Hydor Koralia Evolution

I plan on picking a powerhead or so for my new tank but how do I determine how many? calculate the flow? I have 46g and plan on a mixed reef. thanks

 

banthonyb71

you may get a few different answer on how much flow you need
but the way to calculate flow is by multiplying your tanks volume

in a tank with mostly soft corals - you may want about 30x tank volume of water movement per hour so 46 x 30 = 1380 gallons per hour

in a tank with softies and some hard corals SPS - 50 x would be a good start 46 x 50 = 2300 gph

in a tank with mainly SPS - you can go much higher than 50 IME (66 currently with room to increase IMO)

its better in many cases to have that flow spread as much as possible so 2 wavemakers totalling your target is better than 1 with the full amount
it would be better to have 2 wavemakers totalling 2300 gph than 1 wavemaker capable of that much flow

the reason for this is that way in a mixed tank you can create turbulant areas - where the 2 flows meet (great location for SPS) and calmer areas at the ends of each tank for softies and LPS

couple of other things to consider - dont include the turnover of any pumps not directly moving tank water in the calculations - so an HOB skimmer which returns water but in such a way that the flow it produces is not that directional or usefull should not be calculated into the turnover equation IMO.


Steve

 

great tips. thanks!

 

http://www.3reef.com/forums/reef-aquarium-articles-how-tos/basics-flow-78711.html

 

Great information hear. I've been scratching my head wondering if mine is ok. I have a Mag 1200 as a sump pump, I have 2 Koralia 4's and 2 Koralia 2's for powerheads. I have a 210 gal reef tank and the gallons per hour of flow are:
1200 Mag 1200
2400 2 Koralia 4's 1200 each
1200 2 Koralia 2's 600 each
4800 GPH total
The Mag 1200 is split into two returns. The Koralia 4's work the length from each side. The Koralia 2's are on the back wall facing forward an angled Is this ok?

 

IMO, you are doing great.. just look at the health you have.. "if it aint broke, dont fix it".. ;D

 

I agree with you! Check out these prices on the new Koralia line I've been thinking about upgrading the ones I have.
http://www.petmountain.com/product/...ralia-koralia-evolution-circulation-pump.html

 

I bought mine from MarineDepot,they're actually a little cheaper and a 3reef sponsor.Although I couldn't find a code for any discount.