How does everybody think about flow?

[Unstoppable algae!]

Let’s talk, I’d like to hear everybody’s thoughts on flow please.

In an empty aquarium would you aim for gyre flow example 2 pumps on right pulsing but moving all water around together

2 pumps opposite ends aiming at each other random? Or opposite ends aimed left and right gyre?

Or shifting currents, left 30 min, right 30min then both on ext. (I understand coral growth and rocks will hinder flow but empty tank for discussion)

If anybody confident in flow care to share your thoughts on pump position and what corals are grown would be great. Thank everybody!

 

[Reef Jedi]

Empty tank no rocks? What size of tank? Lol

Initial thought, power head at each end on random mode.

 

[skey44]

I like for at least one pump to shoot across the tank without hitting the rock work until it hits the opposite wall. Then I add more pumps that direct flow into the reef for random flow. My tank for example has an mp40 on the front side of the right panel that creates a lot of flow through the tank by being directed all the way across the tank creating gyre type flow. Then I have two more MP pumps closer to the back that are directed toward the reef and each other. It’s working pretty well thus far. I could see having a gyre style pump, not to be confused with the gyre flow principal, in the future across the top as my Acropora start to grow in.

 

[BryanM]

I'm an oddball for my mixed reef, and I have two gyres vertical on each side of the overflow in the middle, pointed at the back glass, to move water around the sides, and to the front of the tank.

BUt I also just added a few SPS frags, and that's not really enough flow, so I'm adding two more on the sides to go across the tank.

 

[mcarroll]

Let’s talk, I’d like to hear everybody’s thoughts on flow please.

In an empty aquarium would you aim for gyre flow example 2 pumps on right pulsing but moving all water around together

2 pumps opposite ends aiming at each other random? Or opposite ends aimed left and right gyre?

Or shifting currents, left 30 min, right 30min then both on ext. (I understand coral growth and rocks will hinder flow but empty tank for discussion)

If anybody confident in flow care to share your thoughts on pump position and what corals are grown would be great. Thank everybody!

I've done all of those with success – so all are good options!

Unfortunately this is not an experiment for an empty tank nor one for in your head either.

Every rock layout is unique from a flow perspective. There's no good reason to have a canned flow layout when you know this – so every tank has custom flow.

Start with any setup you mentioned, all of them can work depending on the rock and coral layout. Experiment when your rocks are in and see what works best!

 

[Unstoppable algae!]

I like for at least one pump to shoot across the tank without hitting the rock work until it hits the opposite wall. Then I add more pumps that direct flow into the reef for random flow. My tank for example has an mp40 on the front side of the right panel that creates a lot of flow through the tank by being directed all the way across the tank creating gyre type flow. Then I have two more MP pumps closer to the back that are directed toward the reef and each other. It’s working pretty well thus far. I could see having a gyre style pump, not to be confused with the gyre flow principal, in the future across the top as my Acropora start to grow in.

Thank you for the explanation. I feel the 2 pumps aimed at each other doesn’t really keep particles up to make it in the overflow.
Also nice tank, I want a few kessil for the extra shimmer

 

[X-37B]

Run 2 Sea Sweeps on each end of the system.
I run 2 on my 150. Both have 90° of continuous motion..
On a empty tank nothing would stay on the bottom.

 

[Unstoppable algae!]

MCarroll here is my current setup. I think what I was trying to ask is are we concerned keeping particles in the water column so it finds the overflow ex. Moving all the water in the same direction. Or placing pumps where they are needed and vacuuming the sand

I have 1 pulsing pump on the right across the front that tends to keep food in suspension and a small pump pulsing to the overflow. My hammer corals are a pain, even low flow seems to bother them…
Thanks

 

[Unstoppable algae!]

Run 2 Sea Sweeps on each end of the system.
I run 2 on my 150. Both have 90° of continuous motion..
On an o

empty tank nothing would stay on the bottom.

Look at those lights!!! are those UV bars? Nice, I like the sea sweeps too!!!
Maybe I’ll go back to a pump on each side for higher flow & still chill for the Euphyllia
Thanks!

 

[X-37B]

Look at those lights!!! are those UV bars? Nice, I like the sea sweeps too!!!
Maybe I’ll go back to a pump on each side for higher flow & still chill for the Euphyllia
Thanks!

Orphek uv/v.

 

[mcarroll]

Thank you for the explanation. I feel the 2 pumps aimed at each other doesn’t really keep particles up to make it in the overflow.
Also nice tank, I want a few kessil for the extra shimmer

I will say that aiming two pumps at each other simultaneously seems a bit counter productive these days.

