Tank Journal Archive
Hi everyone,
My name is Ash and I'm assisting in the hydraulic design of this conceptual aquarium. I think it's awesome that everyone is curious about this sysyem.
I am not an aquarium expert by any means but I understand a cpl of things about water flow from point A to point B.
Before I'm shot down in a blaze of glory for my selection PLS understand that I am an expert in swimming pool design, flow, automation, filtration and water chemistry. I design and build water features all of which must ultimately must work upon completion.
I have been asked to design an aquarium and have called upon my yrs of experience in the above scope of experience and came up with these things like everything I design based on the following principles;
Can the product achieve the desired outcome.
Has the product proven itself within a suitable term of service to be deemed reliable.
Warranty terms.
Is it correctly priced.
Before I recommend any product all of these terms are considered.
I am not an expert in aquarium products and see now that the aquarium industry has a wide range of possible products that may suit the concept ahead of us.
So I'll put it out there to the aquarium community first.
In the event that you were in the predicament of building this tank with a static head of of 2m vertical rise in basement, 12m horizontal pipe run to tank and 1.7m vertical rise to top of tank return for the sump filtration system and that again for the closed loop system but it is closed loop suction and return?
Turnover rates requested are 8 x tank volume per hr combined that is in debate as it seems due to capital expenditure and fear of loss of life that there are several rule of thumb laws and owners haven't chanced being the Devils advocate and taken tank hydraulics to the lowest low to test the "Rules" well within the safe zones. I guess experienced owners can smell and see signs before others notice and can react faster etc etc.
The tank flow design was developed before I was given the final plumbing configuration and I genuinely ask for anyone who has experience in moving 10,000L per hr per pump?
I have selected the Emaux 1.5hp variable speed pump.
The flow curve within the mid range flow curve puts turn over rates above 200L p/min at a very reasonable running cost and a very reasonable purchase price.
The pump has stainless shaft, seal and an alloy body. All plastic internals and can be programmed to vary rpm increments of any desired set point for any set period making it ideal for a turbulence effect requested for coral wellbeing.
Max flow rate of 500Lpm.
Incredibly quiet and logically ideal given the 2 pump system incorporating bypass plumbing as a back up safety pump that can be dialled up or down to adapt to a standby short term safety system in the event of an equipment malfunction.
I have installed over 20 of these and run it on my own pool and never one warranty claim. I can run my pool on it as low as 80W and can crank it up to pump water 2 stories up to a roof to integrate with a solar pool heating system maintaining 200+Lpm through 40mm piping.
This entire system is plumbed in 50mm Upvc to reduce friction loss and pressure.
We have a week till it's set in concrete so PLS don't by shy in sharing ideas through experience.
Ash
" Jacques Plumber "
My name is Ash and I'm assisting in the hydraulic design of this conceptual aquarium. I think it's awesome that everyone is curious about this sysyem.
I am not an aquarium expert by any means but I understand a cpl of things about water flow from point A to point B.
Before I'm shot down in a blaze of glory for my selection PLS understand that I am an expert in swimming pool design, flow, automation, filtration and water chemistry. I design and build water features all of which must ultimately must work upon completion.
I have been asked to design an aquarium and have called upon my yrs of experience in the above scope of experience and came up with these things like everything I design based on the following principles;
Can the product achieve the desired outcome.
Has the product proven itself within a suitable term of service to be deemed reliable.
Warranty terms.
Is it correctly priced.
Before I recommend any product all of these terms are considered.
I am not an expert in aquarium products and see now that the aquarium industry has a wide range of possible products that may suit the concept ahead of us.
So I'll put it out there to the aquarium community first.
In the event that you were in the predicament of building this tank with a static head of of 2m vertical rise in basement, 12m horizontal pipe run to tank and 1.7m vertical rise to top of tank return for the sump filtration system and that again for the closed loop system but it is closed loop suction and return?
Turnover rates requested are 8 x tank volume per hr combined that is in debate as it seems due to capital expenditure and fear of loss of life that there are several rule of thumb laws and owners haven't chanced being the Devils advocate and taken tank hydraulics to the lowest low to test the "Rules" well within the safe zones. I guess experienced owners can smell and see signs before others notice and can react faster etc etc.
The tank flow design was developed before I was given the final plumbing configuration and I genuinely ask for anyone who has experience in moving 10,000L per hr per pump?
I have selected the Emaux 1.5hp variable speed pump.
