Flow for 220 mixed reef.

USMA36

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Forgive the long post. I have a 72x30x24 mixed reef running 4 MP40s mostly on reefcrest random. When I use the Vortech flow calculator it recommends a flow rate between 4500 and 7500 gph. If I split the difference and target 6500gph for a mixed reef that would be roughly 30x turnover. Is that enough for a mixed reef? When I read what others run theirs at they are running 100% reef crest on similar sized tanks to mine. That’s 12 to 14k gph which is over 50x turnover. How accurate are the flow rates displayed in mobius? When I get to target 6500gph using what they display I end up at 30% reef crest with 2 pumps on one end in sync and the opposite end pumps in anti sync. For the longest time I have run the pumps independent on 80% reef crest. I have noticed my SPS colonies are super thick but don’t grow long. Could this be due to flow? Hopefully you can get an idea from the attached pictures. My JF Barney is the worst. It looks like all the sticks merged together to form a giant purple blob. My purple stylo is thick but the branches are very short and whenever I put a Goni in they never extend. The tank I get my Goni’s from they are extended 6+ inches. Tank is lit by 4 xr30 G4 pros no diffusers at 70% AB+ 2 hour ramp up 2 hour ramp down 8 hours max. Nitrates 10ish phosphate between .1 and .2 when it hits above .2 I’ll lower them with either GFO or phosphate rx. Alk 8.5 calcium 400 magnesium 1350.
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exnisstech

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I'm trying to dial in four mp40s on my 84x30x25 tank but I'm barebottom and trying to get detritus to collect where I can vacuum it out. I watch corals and how food blows around the tank when I feed. I also dose coral snow to see how it blows around. I have to say I've never calculated my flow rate on any tank. I just don't see how its actually useful to me.
 
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