Day vs Night Flow

[Johnd651]

Just recently heard about turning off some powerheads at night to change flow patterns after lights out. This is the first time I had heard about this. It is an interesting thought. Anyone do this?

 

[Badger_Reefer]

Just recently heard about turning off some powerheads at night to change flow patterns after lights out. This is the first time I had heard about this. It is an interesting thought. Anyone do this?

I personally set my both wavemakers to night mode

 

[edsbeaker]

In other threads on this topic it seems that some do and others don’t, and there isn’t really a clear reason to do it or not. If the flow stays the same, the fish will take refuge in the caves and rock work, the corals close up for the most part, so my take is, it doesn’t really matter.

 

[LFGJP]

Just recently heard about turning off some powerheads at night to change flow patterns after lights out. This is the first time I had heard about this. It is an interesting thought. Anyone do this?

Hey! I haven’t heard anything about turning off the flow but I have it scheduled for different flow patterns when the lights cut off just to give it a different “vibe” to the tank.

 

[Johnd651]

In the nano i only have a return and one wavemaker, so not really an option. But in the bigger tank it will be. I just never thought about it that way.

I have always been more interested in replicating the waves and tides, which cycle every 12.4 hours (i think).

 

[CHSUB]

Natural reefs experience less wind driven tidal flow at night. This is the reason for night modes on powerheads.

 

[Badger_Reefer]

I set my both wavemakers to Random mode ! And after lights out , i switch to night mode !! Simple

 

[Johnd651]

Natural reefs experience less wind driven tidal flow at night. This is the reason for night modes on powerheads.

That makes sense now.

 

[MnFish1]

Just recently heard about turning off some powerheads at night to change flow patterns after lights out. This is the first time I had heard about this. It is an interesting thought. Anyone do this?

Lots of people do it - I personally do not simply because most tanks have 'photosynthetic things' that generate oxygen during the day - so you're turning down the flow right when the oxygen level may be slightly lower

 

[Science/G]

Yes. Night mode is a thing!

 

[Gtinnel]

I have all of mine set to lower flow rates at night.

 

[MnFish1]

Addendum - The ocean doesn't slow its flow at night - but both day and night it can be variable. Most of the stuff living in tanks would probably rather have variable flow 24/7 - as compared to more in the day less at night. However, Many people do it - If you want to - go ahead and see if you see any differences in your tank - you will save some on electricity

 

[CHSUB]

Addendum - The ocean doesn't slow its flow at night

Yes, the ocean doesn’t, however in tropical climates sunlight causes heating and this heating increases wind….so daytime wind driven currents are generally stronger.

 

[BryanM]

I had not heard of this, and I do not modify my flow at night.

Interesting.

 

[EricR]

I have all of mine set to lower flow rates at night.

Same ... mostly because presets from different powerhead mfgs that I use always seemed to have lower flow at night.

For me, I think maybe it gives the fish an easier time during their resting period,,, but that's purely speculative.

 

[IceNein]

Natural reefs experience less wind driven tidal flow at night. This is the reason for night modes on powerheads.

Is this true? From my experience as a sailor for 16 years it doesn't seem so. There is naturally a lull in the wind during sunrise and sunset as wind is caused by the air heating up or cooling differentially. During the day, the sun heats the air, and at night the earth radiates its heat out into space. During sunrise and sunset there is a period where there is sort of an equilibrium.

There would be times on the Med where during the crepuscular times the sea would be as smooth as glass. You could see ripples on the water. Truly still. But at night and during the day, waves caused by the wind.

 

[Miami Reef]

Lots of people do it - I personally do not simply because most tanks have 'photosynthetic things' that generate oxygen during the day - so you're turning down the flow right when the oxygen level may be slightly lower

Very good point!

 

[Hairyteeth]

Mine are set in 6 hour tide increments…mellower at night than day?
But a slack tide is good I think, happens on the reefs it’s when we dive

 

[CHSUB]

Is this true? From my experience as a sailor for 16 years it doesn't seem so. There is naturally a lull in the wind during sunrise and sunset as wind is caused by the air heating up or cooling differentially. During the day, the sun heats the air, and at night the earth radiates its heat out into space. During sunrise and sunset there is a period where there is sort of an equilibrium.

There would be times on the Med where during the crepuscular times the sea would be as smooth as glass. You could see ripples on the water. Truly still. But at night and during the day, waves caused by the wind.

it’s not a rule…in general. There are much larger forces involved; tides, weather, moon cycle, etc, but in general all other things being equal wind driven currents are great because a day time heating cycles. I obtained this information from NOAA a long time ago…

 

[Gtinnel]

For me, I think maybe it gives the fish an easier time during their resting period,,, but that's purely speculative.

That was my guess as well. Plus I always assumed corals don’t need as much flow when there is no photosynthesis happening, but that’s also just a guess