in message
ps.com...
> I'm (still) building a sump for my 55g FW. It's a learning experience
> to say the least. Perhaps I am over-thinking this thing, but I'd like
> some input from whoever is willing......
>
> As brief as possible: My existing HOB circulates water poorly. The tank
> stays far cleaner and more algae free if install a powerhead to keep
> the water moving and the junk stirred up, so the filter can do it's
> job. No brainer, right?
>
> Given that, I tried to over-size the pump to eliminate an unsightly
> powerhead to circulate water. The question is: how to determine where
> to put the return(s) and two siphons? I'd like to eliminate standing
> water, but keep the surface to a gentle roll if I could (to contain
> CO2.) I'd also be good if I could acheive a good circulation without
> exercising my fish too much.
>
> I thought I could put the return at the water level in the middle of
> the tank exiting at the 5 and 7 o'clock positions by slotting a single
> PVC pipe twice...... and place the siphons at the left and right rear
> corners. quick picture at:
> http://www.geocities.com/spiral_72/tank_circ.jpg
> Ya' suppose that's just a fancy picture, or do you think it'll work?
>
> Thanks!


Can you have the returns pointed at the glass, about 2/3 down and still
the 5 & 7 o'clock position? This would tend to pick up detritus along
the front centre and drive it along the front and up the sides towards
the siphons.

The Sea Swirl looks interesting too (but a little pricey for me, or any
of my applications so far).
--
www.NetMax.tk

[spiral_72]

That Sea Swirl is pretty nifty. $169 is not an option at the moment
though. I wonder if anyone has made one DIY? :) I looked for a rotating
head that operates with water pressure, like a sprinkler head. I wasn't
that impressed with what I found though.

Hmmmmmm, that's not a bad idea at all NetMax..... I had to read it a
couple times but I got it. It'd probably work better than mine if I can
figure out how to conceal the return plumbing.

Thanks all..... I'll still entertain more suggestions though!

[Walt's Harem]

Just curious,,what kind of fish are you planning on having ?
I have a 55gal. tank with angels, gourami's,loaches, glass catfish,,them
little catfish that run around all over the bottom of the tank,,,things
like that,,I've got the big Emperor filter,,and that's all,,no
heater,,etc.,,,have had it several years,,,,

[Daniel Morrow]

Bottom posted.
spiral_72 wrote:
> That Sea Swirl is pretty nifty. $169 is not an option at the moment
> though. I wonder if anyone has made one DIY? :) I looked for a
> rotating head that operates with water pressure, like a sprinkler
> head. I wasn't that impressed with what I found though.
>
> Hmmmmmm, that's not a bad idea at all NetMax..... I had to read it a
> couple times but I got it. It'd probably work better than mine if I
> can figure out how to conceal the return plumbing.
>
> Thanks all..... I'll still entertain more suggestions though!

How about a zoomed powersweep powerhead? It rotates it's output nozzle
through a 90 degree range automatically for under $30.00. Good luck and
later!

[spiral_72]

I have tropical fish right now..... Swordtails, assorted Tetras, Cory
ect. When my tank is setup like I want.... I'd be nice to have angels
or something a little more exotic. Look at my aquaria page to see
exactly:

http://www.geocities.com/spiral_72/home.html

A "zoomed powersweep powerhead" ????? Cool! I've never heard of it, but
I am going to run a Google search on it in about 30 seconds. Thanks!

[Daniel Morrow]

Bottom posted.
spiral_72 wrote:
> I have tropical fish right now..... Swordtails, assorted Tetras, Cory
> ect. When my tank is setup like I want.... I'd be nice to have angels
> or something a little more exotic. Look at my aquaria page to see
> exactly:
>
> http://www.geocities.com/spiral_72/home.html
>
> A "zoomed powersweep powerhead" ????? Cool! I've never heard of it,
> but I am going to run a Google search on it in about 30 seconds.
> Thanks!

Yeah spiral, you can at the very least get them by www.thatpetplace.com , an
example product code to search for there is zm0229 for the biggest one I
think, from an older catalog that should work fine on the website. Hydor
makes a water deflector that turns the output in 360 degree space pretty
cheap (i.e. you can get it with a cheap internal filter in the form of a
bio-flo which would be what you are looking for in this example and it would
include a star shaped sponge that would rotate with the deflector and some
of the sponge would be out of the water thus providing biological
filtration). I am pretty sure the sponge and flo is removable from the
internal filter and from each other. The whole deal costs approximately 16
dollars right now I think. Good luck - I like your enthusiasm, and later!