1. Do you have an old account but can't access it?


    See Accessing your GIRS Account or Contact Us - We are here to help!

A question about flow for an SPS tank

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Tony L., Oct 3, 2010.

  1. Tony L.

    272
    Cedar Rapids
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    I've been doing some reading and after learning a little more about the role of water turnover as it relates to coral growth - I want to increase the amount of flow in my tank. At least I think I do. My first question: I have a 55 gal tank and am runing two K4s hooked up to a wavemaker alternating the pumps every 30 seconds. Is that enough water movement to get the nice, tightly woven/clustered colonies typical of high-flow tanks? My second question: if it's not how much should I add? From what I've read it suggests a turnover rate of 50+ times an hour. Is 2700gph too much for a 55gal? That's a lot of water movement.
     
  2. snowman82

    snowman82 Experienced Reefkeeper

    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    from what i understand of water turnover usually depends on the amount of water running through the sump and back into the display for the correct filtration and contact with the skimmer. i'm not sure it directly relates to just the flow of power heads. with power heads you just want to make sure there isn't any dead spots and the water is always moving with sps. but direct flow from the power head is not a great thing. thats my understanding though. i may be wrong
     
  3. Don

    Don

    77
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    I wouldn't put a number on the amount of flow you have but look at the quality of flow. Corals prefer a random flow as opposed to a more linear flow that you get from a powerhead. In my 125 gallon tank I use 2 Koralia #5 on a Wavemaster pro and they do a great job at provide that random flow throughout my tank without any of the corals be subject to a direct pounding from either pump. Best thing is to position your powerheads so that you get flow on the corals that like it and less on the ones that don't.

    There is also a big difference between circulation in your tank and circulation through your sump. If you have a protein skimmer in your sump then your flow through your sump should be a lot less. I have always hear 5-10 times your tank volume per hour,when using a skimmer in your sump you should try and go lower something like 2-3 times per hour to ensure your skimmer has time to do its job.

    just my two cents anyway
     
  4. Eric Experienced Reefkeeper

    West Des Moines, IA
    Ratings:
    +33 / 0 / -0
    The skimmer manufacturer generally has a recommendation of the amount of water a skimmer can process - I run an ETSS that spec'd @ 450 gph processing so my return in about 420 gph.
    -Eric
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.