Looking for help with my son's new HelloReef tank. Low flow and temperature issues

[bretty585]

Hello- My 13 year old son got a HelloReef clownfish kit and I am trying to help him out with what seems to be low flow issues with the water circulation. Additionally, the water is only getting to around 74 degrees, not the targeted 77. We have followed the video instructions correctly up to this point but the water just doesn't seem to be pumping very forcefully. I am completely new to this hobby so I don't know how to help him. Can anyone suggest possible fixes for this? Thank you.

 

[Fish Fan]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

#WelcometoR2R

Congrats on the Hello Reef kit!

I have the Innovative Marine 15 gallon tank, which is or was the tank included with the Hello Reef kit. Some causes for lack of flow through the back section would be too much filtration media, and the pump the included can be kind of anemic. Many people upgrade the return pump to get more flow through the system.

And what wattage heater did they included? Have you tried adjusting the thermostat up?

Let us know if that helps! Good luck!

 

[bretty585]

Thanks very much for your reply, this is very helpful. I think we'll try upgrading the return pump. Is there one you'd recommend? The one it came with is called Sicce Micra plus. As for the heater, the wattage is 50W. It doesn't seem to be adjustable, it is designed to hit 77 automatically I guess. Its called Sicce scuba preset. An update on that front is that it does seem like the temp is approaching 76 in the tank now so maybe the temperature isn't an issue anymore. Thanks again for your help.

 

[Waters]

Thanks very much for your reply, this is very helpful. I think we'll try upgrading the return pump. Is there one you'd recommend? The one it came with is called Sicce Micra plus. As for the heater, the wattage is 50W. It doesn't seem to be adjustable, it is designed to hit 77 automatically I guess. Its called Sicce scuba preset. An update on that front is that it does seem like the temp is approaching 76 in the tank now so maybe the temperature isn't an issue anymore. Thanks again for your help.

Those preset heaters are often off by a few degrees. I would first check the temp with a trusted thermometer. If it is still reading 74, I would just replace with an adjustable heater.

 

[steveschuerger]

Normally I’d say this return pump should be fine. Best bet is to purchase an inexpensive wavemaker if one didn’t come with the kit to provide extra flow. Also for the heater I’d recommend getting an Inkbird controller for the heater. Get a heater rated for that size tank that’s adjustable and attach it to the Inkbird. You can keep the adjuster turned down because the Inkbird is doing the temp control. Amazon will have everything you need at a decent price.