The flow curve within the mid range flow curve puts turn over rates above 200L p/min at a very reasonable running cost and a very reasonable purchase price.
The pump has stainless shaft, seal and an alloy body. All plastic internals and can be programmed to vary rpm increments of any desired set point for any set period making it ideal for a turbulence effect requested for coral wellbeing.
Max flow rate of 500Lpm.
Incredibly quiet and logically ideal given the 2 pump system incorporating bypass plumbing as a back up safety pump that can be dialled up or down to adapt to a standby short term safety system in the event of an equipment malfunction.
I have installed over 20 of these and run it on my own pool and never one warranty claim. I can run my pool on it as low as 80W and can crank it up to pump water 2 stories up to a roof to integrate with a solar pool heating system maintaining 200+Lpm through 40mm piping.
This entire system is plumbed in 50mm Upvc to reduce friction loss and pressure.
We have a week till it's set in concrete so PLS don't by shy in sharing ideas through experience.
Ash
" Jacques Plumber "
I just looked up the flow rate at 12m head and the Abuzz 400 indicates it's capacity leaves it at 130/140Lpm well short of our system requirement and would be forced into a life of pain and suffering being pushed to its limit. $3000AUD and I'm curious about the warranty on this pump. 10yr??? Regardless it's tech stats deem it uncapable of doing the job.
I have planned on using the variabl speed 1.5 Emaux pump on Jacques Adventure unless someone can suggest a more appropriate pump given the project specs
What issues do you foresee with aluminium housing in the pump?
I haven't seen one break down in chlorinated water and assume only their suitability in a marine environment however do you think that this could cause legitimate issues that you yourself or know of someone who has experienced issues from having an alloy component in the pump?
Ash
Hi Sam,
I have looked into the exploded parts diagram of the pump I'm intending on using and the end sheild I'd fully plastic. The entire wet section of the pump is made of plastic components excluding the 316 stainless shaft and mechanical seal spring. Behind the end sheild there is a drain in the event water penetrates the mechanical seal to prevent water entering the motor.
I'm hoping this is ideal to serve the purpose of a marine competent pump.
The only time I see corrosion on the seal or a potential leech is from people feeding salt directly down the skimmer which results in seal damage and iron overdosing from adding dirty low grade Bunnings sunray salt in combination with poor pH mangement. The pH fluctuations shouldn't be as big in a marine tank compared to a pool but a higher salinity level will see that regular maintenance inspections are carried out on the system.
I'm expecting to see this pump operate in a mid range RPM around 600w/700w subject to the basement filtration design layout. That is providing each system is turning over 10,000L per hr which is a rule of thumb figure. The closed loop will have a higher flow but lower head loss with the vacuum effect of the suction line back to the basement.
This system seems very comparable to a single story solar pool heating setup I guess.
When did you get to 12m of head? It was just going up one story right? With the large diameter piping used you'd need an awful lot of bends to get to 12m head pressure.
In your experience with these pumps, how many applications have you had them running with that head pressure in salt water 24/7? The abyzz may appear to be over engineered, but it is designed to handle these conditions day in day out for years without interruption. Once the tank is full of fish and coral, a break down of the return pump could kill everything in the display tank (could easily equate to 20-100k worth of livestock) in as little as a few hours.
Anyway, like I said - I'm no expert, use the pumps you deem appropriate.
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Yeah they get chewed away from personal experience, I am not sure if they act as a sacrificial anode or similar due to current or other components of the system but within a couple years you get pitting and within 5 or so I had divets about a cm deep.
I am on a phone so do not have access to my spreadsheets but from what you were talking about I would have thought 5m would be about the figure for static head loss and then frictional head loss from the 90*'s and the horizontal runs?
Do you have a link to you calcs where you came up with that figure?
At 1100w's per unit I would have thought there are a lot better options out there that are aquarium specific. at $400 a pump I can see why it's attractive but being the backbone of the system I would go something more tried and true for the reefing hobby.
When you are stating 8x turnover are you referring to the sump turnover or the tank over or both combined?
We typically do not take sump turnover into account into the tank turnover and the 5-8 times turnover stated as most rules of thumbs are for smaller tanks, once we get to this size 2-3 times is usually more than adequate.
For the closed loop systems we now have a range of controllable DC pumps that can offer much better randomisation , such as the ecotech marine vertra l1's ect which can pulse, provide random flows be set up for gyres and communicate with each other wirelessely. I would be looking towards several of these or something similar set on different loops connected by their wireless functions.
