Aquapod Pump/Water flow 4/11/08
Hi there,
<Hi Alex.>
I have one simple (hopefully simple) question.
<OK>
I currently have a Hydor Koralia 1 providing the majority of water flow in my 12 gallon AquaPod as well as the output from the filter that came
with the tank. What I am looking for is something that will change direction and not constantly flow water in the same pattern. Is there
something out there that perhaps toggles it's direction continuously so as to minimize the "dead spots" for grunge and build up?
<Hmm, yes. SeaSwirls, Ocean Motions, SCWD, and WavySea are a few that work well. They are also large and expensive for a 12 gal (except maybe the SCWD). For your output on the pump look at the Hydor Flo Deflector. It is not the best, but it is cheap and works. You just need to clean it as part of your regular maintenance. You can achieve about the same results by directing the powerhead and pump flow at each other. This will give you a varied flow.>
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Alex
<Welcome, Scott V.>

Koralia Pumps 1/19/08
Hello all,
<Hello Whit!>
Thanks again in advance for your time. I have a 46g bowfront and a rock wall covering the entire posterior part of my tank. I would like to add some flow behind it (the remainder of the tank is very well circulated) to prevent detritus accumulation.
<OK>
My question is- would you recommend the Koralia nano (265gph), or Koralia 1, which pumps 400.
<Hard to say without knowing what your rock wall is constituted of and the other flow dynamics of your tank.>
On one hand, 400 gph would certainly do a decent job, but how much better than 265?
<Depends on how other flow acts within this space.>
Is the sacrifice in space (2 inches larger) worth the extra 140 gph?
<The only dimensional difference I see between the two is that the Nano is ½” shorter. Considering how diffuse the flow is with these units, I would opt for the Koralia 1.>
Thanks!
Whit
<Welcome, I hope this helps you decide, Scott V.>

Equipment/Power Heads  - 03/22/06
I am planning on setting up a 30 gallon reef tank with live sand (40 lbs) and live rock (40 lbs).
I want to house a few clowns, <Nothing larger than the percula, and no more than two with your other choices.> a royal Gramma, some snails and small crabs. I plan on adding some LPS corals. I will be using an Aqua C Remora for skimming.  <A big plus.>
My question is about circulation. When calculating tank volume, do I subtract the volume taken up by the sand and rock?  
I plan on using 2 Maxi-Jet power heads.  The small ones come in 106 gph and 160 gph.
Which ones would you recommend?  Two 106's would give me 212 gph, two 160's would give me 320 gph?
Would 320 gph blow stuff around too much?  <I like the Maxi-Jet by Aquarium Systems, one of the very few that works well with wavemakers if you ever so decide.  Two model 600's (160gph) would work well if this is your only means of circulation.  If current seems a bit strong, they are adjustable.>
Thanks in advance for your time and insight.  <You're welcome.  James (Salty Dog)>
Eric B.

Selecting a Powerhead... SW circ.    4/10/06
Hi,
<Hello there>
I am trying to select powerheads for my 55 gal FOWLR tank. I am planning on adding some corals, and will be adding powerheads to provide the appropriate water flow. How do I decide what flow rate to get?
<Mmm, reading, experimenting... talking with others?>
I would expect this to depend on the type of coral.
<Yes...>
When I read about coral flow requirements on various websites, most say low, moderate or high. What would these correspond to in gph?
<Per the size of systems... Mmm, ummm... five, ten, twenty times volume per hour... or such>
I am considering either the maxi-jet or AquaClear powerheads and am just not sure how to select the right size.
Thanks,
Rob
<Are good product lines... Please read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/circmarart.htm
and the linked files above. Bob Fenner>

