Need help with controlling currents & flow in a 110gal

[Oreo]

How would you experienced guys recommend directing the filter output (1000gph max) in a 110gal for maximum versatility? I haven't even drilled the holes in the glass yet, so I can do anything I want. It will be an international freshwater community tank for the most part.

Right now, I'm thinking I'll drill two holes, one at either end of the tank, for the filter (canister style) influent & effluent. I've done OK on my 30gal directing the filter effluent from the tank bottom straight up toward the water surface in a single jet. This seems to keep the water oxigenated enough. But I'm wondering if there isn't a better way to direct the flow- either better for the fish, or just to be interesting, or what ever. I'd like to get your input.

What ever the ideas are, they need to either be versatile enough or reversible enough in case I want to do something completely different with the tank in the future.

Thanks!

 

[fishoverlivingspace]

You could run a spray bar out of the bulkhead across the back glass for about a foot, so that you have surface agitation there, and run one down the rear corner to get flow moving in the lower parts of the tank too. Drill the holes in the horizontal spray bar a little smaller as there will be more water pressure resistance on the vertical one. The intake on the other side of the tank could be put in surface skimmer-style to keep the surface water moving on that side, then maybe put a powerhead w/ sponge on the bottom at the other rear corner for movement on that side.

Is this the 110X high?? (48x18 footprint)?

 

[Oreo]

Yes, this is the 48"x18" footprint (30" high) tank.

I've never been a fan of spray bars because I like my whole aquarium system to be as quiet as possible. Although I guess I could put the spray bar just below the water surface & angle it up a bit.

How much current is too much current for this type of an anything-goes aquarium?

 

[kigoma69]

hydor makes circulation pumps that are very quiet and strong, afixes to the glass inside the tank,with a magnet system,one being on the outside and the other inside,i havehad one for about 6 mo,1200gph on a 125,works great for supplying plenty of strong current as well as highly oxygenated water for my tigris, jurense cats and barracudas. retails about $40 and you dont have to drill any holes in tank of course.

 

[Oreo]

I've already got a system capable of enough flow. I'm asking more of what to do with that flow. I just need to know what the best way to direct it is.

 

[fishoverlivingspace]

hydor makes circulation pumps that are very quiet and strong, afixes to the glass inside the tank,with a magnet system,one being on the outside and the other inside,i havehad one for about 6 mo,1200gph on a 125,works great for supplying plenty of strong current as well as highly oxygenated water for my tigris, jurense cats and barracudas. retails about $40 and you dont have to drill any holes in tank of course.

WHERE'D YOU GET 'EM FOR $40?!?! I spent like 50 a piece for my 2 that push 850 gph through drs foster & smith!!


Oreo: Spray bars are great for oxygenating the water, and they do almost just as well if you put them a couple inches below the surface and angle them upwards a bit(they can be completely silent that way). The distribute flow over a larger area than just your standard output, and it should make for a healthy tank... otherwise you could just have an output pointing at the front glass, and rely on the deflection to distribute flow, or get one of those ball and socket joint returns the rotate so you can angle it right into the middle of the tank.. lots of options.. tough choice!! Let us know what you end up going with and how it works out!

 

[Oreo]

Well, OK, but... let me try asking this a different way...

With the filter intake at one end of the tank & the filter return at the other, should I just point the return down the length of the tank & create a current in the tank flowing entirely in the same direction? Or should I split up the return flow to create a single circular current- ie. one return at top right corner pointed left, one return at bottom left corner pointed right.

Or, should I go with something even more complex? By directing the filter inlet & return flow I could have the current in the tank be a simple patern, or I could have it doing zig-zags & loop-di-loops. I'm wondering if anyone has discovered any paterns that are preferable for some reason. I'm familiar enough with how to oxygenate the water.

 

[fishoverlivingspace]

well, having a single return at one end and inlet at the other end makes for a riverine tank, with the entire water volume constantly moving from one end to the other... It's kinda cool.. Honestly, it's simple and it works well. That's what I'd do.

An inlet in the middle and two outlets on the ends pointing inward could leave some water on the extreme outsides a little still.... I'd just stick with the basics, and if you come upon some stagnant areas, add a sponge w/ a powerhead... it will be good supplemental filtration as well!


Although there are more options, the less complex you make it, the fewer opportunities you have to screw it up haha.. being one who is okay at DIY, but not an expert, I like to keep things pretty simple (and close to nature). Make it so there is as much water movement as possible with as little "jet stream" as possible... i.e. the riverine habitat mentioned above.