New SPS good flow?

[snyderman99]

Hey everyone!

I’m new to SPS and am curious if you’d be able to help me out with 2 SPS that I just got. I acquired a WWC yellow tip a green slimer type and a digi. I was curious if my flow was strong enough for them and how to balance high flow with other corals. My tank is 13.5 all in one with a return pump of 135 GPH. I put a wavemaker in there and it’s doing 264 GPH. The problem I’m running into is that if I go higher on the flow, the sander start to really turn even with the wavemaker pointed upward. My one anemone got sucked up last night (caught it in time) and he’s doing fine. Since getting the two corals the slimer hasn’t opened and the yellow tip looks the same to me. It’s hard for me to tell if they are doing okay and just adjusting or if I need more flow and light. I have the stock light ontop of tank and these are the PAR reading or at least close to it https://www.nano-reef.com/forums/topic/389982-fluval-evo-135-par-stock-lighting/. I have a kessel A80 I could use as well. Any thoughts how to make the tank work properly? Here’s a video of my tank as well. I know it’s hard to see flow but I tried to show some corals so you can see. I can take another video on a higher flow too as well if that’ll help.

Thank you all!!

 

[samcob]

I think you should relocate the acros so they receive a little more flow, but trying not to disturb the corals that require a little less.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

IMO the flow is ok but preferably for sps should be higher. But I'm sorry I think the lighting will be more of an issue than the flow, those fluval lights are typically not strong enough for sps corals. The kessil will be better. However, some sps can take lower lighting so try placing the sps at the top of the rockwork, closest to the light. Very nice rockwork by the way.

 

[snyderman99]

I think you should relocate the acros so they receive a little more flow, but trying not to disturb the corals that require a little less.

The wavemaker is pointing upwards essentially across the rock work so moving them higher will make them get more flow without having to actually turn it up. How would you suggest placing them so they can still grow without causing a ton of shade underneath?

 

[snyderman99]

IMO the flow is ok but preferably for sps should be higher. But I'm sorry I think the lighting will be more of an issue than the flow, those fluval lights are typically not strong enough for sps corals. The kessil will be better. However, some sps can take lower lighting so try placing the sps at the top of the rockwork, closest to the light. Very nice rockwork by the way.

How would you suggest placing the corals so they do not shelf but also have room to grow upwards? Do you think turning the flow up would help or because they’ll be in more direct flow the setting it’s on right now will be okay.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

How would you suggest placing the corals so they do not shelf but also have room to grow upwards? Do you think turning the flow up would help or because they’ll be in more direct flow the setting it’s on right now will be okay.

I would move them to the top of the rock, I see your powerhead is pointed up, so there should be more flow up there. The orange coral looks like a forest fire montipora digitata, and the purple one is some kind of acro. They both looks good, even the acro's polyps are out so thats great. At this point I see no reason to change too much so I would just try to get them up a few inches higher and see what happens. Good luck

 

[Dburr1014]

The wavemaker is pointing upwards essentially across the rock work so moving them higher will make them get more flow without having to actually turn it up. How would you suggest placing them so they can still grow without causing a ton of shade underneath?

Have you thought about bouncing the flow of the wave maker off the side of a tank? That disrupts the flow nicely up, down, and sideways.
Which leads me to the next topic, have you thought about two smaller wave makers and having them kick on same time, different times , and making a complete random flow in your tank? Some moments will be very high flow and some moments will be low flow because they're working against each other.
And to your other comment about the light in shading, the only way to minimize shading is to have a blanket of light over the entire tank.

I will say the green slimer is very forgiving as a first SPS, i'm not sure about the yellow tip but the green slimer should do nicely.

As far as keeping other low flow Coral with SPS my secret is put the LPS closer to the Rock work or on the opposite side of a rock of a wave maker. Almost forms a blanket around the coral. I can only explain this as dropping a perfectly flat piece of wood on a perfectly flat surface. It doesn't really hit hard, it more or less forms an air barrier between the two as the come close and it will Glide across the table. Sort of the same thing. It forms this barrier where the water is gentler near the rock as it crashes to it. Does this make any sense?

 

[snyderman99]

How would you suggest placing the corals so they do not shelf but also have room to grow upwards? Do you think turning the flow up would help or because they’ll be in more direct flow the setting it’s on right now will be okay.