Equipment/Pumps...Tunze Stream 6060 Circulation Question - 08/26/2006
Hello,
<Hi>
First, I would like to thank you for your great effort in helping those in need.
<You're welcome>
Well, this time I'm one of them. I have a new 100 gallon FOWLR tank that I'm converting to a reef tank soon, and my question lies in circulation.
Initially I was planning to upgrade my circulation by adding two Maxi-Jet 1200's to total about 600 gph. But I came to understand that I want more circulation. I'm not a big fan of filling my tank with powerheads, and that is when I started to consider the Tunze Stream 6060.
What I liked about it is the power it packed (around 1600 gph). Will this powerhead be enough as the sole provider of circulation for my 100 gallon tank? And what about dead spots?
<An excellent pump, but you will likely have dead spots. My suggestion would be to go with the Dr. Foster & Smith package that includes three Maxi-Jet 1200's and an Aquarium Systems Wavemaker Timer.  This will give you a random flow rate totaling close to 900 gph, and can be had for about 90 bucks complete.  Along with your return pump, this should give you plenty of circulation and little or no dead spots.  Tunze makes an excellent wavemaker box that closely simulates nature, but this would be out of your budget range by another 400 bucks.>
Also do you know if there is any another brand of powerhead that packs a punch like the Tunze and can be used alone (keep in mind that the 6060 is the maximum of what my budget allows)?
<Not in the power head format.>
I also have another question. I'm adding a sump in the near future. My plan is to use a CPR CS100 overflow box (flow rate 800 gph) and an AquaC Urchin Pro (due to limited space), and I am having trouble in choosing a good return pump. What do you recommend?
<I'd probably go with an Ocean Runner 3500.  Will give you 900gph at the head, and is one of the more efficient pumps with a 65 watt current draw.  Do compare others also.>
Sorry for taking your time.
<That is what we are here for.>
Thank you and keep up the great work.
<You're welcome.  James (Salty Dog)>
Mohammad

Some Follow-Up Questions – 10/16/06
Thanks for the quick reply, but I have some follow-up questions for your expertise.
<<Alrighty>>
** I have two Maxi-jet 1200’s and two ZooMed 228 power sweeps. Should I put in more power heads in for more circulation and which ones and how many do you recommend? <<I would add more flow, yes...will be much appreciated by the fish. Perhaps you can replace all these power-heads with a couple Tunze 6060 Stream pumps? Else just add enough Maxi-Jet pumps to prevent any stagnant/low flow areas in the tank>>**
Well, those guys are really expensive (sigh), BUT as I have found out nothing in the hobby is cheap.
<<Ha! Indeed!  You can get by with standard power heads, but if you ever try the Tunzes you won’t go back>>
I have also discovered that the more expensive then the more likely they will be around for a long time.  I was thinking of adding one on each side of the tank and pulling all of the other power heads.  Does this sound like a good idea? (These are cheaper than having to buy the Eheim 2229)
<<Sounds great to me!>>
As with the move, after your input and all of the information I can read, this is my plan.
Start REALLY early in the day.. (Yeah, no sleeping in)
<<Ah yes...best to plan to get it all done in one go>>
Have all items for the new tank on hand and put on the tank if they need to be mounted.  Transfer enough of the water out of the 55 to move the tank and put the 150 behind it.  Use live sand for the tank and use the water and the LR from the old FOWLR.  Have more water pre-made and cured for three days with some LR in each of the Rubbermaid Trash Cans.  Each can will have power heads in them to keep the water circulating and will have a heater to achieve proper tank temperature.  Have the fish in another 30 gallon tub and introduce them after the tank has been up for at least four hours.  This tank will have an AquaC Remora Pro with a MAG3 for skimming and aeration. (Yes, I have four trash cans that are available to me and yes I am also going to thoroughly clean each of them.
<<Yep...looks like you’ve got a good plan and things are under control>>
Again, thank you for your insight on my query for enlightenment.
Scot
<<You’re quite welcome, Eric Russell>>

Tunze Streams Vs. EcoTech Vortec Pumps  - 10/24/06
Hi WWM
<Hey there! Scott F. here today!>
Another water flow question, do you have an opinion as to which pumps are better- the Tunze 6100 or the Eco Tech Vortech. I have a 157 reef tank 72in long and want to place 2 of which ever would be best. The Tunze's are more adjustable at this time due to the controller but the Vortech doesn't have the motor and cord inside the tank so no heat exchange and the controller is being developed. They both put out a lot of movement.
Thanks
Robert
<Well, Robert- my personal experience is exclusively with the Tunze Streams, which I have used extensively (600,6100 and 6200 models). I have seen the Vortechs a few times, and know a few people who use them. I favor Streams for several reasons. The first, as you mentioned, is that most of them (6000,6100,and 6200) are controllable. The 7095 controller is a very sophisticated and versatile controller. Also, the Streams can be directed on the magnet mounts, Stream "rock", or other methods. Vortechs do not have swivel capability, and can only flow perpendicular to their mounting, reducing their utility, IMO. Also, the controller is not available for the Vortechs, which is really limiting. On the other hand, if you can tolerate these factors, the Eco Tech is aesthetically better than the Tunze. However, the reliability of Tunze products is legendary...They can literally run forever if you maintain them, and Tunze USA customer service is outstanding. Vortec needs to be on the market a little longer to see how the reliability is. In the end, I'd give the edge to Tunze! HTH. Regards, Scott F.>

