How do you test the flow pattern of wave pumps

[Taxus812]

Before I get corals I wanted to better tune my wave pumps. I have the eflux wave pump kit (with second pump). How do you test the flow patterns ? I cant see where the water is actually going.

The only option I have used (and my fish love this one) is to drop a block of frozen brine shrimp in the tank and watch the snowstorm. Obviously that is not the most efficient way (but it is fun). Is there a "right" way to do it?

 

[NinnJinn]

That is pretty much how I do it except I turn the pumps off then feed when the fish are done eating then I turn the pumps back on and watch the excess food circulate throughout the DT

 

[WVNed]

You really cant. How you want your flow depends on what you put in your tank and where you put it. It will change over time as stuff grows too.

At the beginning all you can really do is make sure you have enough and go from there. Enough is going to be way more than you think.

 

[jda]

Look at your corals. Polyps should be moving well, but not thrashing. Barely moving is an issue too. Then look at your fish. If they are struggling to move and swim, then you have too much flow.

 

[Peace River]

Look at your corals. Polyps should be moving well, but not thrashing. Barely moving is an issue too. Then look at your fish. If they are struggling to move and swim, then you have too much flow.

+1 to this recommendation. Also think about potential no flow areas - sometimes looking at where stuff collects in your tank can be helpful to consider when you are looking at flow.

Your initial approach with brine shrimp is definitely fish-approved!!!

 

[cracker]

I have tied a length of string on a skinny stick & place it in different areas to see what kind of flow I have in that spot.