You may also look at running something like a couple of mp60's that can work in harmony to compliment and provide a suffient surface gas exchange.
These run at an extra $100 over the emaux's but I think are much much safer options and offer you a lot more features and you could literally run 9 of these and use the same power as one emaux.
When you are stating 8x turnover are you referring to the sump turnover or the tank over or both combined?
We typically do not take sump turnover into account into the tank turnover and the 5-8 times turnover stated as most rules of thumbs are for smaller tanks, once we get to this size 2-3 times is usually more than adequate.
For the closed loop systems we now have a range of controllable DC pumps that can offer much better randomisation , such as the ecotech marine vertra l1's ect which can pulse, provide random flows be set up for gyres and communicate with each other wirelessely. I would be looking towards several of these or something similar set on different loops connected by their wireless functions.
You may also look at running something like a couple of mp60's that can work in harmony to compliment and provide a suffient surface gas exchange.
These run at an extra $100 over the emaux's but I think are much much safer options and offer you a lot more features and you could literally run 9 of these and use the same power as one emaux.
Hi Sam,
My figure of 12m head loss is over and above the calculated head loss for this tank.
I mentioned in a previous reply that I have calculated this without being advised of the basement plant room layout.
I have only hypothetical friction loss calculations on distance and assumption of more bends than what we need given I haven't been provided an equipment spec and don't know how and where everything will be placed in the plant room.
The system is to incorporate 2 pumps operating in 2 separate systems therefore given variable speed capability the failed system can be interlinked to serve both purposes to a certain extent to provide the safety to the $fish$ and $coral$.
As a result of this bypass plumbing configuration I will need to connect, spring check non return valve springs, isolation valves, 3way valves, unions and the integration of a 24v ac actuator valve on the closed loop return my head loss has a safety factor calculate into it however it is and can only be vague till I know exactly how many valves, elbows etc are used in the plant design. A 12m head is my worst case scenario and is safest way for me to proceed without risk due to the unknowns mentioned above.
I ran my pump for 7 weeks straight this summer during consistent 32degree water temps at 30KPA but not for a whole yr straight.
I will reply in this msg to the Emaux" pump and its reliability.
There was a comment earlier from someone who's family owns a pool shop and that these pumps shouldnt be trusted and another reply stating the pumps are $400 and pit after 2 yrs and shot in 5yrs.
I am concerned others reading this post are in fact looking at the Wrong Pump.
There is no Emaux true variable speed pump that is available for $400.
There is an Emaux pump that is found widely in the industry and rebranded by many manufacturers like Zodiac that is hands down the biggest heap of crap god allowed to ever grace this earth with and I feel for anyone who is unfortunate to buy or be sold it. My company serviced 5000 pools annually for 4 yrs straight on the gold coast and the emaux pump was one we cringed at due to seal failures and fusion issues within the first 2yrs.
Whilst I didn't like the idea of the Emaux pump after my early introduction the 1.5hp variable speed is truly a work of art.
Never a warranty claim.
The reply of pitting after 2 yrs and replacement after 5 yrs reinforces my belief that the reply refers to the wrong pump as to my knowledge these haven't been out that long.
If the Abyzz 400 has a 10yr warranty and it is feared $fish$ and $coral$ could die within hrs what does everyone do and what is the warranty turn around time when failure occurs?
Like I mentioned the Abyzz 400 doesn't fulfill my requirements for this system. We need to have everything in a basement to have no pump noise in the entertaining area.
Ash
Hi Ash,
With the greatest degree of respect, I think someone needs to take control of the design and specs of the project before it goes much further.
There are quite a few alarm bells ringing to me and there already appears to be assigning blame to others on aspects and this has not even really started.
If you are breaking ground, laying pipes and putting forward hardware before you even know layouts and specs of the system this will likely end in disaster and cost everyone a lot more than it needs to.
There are times to go outside the box and go with either outdated or new designs borrowed from other fields, I would suggest that this is not a build to do so.
From a business perspective if you are directly specifying, supplying and installing equipment that has no proven track record in a reef tank to be suitable and it then leaches something into the system and kills what will likely be $30k of livestock you would be liable for this loss.
I note that this would not happen within hours but likely after a few years and it is a very long trail liability to take on that I would have trouble sleeping at night wondering if that is going to come back around and bite me.