How many powerheads and change to live sand?
Hi. I have 2 questions in which hopefully u can steer me into the right direction. 1st, in my FOWLR tank w/125 of l/r I currently use 2 powerheads for circulation at the opposite top ends.  Would adding 2 more rated at 250gph be beneficial or would this be overkill?
<Could only help>
It currently houses a clown wrasse, a tomato clown and the guy who seems to enjoy the movement the most, a palette tang. Second, in about 4 months I'm going to move the tank (60 ft) which currently has c/coral.  This would be the time to switch to live sand if better.  I always find myself after a w/change saving 1 or 2 creatures from the tub (usually brittle stars and worms) and tossing them back into the tank. If I see them I save them.  If I switch over to sand these little guys are destined for the big "flush".  
<You got to flush 'em? Why? No...just add them to the new tank>
Is this unusual behavior?
<Flushing useful, living, beneficial critters down the toilet? I hope it's unusual. I wouldn't do it and I hope that you'll reconsider this practice! David Dowless>

Powerhead and DSB Question  4/6/03
Hi there!<Hey, Phil with ya this morning!>
Is two Maxi Jet 1200's in the back corners of a 29 gallon too much circulation for a tank that "will have" roughly 35-40 lbs of live rock, one Flame Angel, and miscellaneous crabs, shrimps, etc.?<I don't think so.  I'm really big into have a lot of flow in a tank.  If you read on WWM, you'll see that a high flow rate can help stop Cyano.  Which is a very good thing.>  or would two 900's be better.<The bigger the better, IMO>  Also, with this kind of circulation would I be better off with a DSB or stay with the 1" of CARIBSEA "Puka shells" I have now so as not to blow the sand around.<I like DSB's but I have CC in my 29g "reef" tank.  It does well, get's a little patch of Cyano every once and a while.  So I guess if you like the CC stick with it.  If not switch to sand.  As long as you don't have your powerheads pointing down you shouldn't have a big problem with sand blowing.>  I like the sugar-sized sand look but people I've talked to say that it's hard to place the powerheads "out of sight" and keep from blowing the sand all over the place!<The rule is to place the heater AND powerheads in the tank before the live rock.  This way the powerheads are hidden from sight.> Thx in
advance, you guys are great!<Thanks for the kind words.  Let us know how the tank turns out!  Phil>

- Powerheads -
Hey guys...a couple really quick questions.  First off, what brand of powerheads do you find to be the best? <I'm real fond of the Marineland MaxiJets, but there are others that are just as good, Hagen, etc. - if you have the really big bucks, Tunze is worth looking into.>  I have an AquaClear and the darn thing is blowing millions of micro bubbles around my tank, and it's about to drive me batty.  AHH!  Are there any brands that are a higher quality, IYO? <Is the bubble problem actually an issue of quality or just placement? Perhaps you should try moving it around before you pronounce it junk.> Also, do any of you know anything about Aquacon? <I know of them, but have no direct experience with them.> They seem to have a lot of livestock, and I was wondering if they are a reputable source. <Should ask this question on the bulletin boards where you'd run into more folks who may have used their services.> Thanks!
<Cheers, J -- >

Too noisy?
<hello Pam>
What's your take on the noise level of powerheads?
<Powerheads are fine to use.>
Some say they're stressful to the inhabs to be subjected to the noise.
<I don't know this to be a fact.>
If this is the case, what is another method for good water movement that doesn't break the bank?
<there are some do it yourself projects that you can do like: Borneman or Carlson surge device. This would be less noisier for the fish, but will be a lot noisier for you. I would stick with powerheads. MikeH>
Thanks, Pam

Choosing Powerheads...
Powerheads.....what kind do you recommend?  The Rio's I have are pretty loud and annoying.  What make/model would you recommend?  I want to dump these ASAP.
<Well, it all depends on the application you're using 'em for. If you're shooting for maximum flow and currents in a sophisticated scheme, then the Tunze Stream pumps are awesome. If you want an external powerhead, you could use Gemini pumps (which I love) or Tunze Turbelle pumps (the "BMW" of external powerheads). Both are wonderful, IMO>
Thanks again.
<My pleasure! Regards, Scott F.>

