More flow = better growth?

[skewlboy]

Trying to understand if more flow is recommended in every case. I have a young cube setup in October. Basically it's a 90 gallon with t5/radion setup. 2 returns sun by a sicce 3.5 and 2 mp40 on back of both sides mostly in antisynch. My question would be should I add another flow creator on the overflow like a gyre or just leave alone?

 

[ryshark]

Trying to understand if more flow is recommended in every case. I have a young cube setup in October. Basically it's a 90 gallon with t5/radion setup. 2 returns sun by a sicce 3.5 and 2 mp40 on back of both sides mostly in antisynch. My question would be should I add another flow creator on the overflow like a gyre or just leave alone?

I think you have enough flow for your tank right now. If anything, maybe something small in the sides. Can the “dry” side of Gyres be mounted inside of the overflow and be constantly wet?

 

[skewlboy]

Good question. Didn't think about the back.... Saw the cord on it and figure it was fully submersible

 

[skewlboy]

I'm trying not to lose the ability to view from the sides.

 

[ryshark]

I'm trying not to lose the ability to view from the sides.

I’m with you. I have a 120 and most my powerheads on the back wall. It’s so much cleaner looking, but not necessarily the best flow.

 

[W1ngz]

Was following along for flow idea, but noticed your stand. Is that a rimless tank that isn't being supported completely around all of the bottom edges?

 

[skewlboy]

Lol... Yup... Crazy.. been like that for 5 yrs. Has mdf under tank but thin. Not for everyone ... Lol

 

[Sierra_Bravo]

I have a 120 SPS tank. For a long time I blasted it with flow from two Gyre XF250's and two additional directional powerheads. Enough to where no softie would ever make it in the tank. :) As my frags became colonies and grew into the stream the Gyre's create, I now have a problem where the flow is causing the flesh to deteriorate and die on some corals. I've toned it back quite a bit and haven't noticed any changes, with the added benefit that I can keep goniopora and acans now. ;)

 

[jda]

You can certainly have too much flow. Once you have "enough," then more does not do anything. Judging this can be hard, though.

IMO, less random flow is better than more static flow.

 

[skewlboy]

Any suggestions if I'm only really wanting to keep my flow but not obstruct view? Or how I tell if I have enough?

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

Any suggestions if I'm only really wanting to keep my flow but not obstruct view? Or how I tell if I have enough?

I think it's unfortunately a pretty subjective decision. I think most of us just watch our corals and let the tank tell us.

 

[SeaDweller]

too much flow can result in weird or undesireable growth patterns and strange growth to branch tips, and such

 

[ReeferSteve]

BRS did a great video on this subject.

 

[Streetcred]

You can certainly have too much flow. Once you have "enough," then more does not do anything. Judging this can be hard, though.

IMO, less random flow is better than more static flow.

Still no where near the volumes moved on the reef. The magic triangle: water quality, water movement, light quality. Strong movement as opposed to 'flows is highly beneficial. Keep in mind that like light, different corals have different needs.

 

[drblakjak55]

Agree with above. You have a lot of nice new frags to tell you where they want to be. Soon

 

[ryshark]

BRS did a great video on this subject.

Interesting that they found essentially no significant difference.

 

[Graffiti Spot]

The more variety of flow and strength the tighter your colonies will be and thicker/stronger the branches will be ime. Too low of flow and stuff will grow thin and longer growth before new branch shoots come out.

 

[BobbyOtto]

The high flow train of thought may of originally been due to the thought process that acros need high flow but I think its bigger then that. I think higher flow is paramount for your nutrient import & export levels. High flow allows your filters to work more efficiently. Detritus cannot settle as easily on your rock or sand which allows your biological to work at maximum efficiency and it also allows your mechanical filtration to pull out more detritus and debris since it isnt settling. It may not directly effect growth rate but it definitely has a massive effect on growth.

 

[ether]

BRS did a great video on this subject.

Yes, and the basic finding was that lots more flow makes no difference.

 

[ether]

Still no where near the volumes moved on the reef. The magic triangle: water quality, water movement, light quality. Strong movement as opposed to 'flows is highly beneficial. Keep in mind that like light, different corals have different needs.

That's always been the CW, but the BRS video showed that may not be the case.