How much water flow is enough

Discussion in 'General Reef Topics' started by N8thanExpl0sion, Apr 26, 2010.

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  1. N8thanExpl0sion

    N8thanExpl0sion Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Mar 11, 2010
    Messages:
    43
    Location:
    Boynton Beach FL
    good day

    I have a question about the proper amount of flow in a tank.

    I have a 65Gl tank
    Protein Skimmer powered by a MaxiJet 1200
    2 canister filters with two seperate out spouts
    powerhead Maxijet 900
    FOWLR

    The out spouts of the canisters are both in the center and each point to an adjacent cornor. The 900 is on the right side in the front and pushes water in the front of hte tank to the other side. If I put flake food in the tank it does flow from the right all the way through the front, around the cornor around the rock and through the back side of the tank. it moves slow but it almost makes is back to where it started.

    Now when I say slow ( of course where the power head is it moves pretty fast) then when it turns the cornor and heads to the rear of the tank it slows down a bit. I would say the total trip takes about 45 seconds.
    Please see attachment

    I am not sure if this is fine or if I should add another powerhead. I guess could also change the placement around a bit

    I added another PIC that shows the from of the tank with the rock work
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Apr 26, 2010
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  3. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2009
    Messages:
    19,258
    Location:
    Sparks, NV
    It depends on what you are keeping. Fish only 10 times the volume is fine. Softies mixed and LPS 20 times is fine and SPS dominant 30+ times. You can go higher if you want just make sure no coral is in the direct path of the flow.
     
  4. autogirl

    autogirl Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Apr 26, 2010
    Messages:
    65
    Location:
    trenton nj
    more flow with sps the better