Choosing Powerheads...
Hello Crew, <Steve Allen here today>
Thanks as always for taking the time to answer my queries... you're welcome>
I know a lot of people on this site recommend MaxiJet powerheads, so I bought 3 1200s for my 75 G. I am having trouble with one of them staying on the tank. <Grrr...frustrating, isn't it. Most suction cups are wimpy and they don't seem to last all that long before stiffening up.> I constantly have to push the suction cups down as one or 2 will pop off everyday. <I hear ya.> The plastic clamp that comes with them to hang over the top of the tank is not very wide, and it would be stressed if I stretched it over the lip.  <Another pet peeve of mine. I have the same problem with Hagens. Have the people who design these clamps never seen plastic-frame glass aquarium?> Besides this would hang the powerheads at the top 4" of the tank.  I know some people silicone the holder to the tank.  However, I want to be able to move them around as I add livestock and change my aquascape.  Is there any other remedy to this problem?
<A couple of options here. First, make sure the glass you are hooking the suction cups too is perfectly clean. This may help. You could silicone the cups to the glass, but this will really only work if you drain the tank down far enough to hook it to the glass. It wouldn't be hard to cut it loose with a razor blade later. Perhaps you can find stronger/better suction cups somewhere. Another option I used was to support the bottom of the powerhead with lengths of PVC pipe--ugly, but functional. Lastly, you might be able to use cable ties to hang the mount to some sort of clamp on the rim. The problem there would be keeping the powerhead lined up the way you want it to point. Good luck>
Thanks in advance, Jeff

He's Finished Having An (Aqua) Ball- Time For A Stream!
Guys,
<Scott F, your guy tonight!>
I have a 72G with two Eheim Aquaballs (172gph), one Magnum H.O.T (250gph), One Eheim 2227 wet/dry (127gph) and a Remora skimmer (295gph). Assuming that they are all running at 75% capacity, that's 750 gph. I just purchased a Seio pump rated at 620 gph to replace one of the Aquaballs. I'm considering replacing the other with a Tunze 6020 Stream pump rated at 1600gph. Is that too much flow?
<Well, it really depends upon the kinds of animals that you intend to keep. Chaotic-water flow-loving SPS corals need at the very least, 10 times tank capacity. Frankly, 20 times is a better goal, IMO. If this is what you're shooting for, bring on the Streams!>
Should I stick with two Seio pumps? The Aquaballs don't have enough flow!!
<Well, the Seios are interesting powerheads, IMO. I had a chance to test one when they first came out and they seem to work as advertised. However, in my humble opinion, the Tunze Stream is the best internal powerhead out there, in terms of raw power, low electrical consumption, and controllability. They are rather pricey, of course!>
Sorry for asking a question when I kinda know the answer already.
Narayan
<Not a problem, Narayan. That's what your fellow hobbyists at WWM are here for. Good luck! Regards, Scott F.>

How can I increase water flow?
Hello, << Hi there. >>
  I called Tunze and the only powerhead that goes on top is their classic and this is an older pump that they don't recommend any longer.  I currently have two sea swirls connected to the two pumps coming from my sump.  Do you have any other recommendations for additional flow? << Sure I like adding BioWheel filters for one option, or even just more powerheads. >> I've heard good things about the Tunze stream but they are too large for my 55 gallon aquarium.  My main concern is increasing the current in the tank without having a large volume of water circulating between the sump and the aquarium and having the powerheads in the tank increasing the temperature. << Well without powerheads in the tank, you are somewhat limited.  But as for the water in the sump concern, you could always add a surge tank above your tank. That would be way cool.  Or add a hang on the back type of refugia, but that still adds another powerhead.  Although extra powerheads give off more heat, I almost always think adding more of them is a good idea. >>
Thanks in advance,
-Brent
<<  Blundell  >>

Which Tunze Turbelle Stream pump? 7/29/04
WWM Crew, I am planning to purchase 2 Tunze Turbelle Stream pumps.  I plan to place one pump the floor of the tank inside the 'rock cover' that Tunze sells, and the other I plan to place near the top of the tank in the diametrically opposite corner, held in place with the new Tunze 'magnetic holder'.  I also plan to add the new Tunze multi-controller model 7095 to control the pumps.  I am setting up a new tank that is 125 gallons.  I was planning to get the Turbelle Stream model 6000 (variable flow rate 660 to 1849 GPH), but the business that I am paying to do the installation has told me (although they are unfamiliar with the new
'STREAM' version of the Tunze Turbelle pumps) that they recommend that I get the 6100 model (variable flow rate 1056 to 3170 GPH) since I'll have the multi-controller and will be able to limit the max. flow rate (but will have a higher minimum flow rate).  I plan to have a mixture of SPS and soft corals.  What model do you recommend (I'm pretending that money is no object).  Thanks Rod  <Hmmm.... I used to pretend that money is no object.  Then I got married!  Ha!  Anyway, I would go with the larger pumps.  You will probably be quite surprised at how close to "wide open" you end up running them, especially if you cycle them on and off with the controller which cuts deeply into the total flow. Also, with such a large investment, you want the system to be able to grow with you if you get a larger tank.  Do also consider the wattage of each and the relative amounts of heat that they will produce.  Best Regards!  Adam>

