Flow thru ecosystem

Ok the refugium I"m setting up is 36 x 16 x 18in. Thats about 45Gallons I'm going to use this for my ecosystem filter for a 75Gallon tank I'm setting up. Now this is my question.

This site says to use GPH flow thru about 1200 GPH
http://www.ecosystemaquarium.com/html/miracle_application.html

But I've heard from other people that that is way too much and it will mess up the sedement at the bottom!!!!! They suggest running about 250GPH for a nice slow flow. Will someone please advise me on what flow to go with?

So two diffrent people are saying two diffrent things... can anyone tell me whats the real deal in plannning an ecosystem flow rate?

 

In my opinion, a slow rate of water flow is better, the same holding true with a protein skimmer. You want the water to move at a slow pace to allow the water to be cleaned so to speak(allow the equipment to be able to do what it is intended to do to help maintain pristine water quality) for example, many people keep refugiums for numerous reasons, however, mostly for growing Caulerpa(macroalgae etc.) to help keep microalgae under control, or to use as an effective means of increasing surface area for bacteria to grow and by having sediment/substrate and live rock per say, the benefit of this is great, the greatest being that of DENITRIFICATION-bacteria removal of nitrates in the paleagic areas(water column) of your tank.
Ok that being said, by slowing down the water flow, you are able to allow more time for the beneficial bacteria etc. to do its thing to better your water(quantity is a disadvantage in this case).
Same holds true with a skimmer with a pump that is too strong for the particular skimmer. If the water is being sucked in and pumped right back out too quickly, the microbubbles are not able to remove detritus efficient enough due to too high a turnover rate.
I hope this helps ya...alittle wordy I know but I am a firm believer of this...Again, my opinion-but it makes sense to me!

 

I personally do not believe it is a GPH issue. It is more on what you plan on keeping. ON my 75 i'm running 600gph through the fuge as well as another 900 gph in mj1200's. Which is above the 1200. I personally want more but that is based on my rock work as well what I am keeping in my reef. What are your long term plans?

 

I want to keep sps's and a couple fish. I'm more into it for the reef than the fish. I think other than the Ecosystem filter with a plenum filter under the bed I'll like to make a DIY Fluidized Bed Filter as well for fish waste removal. This sound ok for a long term plan? lol

 

Also jt reef Ok so your flow is allot.... but do you have any other filters in your system other than the eco? The eco I'm using will have calupra and be very close to the commercial ecosystem filter in that link I posted above.

 

Oh I see you have the Remora Pro. Skimmer.... I'm wondering if I'd need a prot skimmer.Hmmmm. I'll see I guess.

 

I agree that I have alot and I totally agree with a slower flow as well. It sort of depends on what you like and your setup. I personally believe the protein skimmer is a must. I originally only had the 600 gph from the over flow and sump but found I liked the random movements of multiple power heads. Like everyone says go slow. This way you get your system under control and water movement is not as important. Then you can do as you wish to your preferences and not just because you believe your system requires it. In the last year I have not added anything to my tank other than a few zoo polyps that have grown. So i'm sure my system would be just as stable if I added a bit more flow or if I took 1/2 of it away. Once again it is just my preference. Maybe my high flow is a result of my personal ADD . If you can get your system to remain stable with the minimum water flow and filters then anything you do from there is more for your pleasure instead of a necessity which you should take appreciation for your reef husbandry skills.

Sorry for the ramble. Just got back from the bars.

 

Also my sump is designed exactly like the pic in your link but yet in a 20 gal and live sand. Looking at the pic i put the skimmer on the left side where the water would empty from the main display so that the skimmer would have the first pull of the water before it goes through the fuge where it gets cleaned further as well as picking up some antho and cope pods to feed the main system. With the new system i'm planning to run my current 75 gal as a fuge with both a sand and miracle mud section to compare so I am very interested in your findings with it.