Axis 40 Settings for 20 Gallon Cube

[PhilTheFish]

Hey everyone,

I have a 20-gallon cube reef with two clownfish, a clown goby, and a mix of LPS and soft corals. I just installed an AI Axis 40 return pump (rated at 400 GPH) and added a Y-split with two Random Flow Generators on the return. I’m controlling the pump via the app, which lets me set a percentage of output.

I know splitting the return and adding RFGs reduces the actual GPH, but I’m not sure how much to compensate for that. Right now I’m running it at around 60%. Should I be bumping it up to 70–75% to stay in the recommended 10–15x turnover range?

Curious what others have experienced with similar setups. Thanks in advance!

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Bumping your post!

 

[Vivid Creative Aquatics Verified Sponsor]

Hey everyone,

I have a 20-gallon cube reef with two clownfish, a clown goby, and a mix of LPS and soft corals. I just installed an AI Axis 40 return pump (rated at 400 GPH) and added a Y-split with two Random Flow Generators on the return. I’m controlling the pump via the app, which lets me set a percentage of output.

I know splitting the return and adding RFGs reduces the actual GPH, but I’m not sure how much to compensate for that. Right now I’m running it at around 60%. Should I be bumping it up to 70–75% to stay in the recommended 10–15x turnover range?

Curious what others have experienced with similar setups. Thanks in advance!

What size are the RFGs? 1/4in or 1/2in?

Assuming they are the 1/4in Random Flow Generators, then your plan to start at 60% and mode up towards 70-75% is good. But, I'm assuming this is an All-in-one tank (no sump) so the actual flow rate is a little less important than the effect it has on movement in tank.

I run a 15-gallon cube that is an LPS heavy mixed reef with dual 1/4in RFGs and have the pump set at an estimated 300 GPH. At that supply flow rate the dual RFGs cerate more than enough movement for the entire tank.

Given the size of your tank and the size of you pump, you might also consider a single 1/2in RFG - it would do really well at 350-400 GPH in a 20-gallon tank. We have a 30-gallon frag tank with that exact same setup.

 

[PhilTheFish]

Thanks! You're right, they are the 1/4 in RFGs. And yes, it's an AIO tank, a 20 gallon cube.

 

[Vivid Creative Aquatics Verified Sponsor]

Thanks! You're right, they are the 1/4 in RFGs. And yes, it's an AIO tank, a 20 gallon cube.

OK then - I would say crank that pump up. Find the best balance between flow in the tank and flow through the back chamber. The actual GPH will be less important.

with that said, the 1/4in RFG flow kit is more restrictive than a single 1/2in RFG., so you probably wont be able to utile that pump 100%

For the RFG positions, I would rum them below the waterline, but mostly parallel to the surface . This will help create both surface agitation and flow lower in the tank.

 

[PhilTheFish]

OK then - I would say crank that pump up. Find the best balance between flow in the tank and flow through the back chamber. The actual GPH will be less important.

with that said, the 1/4in RFG flow kit is more restrictive than a single 1/2in RFG., so you probably wont be able to utile that pump 100%

For the RFG positions, I would rum them below the waterline, but mostly parallel to the surface . This will help create both surface agitation and flow lower in the tank.

Thanks! I've been running them pointing up a bit to create surface agitation. Best to be closer to parallel?

 

[Vivid Creative Aquatics Verified Sponsor]

Thanks! I've been running them pointing up a bit to create surface agitation. Best to be closer to parallel?

Ideally in most cases, parallel is best. Assuming the RFGs are randomizing properly, they will hit the surface intermittently, while also sending flow downwards a bit as well. it will sort of look like they are pulsing at the surface.

here a quick start guide that may help.