Which Tunze Turbelle Stream pump? Part2 8/1/04
Thanks for your prompt reply Adam.  Unfortunately, I'm still confused since I also (somewhat unexpectedly!) received a reply from Tunze with the opposite recommendation.  Please do me a favor and review their recommendation and let me know if you still feel that I should go with the larger pump in this case:
From: Tunze USA [mailto:tunze@sbcglobal.net]
No way, the 6100 would turn your tank into a whirlpool. The lowest end of the 6100 is equal to the high flow capacity of the 6000, they don't overlap at all. For the older versions it would be fine but not for the Streams. You can adjust the flow with a potentiometer on the side of the computer to one constant speed until your controller arrives. You must however return it to full power when you connect a controller. Roger
<I have seen a lot of Roger's advice to other aquarists, and would trust his judgment.  He has a lot of experience with the products and it is hard to question the manufacturer when they recommend the less expensive option!  Best Regards.  AdamC>

Moving Water With Tunze Streams
Scott F:
<Hi there! Happy holidays to you and your family>
Happy holidays and thanks so much for the advice.
<Glad to be of service>
I am seriously considering a Turbelle Stream Kit TS24 (with two powerheads directed at each other from each end of the top of the 6' tank and a multicontroller), but I have fear that I may be setting up a whirlpool with all that water flow!
<Well, I won't mislead you- these pumps can really move water. If they are directed right on to coral, they can literally strip the tissue right off! However, if you set them up according to Tunze's recommendations, you'll be very pleased with the results.>
The LFS's don't carry this high end item so I can't go check it out....money isn't the object but I'd hate to plunk down $800
for something I can't use or won't be happy with....on the other hand I don't mind spending the money to significantly improve my tank inhabitant's quality of life.  Advice?
Thanks,
Margo Rose
<Well, Margo- I certainly understand your thinking here! The one good thing about the 6100's and 6200's is the ability to use the Tunze Multicontroller to vary their output. This can create a very realistic flow/current pattern in your tank. Also, do go onto some of the larger message boards, such as Reef Central or Reef Frontiers, to get some feedback from fellow hobbyists. If you can afford them, and are willing to experiment with them a bit to get the flow patterns the way you like them, you'll fin that these pumps are really amazing. Good luck to you! Regards, Scott F.>

Powerheads 1/30/05
Thank you guys for your help! now for my question:
How many powerheads and what brand of powerhead do you recommend to at least have a 600 gph turnover in my 29g tank? Currently have 2 clowns, 1 yellow watchman goby, 1 coral beauty, 1 cleaner shrimp, 3 snails, 5 hermit crabs, and 25lbs of live rock... plan on adding 2 more fish. can you give me various choices?
<do take some time reading the wetwebmedia.com chat forum and others such as reefcentral.com for such consumer feedback. Don't be afraid to help yourself my friend. It will give you a better consensus from a wide range of people/users. Also, for your water flow, do consider a single water pump like a Supreme brand Mag Drive to power a closed loop manifold instead of using yucky powerheads <G>. Go to our index page (wetwebmedia.com) and type in "goodbye powerheads" and you will get hits that include a link to an article by that title describing this option. In fact... please do learn to use that Google search tool as a first means of information gathering. The Internet is a tremendous learning tool when you learn how to navigate it :) Anthony>