From Jacques perfective, you want to make sure that he is till around to pick up the bill in a few years and that he doesn't try and hide behind the manufacturer's warranty which only warrants its use in pools and spa's, is limited to 12 months on mechanical seals and only covers replacement of the pump or parts itself and does not cover any other damages caused by defects in the product.
www.poolpower.net.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Warranty-terms.pdf
I want to try and keep things positive, I really do welcome your involvement in the forum, respect you for coming on here for discussion and hope that it can continue in a constructive manner.
With the greatest degree of respect, I think someone needs to take control of the design and specs of the project before it goes much further.
There are quite a few alarm bells ringing to me and there already appears to be assigning blame to others on aspects and this has not even really started.
If you are breaking ground, laying pipes and putting forward hardware before you even know layouts and specs of the system this will likely end in disaster and cost everyone a lot more than it needs to.
There are times to go outside the box and go with either outdated or new designs borrowed from other fields, I would suggest that this is not a build to do so.
From a business perspective if you are directly specifying, supplying and installing equipment that has no proven track record in a reef tank to be suitable and it then leaches something into the system and kills what will likely be $30k of livestock you would be liable for this loss.
I note that this would not happen within hours but likely after a few years and it is a very long trail liability to take on that I would have trouble sleeping at night wondering if that is going to come back around and bite me.
From Jacques perfective, you want to make sure that he is till around to pick up the bill in a few years and that he doesn't try and hide behind the manufacturer's warranty which only warrants its use in pools and spa's, is limited to 12 months on mechanical seals and only covers replacement of the pump or parts itself and does not cover any other damages caused by defects in the product.
www.poolpower.net.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Warranty-terms.pdf
I want to try and keep things positive, I really do welcome your involvement in the forum, respect you for coming on here for discussion and hope that it can continue in a constructive manner.
Hey Ash, fair enough mate I get the need to build in a little buffer to ensure the product meets the final needs even if they should change a little, but 12m head pressure is a bit extreme. As an expert in flow and hydraulic design, surely you'd want to get the exact flow requirements for this application before going any further? I am also concerned with the concept of using either/or of the two pumps to cover the other if one fails. Closed loop and overflow/sump designs are vastly different and I can't see how the plumbing could be achieved to cover both on each pump without massive complications. This is also no help if the failed pump is not discovered or attended to for days. Adding isolation valves, 3-way valves, unions and 24v actuators is a sure fire wire of adding unnecessary complication that is bound to fail.
The next comments about a family owning a pool shop is inaccurate. That is my family and it is a pump shop, not a pool shop. We do pumps only, it is our bread and butter. Was also not me quoting that the pump was $400. However, a company history of poor quality pumps and now a newly released version (even if it is of great quality) with little field evidence is a massive red flags to me. The response about pitting and replacement of pumps was not specifically about these Emaux pumps, but for other pumps with non-titanium internals not designed for the aquarium industry. Saying they have never had a warranty claim when they are newly released, are used in different applications for much shorter periods of time with no where near the consequences of down time feels irrelevant?
The Abyzz has a 10 year no questions asked warranty, but I think you'll struggle to find report of one ever failing, world wide. Even then, in an instance like this where it is a top shelf aquarium design with high demand on the return pump (closed loop isn't as critical), I would probably install and plumb second abyzz with a flow monitoring system that either automatically switches on the second pump, sends an alert to Jacques or both.
I am also really really confused how the Abyzz does not meet your requirements. It flows adequate water, makes a fraction of the sound level of the Emaux, is controllable (more so than the Emaux) is reef safe and has a proven track record in the industry.
Anyway, I'll keep out of it as it is really none of my business. Jacques has employed you to get the job done not me :)
So @Sam Parker - I've seen your tank and it's second to none. Your family owns a pump shop and yet you use pumps that have a proven track record in the aquarium industry.
@Jacques Pels - I think that says something. Are you able to provide more information around the tank/sump/house setup - I'm sure there is more than enough experience here to give you different view/options/experiences.
@Jacques Pels - I think that says something. Are you able to provide more information around the tank/sump/house setup - I'm sure there is more than enough experience here to give you different view/options/experiences.
Hi all,
looks like a lot was covered last night, and sorry I was unable to participate.
From the outset, I want to say thanks to all, for all inputs.
While there is not yet a consensus, it is great to see the involvement and passion each brings to the table.
I just want to stress, that this is a passion I have waited a long time to fulfill, and it is the end goal that counts, not any one opinion being disregarded, and no room for ego.
Ash is a good friend, who brings a lot of experience and knowledge to the table, but I recognize he has limited understanding of the aquarium hobby.