I would move them to the top of the rock, I see your powerhead is pointed up, so there should be more flow up there. The orange coral looks like a forest fire montipora digitata, and the purple one is some kind of acro. They both looks good, even the acro's polyps are out so thats great. At this point I see no reason to change too much so I would just try to get them up a few inches higher and see what happens. Good luck

The green slimer is currently on the back wall of my tank. I could put it on the arch facing my back wall to get more flow and light. Or I could sit it up on my arch on one of the notch’s and just let it do its thing. The blue yellow tip acro I could move onto the rock I just don’t know how to position it so it can still grow upwards. There’s around 4 inches of water between the surface and the top of the rock.

I also repositioned my power head to be slightly more forward instead of up to see the flow. I just fed as well so you can see the movement of the water pretty nicely. Do you think it’s too much for the zoas or the fish? I don’t want to stress the clowns out either.

 

[snyderman99]

The wavemaker is pointing upwards essentially across the rock work so moving them higher will make them get more flow without having to actually turn it up. How would you suggest placing them so they can still grow without causing a ton of shade underneath?

Have you thought about bouncing the flow of the wave maker off the side of a tank? That disrupts the flow nicely up, down, and sideways.
Which leads me to the next topic, have you thought about two smaller wave makers and having them kick on same time, different times , and making a complete random flow in your tank? Some moments will be very high flow and some moments will be low flow because they're working against each other.
And to your other comment about the light in shading, the only way to minimize shading is to have a blanket of light over the entire tank.

I will say the green slimer is very forgiving as a first SPS, i'm not sure about the yellow tip but the green slimer should do nicely.

As far as keeping other low flow Coral with SPS my secret is put the LPS closer to the Rock work or on the opposite side of a rock of a wave maker. Almost forms a blanket around the coral. I can only explain this as dropping a perfectly flat piece of wood on a perfectly flat surface. It doesn't really hit hard, it more or less forms an air barrier between the two as the come close and it will Glide across the table. Sort of the same thing. It forms this barrier where the water is gentler near the rock as it crashes to it. Does this make any sense?

Do you mean move the wavemaker onto the back wall or just directionally point it towards the green slimer? I could do that then I have essentially a big circular wave pattern in my tank. I have a hygger Wave Maker 1321 GPH 12W I took out because I thought my flow was to strong. It ended up sucking in one of my anemones and it ended up passing away. So I opted for this wavemaker to see if it was better. I supposed I could have both of them in the tank working against each other to see if that helps.

Do you think the green slimer is okay on the back wall or do you think I should move him onto the arch where he’ll get more flow and light? Same with the blue acro. I took another video of the flow after adjusting the wavemaker so it points more out instead of up. I just fed as well so you can see particles in the tank working against the only different I see besides higher flow in the lower part of the tank is that it’s not hitting the green slimer as much and I can tell by the GSP. Should I move the wavemaker back or move the slimer?



The zoas don’t seem very bothered by the change I just worry about my fish too because I want them to be able to rest and not stress out. Essentially I see the zoas sitting in low flow and now they are in moderate. Let me know what you think.

Should I move the yellow tip across as well? I’m not sure if it’s happy or not I don’t have the eye for it yet. It’s my first SPS.

 

[Dburr1014]

Do you mean move the wavemaker onto the back wall or just directionally point it towards the green slimer?

First and foremost, do not Point any wavemaker directly at an SPS or any other Coral that you want to keep. It'll strip the flesh right off if it's strong enough.
What I meant was wavemaker on one glass directly pointing to another glass. So the other glass would be 90° where the wave maker is mounted.

I could do that then I have essentially a big circular wave pattern in my tank.

I wasn't specifically saying have a big circular motion but more completely randomized motion. Waves crashing into other waves, mini Vortexs created on the surface, detritus getting all jostled up in the sand and getting carried away to the Overflow.

I have a hygger Wave Maker 1321 GPH 12W I took out because I thought my flow was to strong. It ended up sucking in one of my anemones and it ended up passing away. So I opted for this wavemaker to see if it was better. I supposed I could have both of them in the tank working against each other to see if that helps.

Two at a lower power, I always think, is better than one at a higher power.

Do you think the green slimer is okay on the back wall or do you think I should move him onto the arch where he’ll get more flow and light? Same with the blue acro.

SPS is always better closer to the light if the light is not adequate enough.

