To much flow in my 29g?

I was at my lfs yesterday looking at powerhead options for my 29g mixed reef. I was running two MaxiJet 900s, each rated at 230gph, if I remember correctly. The only other flow in the tank is from my hob skimmer (which I don't even take into account, as it is immediately diffused). I felt like this was a little low as I'm just starting to get into sps and know that many like moderately strong flow.

Anyway, long story short, I came across a MaxiJet upgrade kit made by Algae Free LLC. I'm sure most of you are familiar with them, but for those who aren't, it's basically an after market impeller (propeller, technically?) that drastically increases output of the pump. According to the manufacturer, a MaxiJet 900 with the aftermarket impeller is rated at 1550 gph.

So, I pulled one of the MaxiJets and replaced the impeller in the other. Needless to say, the flow in my system has been substantially increased. One of my o. clowns that tends to hover around that powerhead was launched halfway across the tank when I turned it on.

So far, the only stress I've noticed is with my zoas, who haven't opened since I installed the upgrade yesterday. My gbta did move overnight and my fish seen to be sucking in the current in some areas. Other than that, I'm seeing polyp extension on my birdsnest like never before (granted, I've only had him a week) and my caulastrea, hammer, mushrooms and monti cap seem unaffected.

Bottom line, is 53x turnover to much for this size tank? Is the added flow going to be stressful on the fish, or will they grow accustomed to it?


Thanks for the input!

 

I'm at close to that in my 46g bowfront and everything seems fine. I think the big thing is to make sure you aren't creating a whirlpool in such a small volume.

 

zoas might be a little ticked at first, but its documented that they grow rapidly in high flow environments. i wouldnt worry, many people run mp10s in tank smaller then 29 and havent seen many complaints.

 

SPS tank anyone? hahah, i think you will be fine. I got alot of flow in my 29g too and they all seem fine.