circulation options/opinions

[Larry Grenier]

Hi folks, need opinions here. I am not using a controller maybe a long-term timer. My return is just a Mag 9. In the corners of my semi-small 96 gallon (by WAMAS standards) tank I plan on two MJ 900/Sureflow 1600s which supply 1600 GPH or two Koralia 4s which supply 1200 GPH. The tank is 22" tall and there will be a 1" sandbed.

Here is the setup and the powerheads would be up high pointing horizontally (not down):

The tank will be in my family room so noise is a consideration.

Which would you recommend.

1) the two MJ Mods or

2) the 2 Koralia.

Thanks

[vaironman]

Larry,

 

I'll update you on the sureflow kit tonight. Have been using Koralia 4 since they just came out and they are very reliable just like maxijet, plus nice design on magnet holder. The three Koralias 4 have been going 1 years 3 months without any cleaning. A fourth one died after 11 months. What I like about Koralia 4 is reliability, magnetic base holder, quiet and ability to till the powerhead to any angles we like. Price is right.

 

Disadvantage is: its size is a little bit larger than other powerhead, which can be a negative point in smaller size tanks.

 

Maxijet with sureflo kit: Purchased an early generation from a guy on the web but the impeller/propeller didn't work too well and noisy everytime the impeller got stuck or change its direction. The sureflo has received better reviews now, so I am going to give it another try tonight.

 

To be find out.

 

KLee

Edited May 12, 2008 by vaironman

[OUsnakebyte]

I would tee off your return and add 3/4" modular eductors on the outputs while eliminating powerheads altogether - eliminate heat from the powerheads, unsightly equipment in the display, fewer things to plug in, etc.

 

Or... upgrade your return pump and add a cross - gives you three output lines, and add eductors to the outputs of those.

 

Just a thought.

 

Cheers

Mike

[jason the filter freak]

definately go with the MJ mod, they are freaking awesome!

[vaironman]

Here is a quick observation, the new sureflo mod kit works very nice as far as water flow. The kit comes with two impellers, a default smaller one is to push out at 1600gph rate, the large impeller is rating at 2100gph. I switched out the smaller impeller and put in the larger impeller with the old maxijet 1200.

 

Place the newly mod kit in and it kicks some behinds in a small QT 55G tank. Sand was flying on the other end even when I tilt the maxijet up. No problem. Move it over to the 150G and switch over the Koralia 4 to the 55G tank.

 

I really like the sureflo mod kit running with the maxijet combination. Very quiet. One thing is, the kit does not have a suction cup magnet like the Koralia does. Will be ordering a Suremagnet kit tonight to plug in this new mod kit and will have worry free with these powerhead falling off the glass. Yup, I'll vote for the maxijet with mod kit and Suremagnet kit. Much smaller looking than Koralia and push out some serious flow. Well, this will be the new kits until the next tank to drill holes for close loops and be done with powerheads.

 

Correction: Suremagnet = Sure Grip magnet kit

 

 

KLee

Edited May 13, 2008 by vaironman