Should we SLOW our FLOW at night time in our reef tanks? Are you?

[ScubaFish802]

I figure the 'weaker' swimming fish like my clowns are going to retreat to their flower pot, etc.. overnight anyways.
I need that flow to keep detritus suspended etc.. so the filtration can pick it up - don't want stuff settling out overnight in the display - plus ph is already taking a hit, don't want to reduce aeration

 

[jdpiii3]

I keep my MP 60's in ReefCrest mode they are constantly ramping up and down, simulating the environment by changing the speed frequently and drastically.

And for my Maxspect Gyre I keep it in random mode.

Constantly moving constantly changing.

 

[Lavey29]

Gravity is stronger at night just because there aren't any high or strong waves doesn't mean the water doesn't move with more force. Gravity is going to be working against the waves which is why you see less of them. More pressure means more forceful flow at night.

This I agree with, the tidal swell and current might be stronger but not necessarily the waves as you stated in your first post.

 

[bnord]

I have the MP40s spike up the flow a couple of times I the night when all the LPS are closed to try to blow some of the detritus out and about...

 

[HBtank]

Lol… the moon does’t only exist at night… some silly comments about that so far…. and it effects tides, not waves. Waves are either long period from distance sources (storms) or short period local wind swell. The latter is the predictable source of daily cycles for waves, the former is usually seasonal.

As someone who spends a ton of time on the ocean, wind swell does typically subside and nearshore areas will calm during the evening/night. Of course, regions can be different.

 

[Jwise]

I keep my flow the same as much as it already at noght considering i have two eco tech mp 40's on reef crest mode 24/7

 

[Schulks]

Research shows the ocean actually moves more violently at night. The reason why waves move more during the day is because there is more human activity on the ocean during the day. But naturally at night the ocean moves with stronger force.

I'd be really surprised if human activity actually effects waves. Do you have any evidence for that? Genuinely curious.

 

[Biglew11]

I keep my return pump steady. But my 2 gyres are hooked up to the icecap to apex vdm interface. I have a couple diferent profiles that run throughout the day. And a storm profile that blast the flow 3 days a week to kick up some detritus for filtering and possible feeding. The main thing is my flow is varied and somewhat random.

 

[sprungson]

Every night before I go to bed I add 3 additional MP40s into my 20 gallon tank. I remove them in the morning.

 

[HBtank]

Just trying to explain how gravity works with the ocean at night.

Please tell me you have noticed the moon during daylight hours.

 

[Nemosis]

Most coral close up at night regardless of flow so if they are out and happy during the day, flow wouldn’t affect them at night. If I made any changes to flow at night, I would turn the flow up to kick up any detritus for better filtration and back down just before the lights come back on.

 

[nano reef]

I dont have any fancy high tech gadgets on my tank! Frankly I am not to tech savvy is why! LOL. I do have a night mode on my cheap jebao's and have tried using it but the problem is I have dark curtains in the room and the sensors wont change back to day mode unless I am in there with the light on! I don t know why but felt the need to say that! LOL

 

[immaman2011]

Please tell me you have noticed the moon during daylight hours.

I just said when the sun sets the gravity force on the ocean increases. With the sun out gravity on the ocean is less so it allows more waves. Of course the moon is still there lol.

 

[Slocke]

I just said when the sun sets the gravity force on the ocean increases. With the sun out gravity on the ocean is less so it allows more waves. Of course the moon is still there lol.

Gravity is 0.12% stronger at night.

 

[BZOFIQ]

I drain half the tank twice a day for low tide...











ok, relax, just kidding

 

[HBtank]

I just said when the sun sets the gravity force on the ocean increases. With the sun out gravity on the ocean is less so it allows more waves. Of course the moon is still there lol.

The moon is the dominant force on tides, but neither the sun or moon effect waves in any significant manner (via gravitational forces).

 

[Ly78]

I actually have higher flow at night for better oxygen exchange since lights off, dunno if it makes sense but thats my take heh

 

[Reeffraff]

This thread is getting derailed due to some fundamental misunderstandings about tides and gravity. Hopefully this will help. When sun and moon are in phase, you get strong spring tides, when out of phase, you get weaker neap tides. These phases can happen at any time of day or night depending on time of month/year.

 

[KWolfe81]

Lol… the moon does’t only exist at night… some silly comments about that so far…. and it effects tides, not waves. Waves are either long period from distance sources (storms) or short period local wind swell. The latter is the predictable source of daily cycles for waves, the former is usually seasonal.

Seriously. Sounds like a lot of people here need to go back and take a middle school science class. Kinda has me questioning whether the advice I get on here is of the same caliber.

 

[HudsonReefer2.0]

Seriously. Sounds like a lot of people here need to go back and take a middle school science class. Kinda has me questioning whether the advice I get on here is of the same caliber.

That’s why I like to see the systems of those offering said advice.