I took another video of the flow after adjusting the wavemaker so it points more out instead of up. I just fed as well so you can see particles in the tank working against the only different I see besides higher flow in the lower part of the tank is that it’s not hitting the green slimer as much and I can tell by the GSP. Should I move the wavemaker back or move the slimer?

Personally I always think it's better to place the coral where you want initially and then mess with flow if you feel it's not right. Reason being that every time you move a coral it has to readjust itself... It's not as bad as you just try to adjust the flow. But you will have to make that call yourself as I am not there with you to judge.

The zoas don’t seem very bothered by the change I just worry about my fish too because I want them to be able to rest and not stress out.

Don't worry about the fish. The fish will find caves the fish will find areas where it's not so turbulent as I said in my other reply, that's it's softer flow around the Rock. They can certainly hide somewhere.

Essentially I see the zoas sitting in low flow and now they are in moderate. Let me know what you think.

Should I move the yellow tip across as well? I’m not sure if it’s happy or not I don’t have the eye for it yet. It’s my first SPS.

 

[snyderman99]

Do you mean move the wavemaker onto the back wall or just directionally point it towards the green slimer?

First and foremost, do not Point any wavemaker directly at an SPS or any other Coral that you want to keep. It'll strip the flesh right off if it's strong enough.
What I meant was wavemaker on one glass directly pointing to another glass. So the other glass would be 90° where the wave maker is mounted.

I could do that then I have essentially a big circular wave pattern in my tank.

I wasn't specifically saying have a big circular motion but more completely randomized motion. Waves crashing into other waves, mini Vortexs created on the surface, detritus getting all jostled up in the sand and getting carried away to the Overflow.

I have a hygger Wave Maker 1321 GPH 12W I took out because I thought my flow was to strong. It ended up sucking in one of my anemones and it ended up passing away. So I opted for this wavemaker to see if it was better. I supposed I could have both of them in the tank working against each other to see if that helps.

Two at a lower power, I always think, is better than one at a higher power.

Do you think the green slimer is okay on the back wall or do you think I should move him onto the arch where he’ll get more flow and light? Same with the blue acro.

SPS is always better closer to the light if the light is not adequate enough.

I took another video of the flow after adjusting the wavemaker so it points more out instead of up. I just fed as well so you can see particles in the tank working against the only different I see besides higher flow in the lower part of the tank is that it’s not hitting the green slimer as much and I can tell by the GSP. Should I move the wavemaker back or move the slimer?

Personally I always think it's better to place the coral where you want initially and then mess with flow if you feel it's not right. Reason being that every time you move a coral it has to readjust itself... It's not as bad as you just try to adjust the flow. But you will have to make that call yourself as I am not there with you to judge.

The zoas don’t seem very bothered by the change I just worry about my fish too because I want them to be able to rest and not stress out.

Don't worry about the fish. The fish will find caves the fish will find areas where it's not so turbulent as I said in my other reply, that's it's softer flow around the Rock. They can certainly hide somewhere.

Essentially I see the zoas sitting in low flow and now they are in moderate. Let me know what you think.

Should I move the yellow tip across as well? I’m not sure if it’s happy or not I don’t have the eye for it yet. It’s my first SPS.

My wavemaker is essentially now pointed at the back wall just on a slight angle. The wavemaker is on a power of 2 out of 8 and I put it to a randomized pattern. I could put the hygger on the black wall above the blue SPS and have it pointing opposite the other one. To see if the flows compete and have a more natural environment. Do you think that’s best?

I do fear the light is not adequate enough where the slimer is due to it being on the wall. And since adding it to the tank the green polyps have not opened so I’m not sure if it’s still adjusting or it needs more light. According to the test someone did online it’s not getting much light at all there. I could put it on the arch rockwork so it’s closest to the light and getting a good amount of flow.

I like where the blue yellow tip is currently I just also fear it’s not getting enough light but it would hopefully grow to get more light.

Like I said I’m very new to this so I’m just worried it’s not happy and I have no idea to tell. Especially the blue yellow tip I have no idea how to tell if it’s enjoying where it’s at or not.

 

[snyderman99]

Do you mean move the wavemaker onto the back wall or just directionally point it towards the green slimer?

First and foremost, do not Point any wavemaker directly at an SPS or any other Coral that you want to keep. It'll strip the flesh right off if it's strong enough.
What I meant was wavemaker on one glass directly pointing to another glass. So the other glass would be 90° where the wave maker is mounted.

