550 gph flow too much?

Discussion in 'General Reef Topics' started by Taylor, Jul 22, 2011.

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  1. Taylor

    Taylor Astrea Snail

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    Is 1-550gph powerhead an overkill for a 40 gal tank?? I'm just going to have some Xenia and some lps ..I already have around 400gph flow
     
    Taylor, Jul 22, 2011
    Taylor, Jul 22, 2011
    #1

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  2. steve wright

    steve wright Super Moderator

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    IMO , no its not overkill in a 40 gallon aquarium even with soft corals
    your currently moving 10 x tank volume per hour
    with the additional 550 gallon pump you will be up to approx 24 x tank volume per hour

    which is not to much flow for soft corals IME
     
    steve wright, Jul 22, 2011
    steve wright, Jul 22, 2011
    #2
  3. Taylor

    Taylor Astrea Snail

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    That's what I thought, but is 550 gph to much for 1 powerhead...?? I just thought that it may be to much just for one spot..?
     
    Taylor, Jul 22, 2011
    Taylor, Jul 22, 2011
    #3
  4. Coastie Reefer

    Coastie Reefer Millepora

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    not sure if it's overkill, but mine has 2 koralia 750's for 37.5 turnover. All I have is is LPS.
     
    Coastie Reefer, Jul 22, 2011
    Coastie Reefer, Jul 22, 2011
    #4
  5. AZDesertRat

    AZDesertRat Giant Squid

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    Not at all, probably not near enough.I have a 500 and a 425 in a 16G nano plus the modified AC 500 side filter/refugium and its not enough by far.
     
    AZDesertRat, Jul 22, 2011
    AZDesertRat, Jul 22, 2011
    #5
  6. steve wright

    steve wright Super Moderator

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    IMO , no its not

    I have a 60 gallon 4ft set up with softies and LPS in
    my largest power head is 5000 lph or 1250 GPH
    the one on the other side is 3000 lph or 750 GPH

    Its true to say that I did need to mess about with direction on these 2 units as if they clashed directly, the resulting area in the middle of the set up reacted like a washing machine on spin cycle
    but by moving them so that they only partially interacted, I was able to get a good general flow and keep all corals contented ( extended and not buffeted)

    just do not point the power head directly at anything to close and your usually fine with that amount of flow IME
     
    steve wright, Jul 22, 2011
    steve wright, Jul 22, 2011
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  7. sticksmith23

    sticksmith23 Giant Squid

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    I don't think that it is. I currently have 48x my tank volume in flow rate. I have some GSP, mushrooms, and zoas. I think that Mr. Bill really helped me out with this one when I posted just about the same question about a month ago.
     
    sticksmith23, Jul 22, 2011
    sticksmith23, Jul 22, 2011
    #7
  8. Taylor

    Taylor Astrea Snail

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    Thanks guys! I have another quick question for future reference, do emperor angelfish, stars and stripes puffer nip or eat Xenia??
     
    Last edited: Jul 22, 2011
    Taylor, Jul 22, 2011
    Taylor, Jul 22, 2011
    #8
  9. Ryland

    Ryland Stylophora

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    To each fish is his own. I have an adult Majestic Angelfish in my 125. I was warned and warned about what he would do to my corals. They were right, only in part. He destroys any Zoas I place in the tank and any Mushrooms. But he has never (Knock on wood!) touched my Star Polyps, SPS', Pumping Xenia, Toad Stool, Kenya Tree, etc. Angels are a risk you take for the added beauty you gain. Find the Corals he wants to eat and keep them out. Add the ones he wont.
     
    Ryland, Jul 22, 2011
    Ryland, Jul 22, 2011
    #9