The two of us have discussed this for hours, and have a 'concept', and that is why I then wanted to lay it out to this group, with all your experience and knowledge of specifically the aquarium hobby.
Even though I had an 8ft, 500 gal marine tank for 20 years, that was set up in 1990. No need to explain to you guys how much technology and the hobby have changed in the interim, and that is why I want to avoid trying to be the wise guy who knows it all, and refuse to ask advise.
As you have seen, this will be project, with many aspects that are out of the ordinary - tank size, sump located approx. 12 meters away and one floor down in the basement, the concept of using a separate closed loop pump for internal circulation, as opposed to a series of MP 40 and MP60 heads for this, so as to avoid the unsightly wires.
As NiCd said, I hope we can keep this positive, exchange ideas, arguements , experience with the end goal in mind.
May I suggest we tackle the issue of which pump to use, for the sump cycle, and try to work out the best set up for the circulation ?
Is there a viable way to use a series of MP heads, that will not result in exposed wires ? I have a concept of using a 25mm 'snorkel' shape, and through the side wall of the overflow box. The top of this pipe is above water level, so we could lead the wires for the heads down, and through the side wall of the overflow box, with a rubber cover with X cut to allow wires through, but fish out. Crazy idea of worth investigating deeper.. or is there an alternate ?
If we staty with a separate Closed loop for circulation, then is the idea I showed acceptable ? The water returns through the overflow box, then above water level is split into left and right sides of the tank, with an actuator, then each side will have a series of 4 or 5 duckbill nozzles just below water level . ?
Guys, I am asking the questions because i want to get it right, and ask what you guys would be doing if this were your project.
There may be many roads to Rome, as long as the end result is a class tank, with the right water circulation set up, flexibility of flow, and eliminates or drastically reduces the unsightly wires, and glass mounted heads.
Must dash. Back later.
THANKS again to all for your inputs.
Jac
looks like a lot was covered last night, and sorry I was unable to participate.
From the outset, I want to say thanks to all, for all inputs.
While there is not yet a consensus, it is great to see the involvement and passion each brings to the table.
I just want to stress, that this is a passion I have waited a long time to fulfill, and it is the end goal that counts, not any one opinion being disregarded, and no room for ego.
Ash is a good friend, who brings a lot of experience and knowledge to the table, but I recognize he has limited understanding of the aquarium hobby.
The two of us have discussed this for hours, and have a 'concept', and that is why I then wanted to lay it out to this group, with all your experience and knowledge of specifically the aquarium hobby.
Even though I had an 8ft, 500 gal marine tank for 20 years, that was set up in 1990. No need to explain to you guys how much technology and the hobby have changed in the interim, and that is why I want to avoid trying to be the wise guy who knows it all, and refuse to ask advise.
As you have seen, this will be project, with many aspects that are out of the ordinary - tank size, sump located approx. 12 meters away and one floor down in the basement, the concept of using a separate closed loop pump for internal circulation, as opposed to a series of MP 40 and MP60 heads for this, so as to avoid the unsightly wires.
As NiCd said, I hope we can keep this positive, exchange ideas, arguements , experience with the end goal in mind.
May I suggest we tackle the issue of which pump to use, for the sump cycle, and try to work out the best set up for the circulation ?
Is there a viable way to use a series of MP heads, that will not result in exposed wires ? I have a concept of using a 25mm 'snorkel' shape, and through the side wall of the overflow box. The top of this pipe is above water level, so we could lead the wires for the heads down, and through the side wall of the overflow box, with a rubber cover with X cut to allow wires through, but fish out. Crazy idea of worth investigating deeper.. or is there an alternate ?
If we staty with a separate Closed loop for circulation, then is the idea I showed acceptable ? The water returns through the overflow box, then above water level is split into left and right sides of the tank, with an actuator, then each side will have a series of 4 or 5 duckbill nozzles just below water level . ?
Guys, I am asking the questions because i want to get it right, and ask what you guys would be doing if this were your project.
There may be many roads to Rome, as long as the end result is a class tank, with the right water circulation set up, flexibility of flow, and eliminates or drastically reduces the unsightly wires, and glass mounted heads.
Must dash. Back later.
THANKS again to all for your inputs.
Jac
Macca - I agree - have been monitoring the site for a while, and recognize the quality of experience and goodwill, and that i am asking you inputs.
I had posted the overall plan for the extension, but have added it to this thread.
