40 gallon flow advice

[DmitryB]

I just recently set up an IM 40. While there was no livestock in it I pretty much only had flow from the return pump (MightyJet 536 MPH). Now I've added inverts and LPS corals, I added a ReevWave 25. You can see all the flow sources in the photo. 2 outlets from the return pump (one nozzle is a random flow rotator) and the ReefWave on the left side (now I have it on the lowest setting and the corals on the bottom are moving). The display measures 23'' x 15.5" x 18.9''. So it's not a a lot of space and to me it feels like that's enough flow for LPSes? So I'm looking for advice if

a) you agree it's enough?
b) you agree or not with the placement of the ReefWave
c) where two sides of the pump should be pointing. Currently I have them pointing slightly up to it's a lot of water agitation.

 

[Reef_at_Sea]

A video would help.
I do think there are more space efficient wavemakers for this specific type of tank.

 

[Euphylliaphyle]

I find a "bubble audit" helpful, both for you and a video of it to seek advice here. Set up an airstone just beneath each flow device (so rising bubbles get pushed around by the flow) and get video from as many visible angles as possible. Panning around the tank, always focused on center, is most helpful. Here is a helpful video from Tidal Gardens.

 

[DmitryB]

A video would help.
I do think there are more space efficient wavemakers for this specific type of tank.

What wave makers would you suggest for this?

 

[DmitryB]

I find a "bubble audit" helpful, both for you and a video of it to seek advice here. Set up an airstone just beneath each flow device (so rising bubbles get pushed around by the flow) and get video from as many visible angles as possible. Panning around the tank, always focused on center, is most helpful. Here is a helpful video from Tidal Gardens.

I wondered if there was a visual way to see the flow and that's a great idea. Will make a video today.

 

[BryanM]

bubbles are great, but just a video to see how the corals move and surface agitation would be quite helpful.

 

[X-37B]

Hard to tell in that pic. Any pic with a white light would help.
In my IM 50 I run a Tunze 6095. It sits below the overflow. I run it on for 15 seconds then off for 15.

 

[DmitryB]

So I haven't done the bubbles yet. (Bubbles! I love bubbles!!!) because I decided to swap out the ReefWave 25. It IS bulky. So I got an MP 10 for left front and I ordered (don't have yet) a Nero 3 to go on the bottom right back. So the two pumps will create a circular flow. Nero right to left on the bottom back, MP 10 left to right closer to the top front. And the two return pump nozzles (one in random flow) doing whatever it is they are doing. At least that's the plan. We will see how that works!

What do you think about that set up?

 

[Euphylliaphyle]

What do you think about that set up?

Well, it depends. It sounds swirly, though!
I couldn't guess sufficient or insufficient. That is governed by too many other variables (e.g., rockwork, coral size & placement, pump linkage, pulsing, cycling, water velocity) I'll wait for the movie to come out.

We will see how that works!

Yup!