How much flow is too much for 60 gallon?

[DrumsIguanasAndNowReefs]

I recently started my tank and finished the cycle (yay!) with 100% of my rocks and sand coming from an established aquarium that was 5ish years old. I have a 2100 gph wave-maker, two 825 gph heads, a 300 gph canister filter and a second filter that is 525 gph. This is not counting my 225 gph protein skimmer that has yet to be installed. At first I did not think much of this amount of flow or the 20x rule as I had heard the more flow the better. I assumed that the manufacturer ratings would not pan out in real life and all would be good, especially since I had much of it directed up for surface agitation. However, after I got it all installed piece by piece as it arrived in the mail (not the skimmer) the sand was getting pushed around in places. I've since unplugged one of the 825 gph power head. The sand is no longer moving but my question is if I should plug it back in and let the sand move until it becomes settled? The sand bed is 6-8" deep so I would assume it would settle on it's own after making some interesting looking dunes but did not want to take the chance until after I had consulted others. Also on a side note, could my three week old tank support a torch? It is the coral that got me into the hobby years when my parents said I had to get a freshwater tank. Needless to say it fell short of my reef minded expectations and I eventually lost interest.

 

[DrumsIguanasAndNowReefs]

Thank you in advance for any help! I moved out, got a big kid job and finally was able to start a reef tank. However, years of casual research did not prepare me for the implementation of it.

 

[tdileo]

That amount of flow is fine, fine sand will typically move around for a few months until it settles and is colonized fully with bacteria. You may also consider upgrading your filtration to a sump, there are so many benefits to one over the other types. Also, a 6-8” sand bed is crazy deep. I would drop it down to like 1-2” unless you’re going for a DSB but in my opinion those can be very risky and I’d still only do 6” max.

 

[DrumsIguanasAndNowReefs]

I would love a sump but unfortunately it is not possible right now. I bought my aquarium second hand and the cabinet is not built for one. Maybe in a year when I move but I just do not have the room right now. As for the sand bed I just measured, should have done so before posting, and it is 6" at the highest point after the sand was blown around. So other places have considerably less now. Would you suggest moving the sand back to a more even level? Should I plug the second power head back in?

 

[Pntbll687]

I would love a sump but unfortunately it is not possible right now. I bought my aquarium second hand and the cabinet is not built for one. Maybe in a year when I move but I just do not have the room right now. As for the sand bed I just measured, should have done so before posting, and it is 6" at the highest point after the sand was blown around. So other places have considerably less now. Would you suggest moving the sand back to a more even level? Should I plug the second power head back in?

I would let the sand settle for now. You can always add the power head back in, but just aim the flow away from the sand.

As far as a sump goes, it isn't necessary and I would stick with what you have. I run my large system with a sump because it came with one. But run my 29g on a diy caniste made from a 5g bucket
What size canister is it?

I ran a 24g cube on a canister for 3yrs, everything was fine. Only reason I had to change it out for a hang on filter was that I caught the o ring on the side and ripped it during maintenance.

Bust of luck with the tank!!

 

[DrumsIguanasAndNowReefs]

I would let the sand settle for now. You can always add the power head back in, but just aim the flow away from the sand.


What size canister is it?

I have two SunSun canisters, one is the 325 gph version and the other is the 525 gph version with UV sterilizer. The smaller one is LR rubble and some filter pads and the other is a mix of biological, chemical and physical media. From my understanding it should be fine with that combination. I will also add the skimmer in a couple days and work on getting it tuned in.

 

[DrumsIguanasAndNowReefs]

Defiantly quote that right...

 

[Pntbll687]

You should have more than enough filtration if you don't overstock the tank.

If your tank is stocked lightly, you could probably go a few months without any major maintenance. On my old canister filter I would only change media and filter pads every 2 months or so.

 

[DrumsIguanasAndNowReefs]

Good to know, I may spread out my filter cleanings then. I wrote them in my calendar every two weeks. Is it safe to say inverts produce much less waste than fish? Excluding unique stuff like an octopus.

 

[Pntbll687]

yes, that is safe to say.

When I first set the canister up, it was three months before I changed just the fine filter pad. The course one got changed every 3 months AFTER the 6 month mark.