Nero 3 power

[HossAquatics]

I just picked up a nero 3 for my nuvo 15. I have a zoa frag and have an acan in the mail right now. I read online 10-30x the volume is recommended, ive seen multiple people running it at 30% which is way way above 10-30x, ive seen people say run it to the point right below where it starts kicking up sand, ive seen people say as high as it goes but not to damage coral flesh, ive seen people say softies/lps like low flow. I omly took into consideration ones that specifically mentioned softie/lps since such a high flow would make sense in a more sps tank. Just a bunch of contradicting things. When it turned on, it was set to 75% and knocked up a bunch of detritus on the rock but having it set to 45x volume (1-4%) at the minimum doesnt seem like its giving too much more flow than just the return pump. I feel like my end goal is to have it where it kicks up debris but doesnt hurt the corals. If you have this setup, what schedule/power do you run it at? Whay would be signs that to flow is too high/low? Also, while im asking the question, where would yall place the powerhead? I know it varies on rock/coral placement but i still would like to hear the recommendations.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Flow IMO should accommodate the coral, but much more important in my opinion is to help keep the tank clean by keeping food and detritus suspended in the water for as long as possible, so it has the best chance of passing through the filters. Low flow means detritus settles, then bad bacteria grows followed by algae. IMO its best to keep the flow as high as possible without hurting the corals or other livestock and without blowing sand around. Just my opinion

IMO its best to have 2 sources of flow aimed at each other so the flow bounces and creates random flow patters. So I would position it against the return flow. Again just my opinion.

If you don't have a skimmer, then it becomes important to agitate the water surface to help with gas exchange. I'm not sure if you can angle this type of powerhead? But try to position it up high so it breaks the water surface, its important to oxygenate the tank.

Flow also needs to be adjusted from time to time to accommodate new livestock and coral growth.

So its a lot to consider with flow, I can tell you its not easy for any of us, everyone struggles with it. Good luck

 

[HossAquatics]

Flow IMO should accommodate the coral, but much more important in my opinion is to help keep the tank clean by keeping food and detritus suspended in the water for as long as possible, so it has the best chance of passing through the filters. Low flow means detritus settles, then bad bacteria grows followed by algae. IMO its best to keep the flow as high as possible without hurting the corals or other livestock and without blowing sand around. Just my opinion

IMO its best to have 2 sources of flow aimed at each other so the flow bounces and creates random flow patters. So I would position it against the return flow. Again just my opinion.

If you don't have a skimmer, then it becomes important to agitate the water surface to help with gas exchange. I'm not sure if you can angle this type of powerhead? But try to position it up high so it breaks the water surface, its important to oxygenate the tank.

Flow also needs to be adjusted from time to time to accommodate new livestock and coral growth.

So its a lot to consider with flow, I can tell you its not easy for any of us, everyone struggles with it. Good luck

Right now, if youre facing the tank the return pump is facing at you and the powerhead is facing to the left. The return nozzle is whats agitating the surface atm. The powerhead might have a little bit of angling abilities but it might just be placement on the magnet since it cant physically angle. I also could be wrong since I just opened the box. I had the powerhead probably about 3-5in below the water level but moved it down to middle of the rock structure since i figure that would knock as much debris off as possible and be able to touch the sand there. I have it placed on the right pointing to the left side since i figured that would collide with the return pump flow. My corals arent glued down rn since im still trying to figure out if they like theyre par level but i think they do so i might glue them down soon. Just dont want to blow the frags off the rock. Going to turn up the flow until i see either the sand or frag move. Good news is, theres debris so i can see the flow better

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I think you have the right idea, it will take some experimentation. But its a popular tank so I'm sure others will have better suggestion than me.

 

[HossAquatics]

I think you have the right idea, it will take some experimentation. But its a popular tank so I'm sure others will have better suggestion than me.

Youd be surprised lol they mostly had the same idea you gave but a lot of them had a seriously huge range