Powerhead question 8/25/05
Hey Gang, was wondering if you can recommend a powerhead size for me.  I have a 75 gallon reef tank that has a Mag 9.5 for return connected to a SCWD with a return on each end of my tank.  I'm running 3 maxi jet 600, but it still does not seem like there is enough water flow in the tank.
I tend to get most of my equipment from the DrsFoster website, and was looking at the Azoo powerheads.  My maxi jets are rated for 160gph, but that seems low to me.  Upon looking at the Azoo's I was looking at there  model 1800 (475 gph) or 2500 (660).  Do you think that's too much?
<Depending on the livestock, placement, no>
I have my power heads setup to cross my returns, but it still seem like a little from where they flow, junk is accumulating on the ground.
I would be replacing all 3 of the maxi jets, and from what I have been reading in Bob's book water flow as well as quality is very important.
<Yes>
It seems like my one rock of mushrooms is not doing very good,
<Or well>
been wilted for the past 3 days and after 15 gallon water change 3 days ago and another yesterday, they still don't look good.
<Mmm, you might want to read on WWM re periodically removing, replacing, augmenting live rock...>
  My other single mushroom is just growing like crazy, as is my Finger leather and Green star polyp.  My smaller polyps are slightly wilted as well.
<They may well be (mal)influencing one another>
The ones wilted tend to be towards the bottom where there is not as much water flow which is what leads me to believe that is contributing to the problem.
<Might>
So again, thoughts on powerheads, am I going overboard with the 2500's?  Thanks again!
<Not overboard>
By the way Bob, your book saved me from purchasing a fish I thought would do well in my aquarium, and after looking at him a bit longer in the LFS I noticed his appetite for corals, great book!
<Ahh...>
Cheers!
John Rohrbaugh
<Bob Fenner>

Noise in aquariums... from powerheads... harmful?  9/2/05
Hi,
<Hello there>
I can't find any research on the internet to answer my question.  Does a loud powerhead in a tank, stress fish through excessive or extreme vibrations (i.e.. like tapping loudly on the glass).  My 1000 litre reef tank has optimal water quality, temperature etc. but old really loud powerheads which do appear to be stressing my fish and they seem to relax more if I turn them off,
<Bingo>
but not decisively enough to take the plunge and spend $1000+ replacing them all.  They dart around, white spot has now broken out.  I've had these fish (namely blue/yellow/purple tangs) for almost 5 years now, so it's nothing to do with acclimatization or my ability to reef keep etc.
Thank you!
Regards,
Andrew.
<I would look into some Tunze, Hagen, Aquarium System powerhead products... You've answered your own question... Underwater it is rarely quiet... but your tank/system is way too noisy to be healthy. Bob Fenner>

Powerhead Choices and Power Compact Lighting -- all of it legal  12/5/05
Hello WWM!
<Hello.>
My head is swimming in powerhead confusion. I have a 46G bowfront I'm converting into a reef.
<Ooh sounds like fun.>
I've been reading all about powerheads here on WWM and comparing my setup to other 46G owners who've written WWM. Basically, I have the 2X96 Current USA Orbit PCs and I'm slowly changing out the large CC substrate and adding a 1" bed of CaribSea Fiji Pink sand.
<Sounds good.>
I'm not exactly sure how many pounds of live rock I have in the tank because I ended up moving rock to my other system. I would guess at about 50 pounds, though. I'm leaning toward corals that need either a low or medium water flow. I don't think there are any on my list that require a high flow but don't want to limit myself either.
<I understand. Though in my opinion, short of slamming your animals against the wall, I prefer to have LOTS of flow. Not only do the animals enjoy it but this also keeps detritus from accumulating. Remember as much water flow as you think you may have, it's nothing compared to the tides of the ocean.>
I'm looking at the Maxi-Jets
<Great pumps, reliable.>
but, of course, the range is between 106 gph and 295. Thoughts on which ones would work best for my system and how many I should purchase are --greatly-- appreciated.
<A trio of Maxijet 1200s (the ones with 295) gph, would be nice, positioned at different levels and aimed at each other to create some turbulent water movement is ideal. You could also put this trio on a wavemaker, I find them to be aesthetically pleasing in smaller tanks, though not necessary by any means.>
Do you also think corals that require moderate lighting will be safe with these lights?
<You won't be able to keep those that demand a shallow water biotope (high light situations) such as Acroporas, Montiporas and clams. However this does not mean you can't create a beautiful display. Though this lighting is sufficient for many other photosynthetic animals, such as zoanthids, mushrooms, and leathers (such as Sarcophyton and Sinularia). You can even keep some stonies such as those in the Euphyllia family with this lighting. In fact I prefer Leathers and softies in general to the popular SPS, though they (the softies) may lack somewhat in color in comparison to the SPS, I think the softies more than make up for it with their shapes and the way the move in the current. >
The lights are new and they already look like we're growing something illegal
<That's funny, when I got my Metal Halides delivered the UPS man asked what I was growing with a suspicious insinuation to his sentence.>
because they're so bright so I would prefer not to return them to upgrade to the 4x96 system if possible.
<As mentioned above these lights can work for many animals, replace them every 6 to 9 months for best results.>
Thank you all so much!
<You are welcome, Adam J.>