I dont have drawings yet for the sump, but it will be approx 2 meters long by 70 cm wide, so plenty of space, but I dont think we will make it as intricate as Lesley's race course :-)
Plan a JNS Skimmer, RO/DI, series of 3 or 4 media reactors, refugum and possbly frag section. Pretty sure all this can be hooked up from a tap off the main sump /tank cycle.
Lighting, we can tackle separately, but i will proibably go the same route as Lesley with mainly T5 units and 4 LED units.
Hood will also be on a winch /pully system to raise 60cm for maintenance.
Tks
Jac
I had posted the overall plan for the extension, but have added it to this thread.
I dont have drawings yet for the sump, but it will be approx 2 meters long by 70 cm wide, so plenty of space, but I dont think we will make it as intricate as Lesley's race course :-)
Plan a JNS Skimmer, RO/DI, series of 3 or 4 media reactors, refugum and possbly frag section. Pretty sure all this can be hooked up from a tap off the main sump /tank cycle.
Lighting, we can tackle separately, but i will proibably go the same route as Lesley with mainly T5 units and 4 LED units.
Hood will also be on a winch /pully system to raise 60cm for maintenance.
Tks
Jac
Fair questions at that. What sort of budget have you allocated for sump/display return pump and the closed loop side of things? That will greatly impact the choices available to you.
If it were me, I'd run one (or two if budget permits for redundancy) A400 Abyzz pumps for the return pump
For closed loop, I wouldn't mount the pump in the basement for this, but instead have it directly under the tank to reduce head pressure and complexity in plumbing. I'd look at either a A100/200 abyzz or a couple of Ecotech Vectra L1's. Both will not be audible, are aquarium safe and have randomised feature modes perfect for closed loop setups. I'd also look at mounting a couple of maxspect gyres on the central weir vertically.
Cheers,
Sam
Sam,
thanks.
Although we are a bit under the hammer with the slab being poured on Saturday, Ash has the pipes in for the system as per our concept. If they are not needed, then at least we have the pipes in place and can just cap them.
That allows this luxury of discussing to arrive at which main pump toi use for the tank/sump cycle.
The internal circulation, with a closed loop is therefore what i am trying to get to a final design. I will try to meet up with Ash to discuss the option of doing the closed loop, with a pump under the tank stand. Do you think the design we have with split left and right through an actuator value, and duck bills, is optimal for the sort of water flow rates and direction control/flexibility we want ?
As to a 'budget' for this project... NO, I have no fixed budget or limit, but am pretty sure it will end up more than I dare admit to my dear wife :-)
Ash knows me well enough. I am not one to splurge and throw money at my whims, but I am willing to spend what it takes to do something right, while trying to be as economical as necessary.
For example, I was so inclined to once again, follow Lesley's lead on the Geissman T5 light units, being a German , I recognize the value of quality etc etc... BUT since I will 'hide' my lights in a hood, the sleek look of their housings is wasted on me. My thinking is that it is the tubes/bulbs that give us what we need. I will therefore probably go with ATI units, but not yet set on which LEDs.
I will use a Neptune Apex controller.
Later.. and thanks
Jac
thanks.
Although we are a bit under the hammer with the slab being poured on Saturday, Ash has the pipes in for the system as per our concept. If they are not needed, then at least we have the pipes in place and can just cap them.
That allows this luxury of discussing to arrive at which main pump toi use for the tank/sump cycle.
The internal circulation, with a closed loop is therefore what i am trying to get to a final design. I will try to meet up with Ash to discuss the option of doing the closed loop, with a pump under the tank stand. Do you think the design we have with split left and right through an actuator value, and duck bills, is optimal for the sort of water flow rates and direction control/flexibility we want ?
As to a 'budget' for this project... NO, I have no fixed budget or limit, but am pretty sure it will end up more than I dare admit to my dear wife :-)
Ash knows me well enough. I am not one to splurge and throw money at my whims, but I am willing to spend what it takes to do something right, while trying to be as economical as necessary.
For example, I was so inclined to once again, follow Lesley's lead on the Geissman T5 light units, being a German , I recognize the value of quality etc etc... BUT since I will 'hide' my lights in a hood, the sleek look of their housings is wasted on me. My thinking is that it is the tubes/bulbs that give us what we need. I will therefore probably go with ATI units, but not yet set on which LEDs.
I will use a Neptune Apex controller.
Later.. and thanks
Jac
Very true! Although there is head pressure from bends and any flow separators.
@Jacques Pels - I'd be looking to spilt into at least four outlets at the base of the tank using something like an oceans motions flow diverter.
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