Back in the old days, we'd aim MaxiJet powerheads at each other to defeat some of the laminar flow they created and generate some turbulence. Totally unnecessary with propellor pumps that are turbulent by default.

The exception is if you're alternating them on/off (eg. every few hours like the tides) so they aren't on simultaneously. Then each pump can reach its full potential during each cycle.

 

[skey44]

What’s the thought process on Acropora frag tanks? I’m starting a small 36”x18”x12” system and will likely need to buy a flow pump. I have an ancient (2006ish?) nano stream I can use temporarily, but my guess is this won’t be the final answer.
It seems like a gyre pump would be ideal but man they seem finicky with the maintenance regimen. Granted I’ve never had a gyre. Always been a big MP fan but they’re pretty pricey. Even though IME they do last almost indefinitely if cared for.

 

[X-37B]

What’s the thought process on Acropora frag tanks? I’m starting a small 36”x18”x12” system and will likely need to buy a flow pump. I have an ancient (2006ish?) nano stream I can use temporarily, but my guess is this won’t be the final answer.
It seems like a gyre pump would be ideal but man they seem finicky with the maintenance regimen. Granted I’ve never had a gyre. Always been a big MP fan but they’re pretty pricey. Even though IME they do last almost indefinitely if cared for.

My old 36×24×12 frag system.
2 ow-25's worked well. I would opt for the mow version now.
One on each opposing end on wave mode.

 

[skey44]

My old 36×24×12 frag system.
2 ow-25's worked well. I would opt for the mow version now.
One on each opposing end on wave mode.

Nice looks about like my goal! Thanks for the recommendation.

 

[mcarroll]

What’s the thought process on Acropora frag tanks? I’m starting a small 36”x18”x12” system and will likely need to buy a flow pump. I have an ancient (2006ish?) nano stream I can use temporarily, but my guess is this won’t be the final answer.

Should be ideal....the larger 6045 would be the most ideal....which model is yours? Consider adding a second one....a 6045 would be my suggestion for that...nice price for one of the best/most dependable flow pumps around too.

It seems like a gyre pump would be ideal but man they seem finicky with the maintenance regimen. Granted I’ve never had a gyre. Always been a big MP fan but they’re pretty pricey. Even though IME they do last almost indefinitely if cared for.

Both of those provide flow when working and they do have their attractive features...but in practice the Tunze Stream design seems better overall: higher velocity (more useful) flow....not overly susceptible to fouling (they'll run for years unattended....no I'm not doing that with mine.....*cough*) and replacement parts (ie impellers) are inexpensive....you can choose controllable or not for applications where you don't care about the "pizzaz" of wave mode, you just want your corals to have what they need...I could go on. Frag tank is a perfect app for them, but really every reef tank. :)

 

[skey44]

Should be ideal....the larger 6045 would be the most ideal....which model is yours? Consider adding a second one....a 6045 would be my suggestion for that...nice price for one of the best/most dependable flow pumps around too.


Both of those provide flow when working and they do have their attractive features...but in practice the Tunze Stream design seems better overall: higher velocity (more useful) flow....not overly susceptible to fouling (they'll run for years unattended....no I'm not doing that with mine.....*cough*) and replacement parts (ie impellers) are inexpensive....you can choose controllable or not for applications where you don't care about the "pizzaz" of wave mode, you just want your corals to have what they need...I could go on. Frag tank is a perfect app for them, but really every reef tank. :)

Unfortunately I think it’s the smaller model. Do they still make these? I’d definitely just add another and call it a day if so.

Nanostream 6045 Aquarium Wave Pump - Tunze

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Answered my own question
Well that was easy. Thanks for the input!
Guess this will be my tunze tank. Planning on running my nanodoc skimmer in sump too.

 

[mcarroll]

That's my base go-to pump. Nice 3-4' reach, flow not "too strong", great warranty, cheap parts, etc. Once or twice I might've used the 6045's throttle to ease its flow back a little...but usually I'm "shooting" at open spaces with them.

 

[skey44]

That's my base go-to pump. Nice 3-4' reach, flow not "too strong", great warranty, cheap parts, etc. Once or twice I might've used the 6045's throttle to ease its flow back a little...but usually I'm "shooting" at open spaces with them.

This may also be my go to for when my display tank grows in and I need more flow than what I currently have. Thanks for reminding me how good they are.