How important is good water flow in the reef?

[revhtree]

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How important is good water flow in the reef? I mean really does it matter as much as people say it does?

 

[reef life]

I have a bare bottom system which allows me to use high flow. My tank works good with current pumps(High Flow) Just have to relocate certain corals that like it a little calmer.

 

[Reef Breeders]

Water flow is one of the most important factors for coral keeping. I went from a single koralia to two mp10s, them 2 mp40s and noticed a HUGE improvment in growth, color, and polyp extension. Random flow is the best for corals IME.

 

[Zoanthkid]

Well, no surface movement and you don't get air exchange and everything dies... is that important enough? Lol. Water movement is just as important as water quality imo... fromalmost any aspect, it has it's importance. From moving detritus off and away from corals and their surroundings, to supplying food, to the rate at which your tank can convert nutrients, it impacts the health and happiness of fish... it has an impact on everything. And from what I've read most of the owners of the most successful and nicest looking tanks hold flow as a higher priority than lighting.

 

[Reefing8EZ]

What would be considered proper water flow rate? 50x?100x?
I have 2 mp10 in a 40breeder, should I have them both at 100%?
And what mode is best for them? Thanks!

 

[Aquaph8]

Flow brings everything the coral needs to it and also takes away everything it doesn't need. For an animal that can't move to its food, flow is vital.

 

[chort55]

Flow brings everything the coral needs to it and also takes away everything it doesn't need. For an animal that can't move to its food, flow is vital.

Couldn't agree more!

Also, w/o flow water quality would also be very hard to maintain IMO as it would allow ALL detrius to fall to the bottom to break down and become excess nutrients, as well, and suppliments (dosing or from reactors) wouldn't be as useful either as their levels would be different throughout the tank more then w/ good flow.....

 

[Chameleon]

Flow is very very important in my opinion. going from 25x to 75x greatly improved my coral color growth and such

 

[mallorieGgator]

It's very important I think. Look at the ocean. Even in calmer areas there is still water flowing through.

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[aquatic Sasquatch]

chaos

water flow is very important in a reef aquarium but more importantly u want chaotic water flow. and now with power heads having different cycles( reef crest, pulse,etc..) its easier to accomplish.

 

[k2parkstar]

What would be considered proper water flow rate? 50x?100x?
I have 2 mp10 in a 40breeder, should I have them both at 100%?
And what mode is best for them? Thanks!

Depends on what your keeping. I don't see the need to have them at 100% though. Especially since you have two. Should be about 50-60% on each. I prefer the nutrient transport mode for my tank, also set up up to be anti-sync if you have wireless models. I've got a 45g cube by the way. Here's a link telling you about the different settings and how to program it. It's really easy. PM me if you have any trouble. I'll be glad to help. EcoSmart Modes | EcoTech Marine

 

[Troylee]

More important than anything else...:squigglemouth: