So I've been thinking about this on and off for a while, wondering if I need to adjust the flow in my tank. Things seem to grow fine, but I do worry about dead spots with my current setup.
In my 180 (6x2x2), the flow is provided by a closed loop run off a Dart pump and an OM 4-way - there are two sets of returns (4 outlets each). The first set is near the bottom, pointing from the back of the tank to the front. When the OM switches, the flow is then diverted to the next set of returns, which come up from the bottom of the tank, near the front, and point 45 degrees up and towards the back to the overflow. There's a Mag12 in the sump that feeds 4 returns that point straight down the back. The idea then being that there is a circular flow pattern in the tank.
My main two concerns are that most of the flow is concentrated in the stream of the nozzles (simple 3/4" PVC), and that there's not really any side-to-side flow in the tank.
I've thought about replacing the Dart with a bigger pump, but I don't know if that would solve either of those two problems (if they are actually problems). I've talked to Paul at Oceans Motions about adding Tunzes or Vortechs, but he says that will defeat the purpose of the circular pattern.
Anyone have any thoughts? Would it be beneficial to add Vortechs or similar, or should I just leave it alone?
In my 180 (6x2x2), the flow is provided by a closed loop run off a Dart pump and an OM 4-way - there are two sets of returns (4 outlets each). The first set is near the bottom, pointing from the back of the tank to the front. When the OM switches, the flow is then diverted to the next set of returns, which come up from the bottom of the tank, near the front, and point 45 degrees up and towards the back to the overflow. There's a Mag12 in the sump that feeds 4 returns that point straight down the back. The idea then being that there is a circular flow pattern in the tank.
My main two concerns are that most of the flow is concentrated in the stream of the nozzles (simple 3/4" PVC), and that there's not really any side-to-side flow in the tank.
I've thought about replacing the Dart with a bigger pump, but I don't know if that would solve either of those two problems (if they are actually problems). I've talked to Paul at Oceans Motions about adding Tunzes or Vortechs, but he says that will defeat the purpose of the circular pattern.
Anyone have any thoughts? Would it be beneficial to add Vortechs or similar, or should I just leave it alone?