Too much flow?

cba191

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Is it possible to have too much flow? I have a 50g display with a reef octopus varios-6 return and 2 nero 3s. I have the varios at the lowest level and the neros at about 25%
 

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Yes it's possible, what are you planning on doing with the tank ?
 

edsbeaker

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Yes, it is definitely possible.

The varios 6 has a maximum of around 1700 GPH which is very high for a 50 gallon tank. You typically want about 3x-5x turnover, which means somewhere around 250 GPH would be better suited for your tank.

I’m not sure running the varios 6 at 25% brings it down to that, so in my opinion, getting a smaller one will help.

The two Nero 3’s probably won’t be a problem.
 
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vetteguy53081

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Is it possible to have too much flow? I have a 50g display with a reef octopus varios-6 return and 2 nero 3s. I have the varios at the lowest level and the neros at about 25%
Please post a 20-30 second video showing your tank and flow please
 

Reeferbadness

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I have 2 x 200g mixed reef tanks and def pay a lot of attention to flow and how it effects the various corals (SPS, LPS, Softies etc) - it's challenging to get the right mix of enough flow for some without bombarding others with too much. I have 2 x MP40's in each tank and use the Short Pulse setting to help avoid constant flow which def bothers the coral. I also added 2 x Random Flow Generator Flow Kits to my return nozzles in one tank to further break up the flow from the MP40's. If too much constant flow it definitely negatively impacts my sps.

IMG_3609.png
 
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cba191

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I have 2 x 200g mixed reef tanks and def pay a lot of attention to flow and how it effects the various corals (SPS, LPS, Softies etc) - it's challenging to get the right mix of enough flow for some without bombarding others with too much. I have 2 x MP40's in each tank and use the Short Pulse setting to help avoid constant flow which def bothers the coral. I also added 2 x Random Flow Generator Flow Kits to my return nozzles in one tank to further break up the flow from the MP40's. If too much constant flow it definitely negatively impacts my sps.

IMG_3609.png
Could you show me an example of a random flow generator?
 

vetteguy53081

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There's nothing in the tank that actually moves currently. I could throw in some chaeto.
You dont want Chaeto within the tank and will not change flow. Please post video- Only way to truly determine and answer your question
 
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Is it possible to have too much flow? I have a 50g display with a reef octopus varios-6 return and 2 nero 3s. I have the varios at the lowest level and the neros at about 25%
Please post a 20-30 second video showing your tank and flow please
I don't know if this shows anything.
 

vetteguy53081

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I don't know if this shows anything.

It does and flow seems sufficient. When fish are added, as long as they are not fighting the current, it will confirm sufficient
 

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Is it possible to have too much flow? I have a 50g display with a reef octopus varios-6 return and 2 nero 3s. I have the varios at the lowest level and the neros at about 25%
Yes. But not with your set-up.
My 58 gallon used 2 Nero 5s running at 50-90%. That was sufficient.
Return pump I don’t count as flow.
 

vetteguy53081

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I don't know if this shows anything.

I see good surface movement and sand not blowing around. Best will be when fish and coral are entered as they will display movement and will be either subtle or vigorous
 
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I don't know if this shows anything.

I see good surface movement and sand not blowing around. Best will be when fish and coral are entered as they will display movement and will be either subtle or vigorous
There are actually 2 fish in there, but there a bit skittish.
20250622_115904.jpg
 

vetteguy53081

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There are actually 2 fish in there, but there a bit skittish.
20250622_115904.jpg
If theyre free swimming against the current, you're ok
 

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