Water flow in my tank

[taki123]

Hi guys,

I have a Redsea 425XL tank with a Redsea Wavemaker 45.

Can someone help me understand by drawing arrows on the photo attached where would be considered the high flow areas and low flow areas.

Just want to know so I can figure out best coral replacement. Not sure how to tell

You can see the wavemaker on the top left hand side in the tank.

 

[taki123]

Here’s a better quality photo.

 

[blaxsun]

This is where I run my ReefWave45s on my tank, ie: on the sides, facing towards the center. I run about 60% forward and 20% reverse in alternating cycles.

 

[taki123]

This is where I run my ReefWave45s on my tank, ie: on the sides, facing towards the center. I run about 60% forward and 20% reverse in alternating cycles.

Do you think just 1 of them is too little for my tank? I’ve got the following setting: night is 60%, lights ramping 70% and talha random is 80%. Both forward and reverse at same intensity

 

[blaxsun]

Do you think just 1 of them is too little for my tank? I’ve got the following setting: night is 60%, lights ramping 70% and talha random is 80%. Both forward and reverse at same intensity

For a 425XL? Yes, you'll probably find that you end up with uneven flow. You could mount it in the overflow (the magnets are waterproof) - but that may not be enough flow on the sides. I have four wavemakers in total on my tank: 2 on the sides (variable) and 2 on the back on either side of the overflow that provide (fixed) flow.

Two ReefWave45s are more than enough - you may be able to even get away with a pair of ReefWave25s (I'm just not sure of the glass thickness offhand, so you may need the 45s). Here is my schedule - feel free to borrow/steal some/all of it. Note that the number before and after (ie: 20/10) refers to the foward speed and reverse speed. I have it set to 8min forward and 2min reverse.

 

[taki123]

For a 425XL? Yes, you'll probably find that you end up with uneven flow. You could mount it in the overflow (the magnets are waterproof) - but that may not be enough flow on the sides. I have four wavemakers in total on my tank: 2 on the sides (variable) and 2 on the back on either side of the overflow that provide (fixed) flow.

Two ReefWave45s are more than enough - you may be able to even get away with a pair of ReefWave25s (I'm just not sure of the glass thickness offhand, so you may need the 45s). Here is my schedule - feel free to borrow/steal some/all of it. Note that the number before and after (ie: 20/10) refers to the foward speed and reverse speed. I have it set to 8min forward and 2min reverse.

Thanks for sharing ! What would be a good cheap option for me on the other side? Not looking to spend too much

 

[blaxsun]

Thanks for sharing ! What would be a good cheap option for me on the other side? Not looking to spend too much

Honestly, I would really recommend a matching ReefWave45. You'll probably be able to run the pair in the 20-40% range, and having one on each side does make a huge difference with consistent flow.

 

[taki123]

Honestly, I would really recommend a matching ReefWave45. You'll probably be able to run the pair in the 20-40% range, and having one on each side does make a huge difference with consistent flow.

Hi bro,
So I took your advice and grabbed another Reefwave 45.

How have you got them angled in your tank? Not sure what the best way is to set it up. Do you point it up a bit to face the surface more?

if you could show me a photo on how it’s aligned that would be great pleqse

 

[blaxsun]

Hi bro,
So I took your advice and grabbed another Reefwave 45.

How have you got them angled in your tank? Not sure what the best way is to set it up. Do you point it up a bit to face the surface more?

if you could show me a photo on how it’s aligned that would be great pleqse

My ReefWaves are long overdue for cleaning, so I don't think you'd be able too see the positioning clearly - but basically the flat portion of the gyre cover is at 0 degrees (top of each gyre) such that they shoot out at 90 and 270 degrees respectively and pull water from the 180 degree (below) position.

I have them mounted exactly 3.5" below the top edge of the tank. I'll try to see if I can get an image later that shows this a bit better.

 

[taki123]

My ReefWaves are long overdue for cleaning, so I don't think you'd be able too see the positioning clearly - but basically the flat portion of the gyre cover is at 0 degrees (top of each gyre) such that they shoot out at 90 and 270 degrees respectively and pull water from the 180 degree (below) position.

I have them mounted exactly 3.5" below the top edge of the tank. I'll try to see if I can get an image later that shows this a bit better.

Is it like this?

 

[blaxsun]

No, the flat part of the gyre cover (without slots) is on the top. Addendum: This auto-correct/word substitution BS is getting stupid...

 

[taki123]

No, the flat part of the gyre cover (without slots) is on the top. Addendum: This auto-correct/word substitution BS is getting stupid...

Oh right makes sense! So your flow is going towards the sand below

 

[blaxsun]

Oh right makes sense! So your flow is going towards the sand below

Only when it runs at reduced speed/duration in reverse. The rest of the time it pulls straight up from the side and out towards the center of the tank.