Too strong a current? BAD???

Hello!

Thanks for answering the previous question.

1 problem leads to another.....

I was wondering if an increase in current flow would stress fishes(blue tang) and corals(hammer coral,torch coral,Acropora). The issue was i had alot of sediment and waste build up at the bottom of my tank and so the answers given were to increase current flow because i added a new powerhead which icreases my output by 3000l/H in a 3ft tank.

PLEASE HELP!!!

regards,
Kissawookie

 

kissawookie

there are sometimes periods of adjustmen required by fish when flow in increased
but IMHE - fish do adjust Ive gone from 30x tank volume FOWLR to 40x and now over 50X and yes on each occasion the fish have needed to adjust and then eventaully enjoy the increase

LPS corals like the ones you mention above, may not appreciate it to much and often display their displeasure by failing to open as fully as they previously did

what is your total flow? and the total gallons in your tank?
as often you can adjust the direction and angle of the power head in order to create lower flow in some areas to accomodate the LPS species

Steve

 

hey

Thanks steve,

My tank measures 3ft(length)x2ft x1ft not too sure how many gallons.. flow now is 3000l/h+780l/h. acro's are starting to de-color and blue tang is getting really stressed and showing white spots although it's eating is still fine.caused 1 of my hammers to melt......

Ive yet to find the G-spot for optimal flow and so it would not prevent the corals from max-ing out.

So pretty screwed in many words... hahaha any solutions or placing of powerheads?

Kissawookie

 

45 gallons.

That puts you at 22x turnover per hour. That's a pretty good range for LPS.

22x turnover is pretty low for acro's. What kind of lighting do you have?

They are prone to ich when their environment changes. As long as it's still eating it should recover once it's acclimated to the flow. Soak your food in garlic to help keep it's immune system strong.

Could be due to the flow, or it could be something completely un-connected. What are all your water params? How long have you had it?

Don't count anything out yet. This all just sounds like an average day in the life of a reef tank to me. I can't remember the last time I wasn't dealing with some problem or other. How many power heads are you trying to place?

 

hmm

Thanks mikejrice..

I can't remember what lighting im using but when i got it at the shot they said its good for the tank my size it uses fluorescent white and blue bulbs.. Plus the acros are placed on the highest point of the rocks, current flow to it is pretty strong i can feel it with my hand...

The hammer ahs been with me for several months and before using the new powerhead i got it was maxed out and stuf... im starting to question if it was the powerhead because even my other branching hammer and torch doesnt fully extend... ANY SOLUTIONS??

parameters are fine i just checked it before typing this reply.

Im definitely not giving up man.... trying my best to make them thrive...


Kissawookie...

 

They will definitely thrive in time. I can't count the things I killed before my tank started to take off.

Though it may feel like good flow to your hand. Acropora truly needs huge flow rates. Many people don't realize just how much flow you can fit in an aquarium, but if I put my hand it my tank it's hard to keep it in one place. It gives me respect for the strength of my little fish.

Do you test for alkalinity or carbonate hardness? These are one of the more important tests to keep up with.