taekwondodo

So,

I've been wanting to get more flow in the tank to get water (e.g., CO2 and nutrients) moving around more throughout the tank, so I bought a couple of these:



from the Doctor.

Pro:
They ROCK! Very "volumous" flow without the "power" of a power head (blasting everything in site) - I'm moving LOTS of water around in the tank - I have one in each corner alternately switching on-and-off every 15 minutes... I even think the fish like it better. One aspect that I love is that (even though they're 4" under the water) I'm getting more ripples across the top of the water - which really, really enhances the sunlight-effect of my metal halides.

Con:
Within a day of putting them in, my pH (CO2) went from 6.7 to 7.2 (@ ~5dkh), so one of the following has happened:
1) the added agitation on the surface is rapidly degassing my CO2, or
2) there was less CO2 in the water than I thought there was... and with better and more random currents in the tank I had less CO2 in the tank than I thought I did (which is unlikely, because the meter never "swayed" during cleanings when the flows changed quite a bit).

So - I had to turn up my CO2 even more - from uncountable bubbles to almost blasting through the bubble counter. I did this last night and now CO2 is at 6.9... still not quite where I want it.

I know I'm rambling a little-bit here (I use a 2"x18" PVC reactor, 3" to 3/4" reducers were hard to find) - but what are other large tank owners experiences on getting the CO2 IN the tank, and once in, keeping it there???

Thanks,

- Jeff

davemonkey

Is there a way to extend the clip or modify it to use suction cups? That way you could push the units a little deeper and have less surface agitation.
I bought a powerhead with a suction-cup mount so I could push it down about 9" deep. That way I get the circulation without the extra surface agitation.

-Dave

taekwondodo

I tried searching Reef-Central to figure out how they were mounting their DIY Maxi-jet mods...

Problem is, RC doesn't allow searching within a thread ... and the thread's been split at least once because of it's size (I believe it's now well over 1000 posts (due to performance issues)). I'm sure someone has figured it out - I just need to find it... but I want to keep enough ripple to get the "sunlight" effect - it rocks!

gpodio

Seems like too much surface agitation... I haven't used these on planted tanks, but have the "other" mod kit in my reefs and they have a ball joint which allows you to point the powerhead in any direction, I think if you were able to point it downwards to reduce surface agitation you should be able to reduce the loss of CO2. Otherwise erogate more CO2...

Here's the kits I use

Hope that helps
Giancarlo Podio

taekwondodo

the mounts that came with them don't allow me to point them downwards...

gpodio

Considering the cost of buying the kit with adjustable mount you may just want to see how much more CO2 you would have to erogate to bring the levels back to where you need them...

With some heat you may be able to bend the existing mount too...

taekwondodo

dang, wish I would have seen these at MD... but I have the 400, not the 900 or 1200...

Minsc

Trying to find specific info at RC is a total nightmare. You can try inputing your search terms into google, followed by site:reefcentral.com

Like so:http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&l...om&btnG=Search

Hope that helps!

Kaptain Karl

I have my Maxi Jets modded with the Sure Flow 1600 kit (with a ball joint mount) and the Sure Grip Magnetic Power Head Holder. CHeck here: www. premiumaquatics.com and click "powerheads" then "maxijet" and scroll down to where the mod kits are.

The magnet holders are THE way to go, as suction cup mounts always fail. With this setup, you can mount them anywhere and then point them where you need the flow. I will be adding the Reef Fanatic wave controller soon, for gentle alternating current.

taekwondodo

I got the holders last week, still need to put them in. Wish I would have seen them earlier.

I have mine on a crappy coralife timer - 15 minutes per side.

The fish appear to love it.