Poll: Internal Flow Rate?

[hart24601]

I do think there is some value to looking at turnover per hour. Not as a blind guide with laminar flow of course, but it's pretty hard to really gauge flow in our systems by looking at it, and flow is so important and I think as a hobby we are finally realizing how important it is especially considering how much flow the ocean has. One might look at their tank and think wow, my random chaotic flow is great, I don't need to care about it, but they might really not have much flow at all without looking at the numbers. Then they have issues with SPS as they become colonies.

As I said before common sense comes into play, don't line up powerheads on one side of the tank to get 150x, but also remember that random flow from something like a vortech get's quite slow at times and you might only be using a tiny % of the pumps overall power, but it "looks" good to our eye which isn't exactly a fantastic judge of many things.

 

[shaggydoo]

I do think there is some value to looking at turnover per hour. Not as a blind guide with laminar flow of course, but it's pretty hard to really gauge flow in our systems by looking at it, and flow is so important and I think as a hobby we are finally realizing how important it is especially considering how much flow the ocean has. One might look at their tank and think wow, my random chaotic flow is great, I don't need to care about it, but they might really not have much flow at all without looking at the numbers. Then they have issues with SPS as they become colonies.

As I said before common sense comes into play, don't line up powerheads on one side of the tank to get 150x, but also remember that random flow from something like a vortech get's quite slow at times and you might only be using a tiny % of the pumps overall power, but it "looks" good to our eye which isn't exactly a fantastic judge of many things.

I agree 100% that flow is more important than most realize (including myself up until recently). I've focused most of my reef efforts over the last few months towards improving flow.

I also think people are often under utilizing their pumps. Sure turning up your gyre to constant at 100% may blow things to pieces for a moment, but don't give up so easily. Try different settings with max only happening at intervals, or randomly going to 100% for a short time. Controllers are getting good enough where this may take some adjustment by your tank's inhabitants, but because its varied, the extra flow will most likely be beneficial. Extra water movement will benefit pretty much every coral as long as it is managed correctly.

As others pointed out, our tanks (even at 'high' flow levels) are nothing compared to the force of the ocean/waves.

 

[madweazl]

I didn't particularly choose a set flow rate, I just increased flow until the sand moved more than I wanted and backed it down one setting; that ended up being approx 33x.

Edit: I didnt factor in sump flow so that would add about 8x so I guess 41x or so total? Whatever.

 

[rkpetersen]

I've never shot for any flow rate, but I just did a rough calculation. In 100g, I have two MP40s which run about around 60% max, and an MP10 that runs at around 80% max. Based on the specs for those, that's about 5000 gph max. Also a gyre running at a variable although generally low rate, say 700 gph. And the return, 800 gph. So that's around 6500 gph flow within the display, or 65x. The sps love it, the lps and mushrooms not so much. Fish get plenty of exercise.

On a new tank I'm starting up, it's going to be more of a back reef area, and the current will be much gentler. I've got two vertical gyres at the back corners with synchronized mild oscillating flow, which in addition to the return flow, seems to be about right. I would estimate the flow in this system to be about 2ox tank volume. Still, I wouldn't keep mandarins or seahorses in it.

 

[rkpetersen]

As I said before common sense comes into play, don't line up powerheads on one side of the tank to get 150x, but also remember that random flow from something like a vortech get's quite slow at times and you might only be using a tiny % of the pumps overall power, but it "looks" good to our eye which isn't exactly a fantastic judge of many things.

With the Vortechs, I use Lagoon mode to allow for only slight variability from the percentage output I set. Paradoxically, Reef Crest mode sounds faster but actually results in more slow periods.

 

[saltyhog]

No specific target for me and I had never figured until this poll came out....yikes 77x. And it doesn't seem excessive.

There are really so many variables....tank dimensions(not just total volume), type and maturity of coral, fish choices, substrate, power head type, etc.......

 

[GoVols]

Well,
I just bought some new corals. So, It's kinda back to square one.

Changed the flow's directions last night and just lowered to two recirc. pumps (in the overflow) from full throttle to about 60%, until I find the new sweet spot ;Wacky

 

[GoVols]

To be honest, I shoot for as much flow as the tank handles without turning in to a sand storm!

My achilles and other tangs enjoy it!

@4FordFamily
Your got that right:
Achilles sure love some high flow :)