How much flow?

Hi All,

I have a 65G reef tank that has a built in over flow going to about a 30 G sump.

Currently I am stocking all soft corals (many varieties), and a yellow tank, and a clownfish.

I have two aquaclear 301 powerheads in my tank for flow...I think I am getting about 200G per hour flow total flow from these two heads. This is in addition to the return from my sump.

I don't think I am getting enough flow, and I think these pumps are not the best honestly (run hot, noisy, etc.). My concern is that many of my corals are not as open as they should be. Specifically my Zoo's, and my green star polyps.

I am going to replace them both with one of the new Hydor Koralina powerheads. It puts out 850 G per hour, roughly 4x what I have today. Also, it is supposed to be a more gentle and diffused current.

So my question is....Will this be enough flow, or not enough?

 

You want to pass the tanks volume through the sump about 5x's per Hr. And you can add a few power heads with in the tank for more internal circulation. But 5 turn overs a hr through the sump is what many consider perfect it works for us here and all of my many tanks over the yrs .

 

shut the power heads off for awhile and see if the softies open up.

 

Okay, the guy at my LFS is saying "pump" up the flow. Are you thinking I should cut it back perhaps? Not saying the guys at the LFS is right mind you...I am just looking for opposing opinions (as I personally have no idea what to do )

 

Just a follow up on this one...I put in the new Koralina powerhead, and man what a difference. My softies look great. Took a few days for them to get used to the flow, but now they look awesome.

I would highly reccommend the Koralina line of pumps. They put out major flow, they are easy to adjust, mounted by magnet rather then suction cup, and they are reasonably priced. I am a huge fan!

 

Water flow is important, however, you can't base it on gph, imo. Water flow has to encompass your whole tank. Depending on how much live rock and corals you have as well as the position of your powerheads in relation to your corals is pertinent to the overall success of your corals. The elimination of dead spots is crucial to the reduction of algae and detritus accumulation, and the ability for your powerheads to get between your rock work will help as well carry food, dissolved oxygen and remove detritus to enable it to be suspended in the pelagic areas of your tank for your skimmer to remove it.
As you may or may not know by now, different corals require different water flow levels. Your meaty corals require less than say Acropora/ small polyped stonies. As for the zoos, water flow isn't as important as light intensity!!!

 

Hi - I'm a beginner with a related question. Basically, how much of what type of flow is necessary for a successful reef aquarium.

Specifically, I've got a 75 gal tank with 20 gal sump, using a overflow box to drain down and a blueline 40 pump to get water back up. The flow thru the sump system is close to 800 gal per hour, so I'm at ( i think ) the optimum goal of turning the water over 10x per hour.

Is this enough to attempt corals, or do i still have to "throw in" a powerhead in the far corner of the tank to "stir" water even more? Is there a definite answer to this question, or is it better to trial/error it?

thanks in advance

 

Well with soft corals is if they are not swaying the its not enough flow in the tank.. They need to be in a state of constant motion to keep the fed and clean.. Not blasting just a slight movement of them.. Lets say a nice breeze and not a hurricane

 

I've got an 80 gallon with 2 Koralia 3's which are around 850gph each. On top of that I have a closed loop that runs around 800gph. So in total I have 2500 gallons per hour which is 30x turnover. I was worried this was going to be too much, however I think my tank could quite easily take more powerful pumps. I would also go for a slightly higher rated pump, especially if it is a pump with a wide disbursement such as the tunze and hydor pumps.

 

Get a Dolphin Amp master 3700 for your circulation loop That will push lots of water volume . Very quiet and effecient less power draw then amy power heads are.