I could do that then I have essentially a big circular wave pattern in my tank.

I wasn't specifically saying have a big circular motion but more completely randomized motion. Waves crashing into other waves, mini Vortexs created on the surface, detritus getting all jostled up in the sand and getting carried away to the Overflow.

I have a hygger Wave Maker 1321 GPH 12W I took out because I thought my flow was to strong. It ended up sucking in one of my anemones and it ended up passing away. So I opted for this wavemaker to see if it was better. I supposed I could have both of them in the tank working against each other to see if that helps.

Two at a lower power, I always think, is better than one at a higher power.

Do you think the green slimer is okay on the back wall or do you think I should move him onto the arch where he’ll get more flow and light? Same with the blue acro.

SPS is always better closer to the light if the light is not adequate enough.

I took another video of the flow after adjusting the wavemaker so it points more out instead of up. I just fed as well so you can see particles in the tank working against the only different I see besides higher flow in the lower part of the tank is that it’s not hitting the green slimer as much and I can tell by the GSP. Should I move the wavemaker back or move the slimer?

Personally I always think it's better to place the coral where you want initially and then mess with flow if you feel it's not right. Reason being that every time you move a coral it has to readjust itself... It's not as bad as you just try to adjust the flow. But you will have to make that call yourself as I am not there with you to judge.

The zoas don’t seem very bothered by the change I just worry about my fish too because I want them to be able to rest and not stress out.

Don't worry about the fish. The fish will find caves the fish will find areas where it's not so turbulent as I said in my other reply, that's it's softer flow around the Rock. They can certainly hide somewhere.

Essentially I see the zoas sitting in low flow and now they are in moderate. Let me know what you think.

Should I move the yellow tip across as well? I’m not sure if it’s happy or not I don’t have the eye for it yet. It’s my first SPS.

Here another video of the wavemaker pointed up again but on the random setting. It seems to be rustling the water pretty good.



Is it still worth it to have the second wavemaker put in? And have them on the lowest power?

 

[Dburr1014]

My wavemaker is essentially now pointed at the back wall just on a slight angle. The wavemaker is on a power of 2 out of 8 and I put it to a randomized pattern. I could put the hygger on the black wall above the blue SPS and have it pointing opposite the other one. To see if the flows compete and have a more natural environment. Do you think that’s best?

I do fear the light is not adequate enough where the slimer is due to it being on the wall. And since adding it to the tank the green polyps have not opened so I’m not sure if it’s still adjusting or it needs more light. According to the test someone did online it’s not getting much light at all there. I could put it on the arch rockwork so it’s closest to the light and getting a good amount of flow.

I like where the blue yellow tip is currently I just also fear it’s not getting enough light but it would hopefully grow to get more light.

Like I said I’m very new to this so I’m just worried it’s not happy and I have no idea to tell. Especially the blue yellow tip I have no idea how to tell if it’s enjoying where it’s at or not.

I would put the sps under the light. Polyps out is not an indicator of enough light.

Don't be worried, it's your first run. Even the best lose pieces so you can always try again if it happens. You came to the right place for your answers.

 

[snyderman99]

My wavemaker is essentially now pointed at the back wall just on a slight angle. The wavemaker is on a power of 2 out of 8 and I put it to a randomized pattern. I could put the hygger on the black wall above the blue SPS and have it pointing opposite the other one. To see if the flows compete and have a more natural environment. Do you think that’s best?

I do fear the light is not adequate enough where the slimer is due to it being on the wall. And since adding it to the tank the green polyps have not opened so I’m not sure if it’s still adjusting or it needs more light. According to the test someone did online it’s not getting much light at all there. I could put it on the arch rockwork so it’s closest to the light and getting a good amount of flow.

I like where the blue yellow tip is currently I just also fear it’s not getting enough light but it would hopefully grow to get more light.

Like I said I’m very new to this so I’m just worried it’s not happy and I have no idea to tell. Especially the blue yellow tip I have no idea how to tell if it’s enjoying where it’s at or not.

I would put the sps under the light. Polyps out is not an indicator of enough light.

Don't be worried, it's your first run. Even the best lose pieces so you can always try again if it happens. You came to the right place for your answers.

I moved the slimer onto the big arch rockwork. Do you think I should move the digi and yellow tip as well?