Can we talk FLOW?

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Flow in my tank is lower than I would prefer, being limited by the noise of the pumps. Just one of the many tradeoffs we make as reefers.

 

[Biff0rz]

That torch in the back is getting pummeled and seems ok, right?

Yep! I have a NYN in the display getting blasted with flow...over the past 5 years I've cut it down from 100 heads to ~5 heads, 5 times now....torches like flow (imo).

 

[DmitryB]

Flow in my tank is lower than I would prefer, being limited by the noise of the pumps. Just one of the many tradeoffs we make as reefers.

What pumps do you have and why are they making noises? Mine are basically silent...

 

[DmitryB]

Yep! I have a NYN in the display getting blasted with flow...over the past 5 years I've cut it down from 100 heads to ~5 heads, 5 times now....torches like flow (imo).

Do you find that LPSes need time to acclimate to high flow? And if yes, how long before you realize it's dangerous to the coral?

 

[Biff0rz]

Do you find that LPSes need time to acclimate to high flow? And if yes, how long before you realize it's dangerous to the coral?

My system is sps dominant. I put the lps/softies in where I think they will be ok. Sometimes I have to move them due to touching something else or not being happy because of light (too high) or flow. I don't think about it too much, I just place them and move along. I would say most corals adapt to the flow around them. I had my mushrooms in high flow for 5 years and they loved it.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

What pumps do you have and why are they making noises? Mine are basically silent...

The issue is not the pumps. I have among the quietest powerheads in the industry (Tunze Stream 6105 eco). The issue is our noise requirement: family members like to sit in this room when it is quiet, and hearing powerheads disrupts that. :)

 

[Bob Weigant]

For me I just let my corals tell what they might like. Too much flow and I can see that corals in that area like or dislike the flow. Too much or not enough ? With a mixed reef and a smaller tank is can be kinda difficult. Currently it looks like Ive reached success.

 

[jsanbor1]

Flow is very tricky because everyone has to be happy! LOL

Here's a vide of my 170 gallon with coral food floating around. What would you say this is at various levels? The intent, of course, is high at top and low/moderate at bottom. But what those things mean is hard to gauge. Do you think the bottom of tank is moderate or low? Is top high or moderate?

The video is in 4K, so you should b able to get a good view of the coral food in that resolution.

Tank is looking amazing Dmitry!