MAR3182

[mktang]

Roger, I am new to the MAR3182. Only a couple of months but love it so far. I understand the relationship between the length of light and productivity/growth but not so clear when it comes to flow rate. Is it the same relationship? I.e. more flow equals greater productivity? Thanks!

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Flow is more important than the lights. The corals can survive several days without lights, but take away the flow and your corals will start stressing and dying after just hours.

Flow brings oxygen and nutrients to the corals, so yes more flow means better health and growth. It also blows away waste or shedding or sand from the coral.

Flow also helps fight algae and cyano.

There are many articles explaining why flow is so important, here's a few I like.

WHY IS WATER FLOW SO IMPORTANT IN A REEF TANK?

Cultivating a thriving reef tank can be a challenge with all of the requirements you must meet. You may be surprised to know that one of the most important requirements is not salinity or lighting…

www.lifestyleaquarium.com.au

Water Flow in a Reef Aquarium: A Comprehensive Guide by Michael S. Paletta | coralvue.com

Author Michael Paletta distills 20 years of reef keeping experience into this comprehensive report on optimal water flow and turnover in a modern reef aquarium.

www.coralvue.com

 

[rvitko]

No, if the flow is too high, the chaeto will be blown out of the reactor and make a mess, the goal is just enough flow to get a slow rotation but not enough to cause the chaeto to rise up and out, for this purpose, less flow is generally better and the chaeto may spin so slow or in fits and starts you would only be able to see with time lapsed video and this is not an issue.

 

[mktang]

No, if the flow is too high, the chaeto will be blown out of the reactor and make a mess, the goal is just enough flow to get a slow rotation but not enough to cause the chaeto to rise up and out, for this purpose, less flow is generally better and the chaeto may spin so slow or in fits and starts you would only be able to see with time lapsed video and this is not an issue.

thanks!