First refugium..stuck on the flow...

[Untamedrose]

Just added a 40 gal tank under my 65 gal DT...to create a macro planted tank.
Wanting to create this kinda look...

I put in some baffles but its a really really basic system...mostly just keeping the sand out of inlet and return areas. Will add an estimated 33 gals to the whole system.

Next step(besides wait for it to cycle) is to purchase and overflow and return pump.
Confused on Just how fast I need the flow to be for this to work well for both keeping the reef healthy and creating a happy planted tank. Read fast... read slow... read slow but add other pumps for flow in the tank. Suggestions?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Just added a 40 gal tank under my 65 gal DT...to create a macro planted tank.
Wanting to create this kinda look...

I put in some baffles but its a really really basic system...mostly just keeping the sand out of inlet and return areas. Will add an estimated 33 gals to the whole system.

Next step(besides wait for it to cycle) is to purchase and overflow and return pump.
Confused on Just how fast I need the flow to be for this to work well for both keeping the reef healthy and creating a happy planted tank. Read fast... read slow... read slow but add other pumps for flow in the tank. Suggestions?

well good news bad news. IME, macros have thier own flow requirements. most it seems do fine with the standard laminar(left to right) flow in a sump. I have some that I thought i killed but is now growing on the baffels in the highest flow areas.(k it died in the fuge close to the return pump, now is growing on the baffels from the inlet. upstream:eek:. weird)

is that a powerhead in the lower left of that pic? in that set up id guess there would have to be more than the standard.
Id go with your normal return rate and if you had too add a powerhead.

 

[Untamedrose]

Im not sure thats a power head.....but dont think thats a bad idea.