Defining Waterflow...???

I've read tons of information in the past 7 weeks, but I still don't have a handle on waterflow. There are lots of references to low, moderate and strong waterflow - but what is that really??? Is there any way to really measure this?

Thanks!

 

ok well...water flow is not always defined as how much movement is in the tank...well its a bit more deep than that...in my opinion water flow is defined as the water movement that is needed to keep corals happy...so when you get corals and you see them swaying like theres no tomarrow then you have good water flow, if you see it just not moving then you need more

 

Add up the gph of all your pumps except protein skimmer unless it is a hob

 

Water flow should be based on the corals needs. Corals vary with their water movement demands just as they do with lighting requirements. For example, mushroom polyps require less movement than an Acropora or Xenia. Water movement is required by corals to transport food and remove detritus, plus oxygenate the water. You want to try to eliminate dead space of stagnant water areas though.

 

Robojet, that is a great question, I have been trying to figure out the same thing for several months so please dont take offense by what I am about to say to bruce.
Bruce, i have to tell you, I am sitting here in the dark, After midnight, was really into the the answer you were gonna give and when i read the last line I busted out laughing. My wife got out of bed looked around the corner and asked me what was so funny. <<so when you get corals and you see them swaying like theres no tomarrow then you have good water flow, if you see it just not moving then you need more>> But actually it is the answer I needed cuz what I take that to mean is if your coral is happy and moving then it is enough. I dont know if you ment it to be funny or not but is good enough for me.

 

Bruce! Some corals dont like being blasted with movement! I know Zoanthids like even current and dont like to be blasted from just one side.

You should measure current by how much the coral moves. High current means constant, moderate means alternating and low means little to no movement.

Mushrooms dont like a lot of current, but I keep them in moderate flow to blow off detritus. I still have to blow it off once in a awhile so imagine if they were in low current? Now Galaxea sp., boy does that sommabitch like current. I have him way at the top getting all the extreme light too. He's super happy.

P.S. I keep him there too because he is one of the deadliest corals I have in the tank, packs a kung-fu sting! ;D