Water flow

[steven168ny]

Had this 55 Gallon tank about 8 years now. These corals were added about 2 years ago. Finally they got used to the tank and growing exponentially for some. This crown toad stool almost triple in size. In any case, found some aiptasia, using Frank F1 works well. Just have to turn off all the flow/powerhead. I realized that when theres 0 flow, that's when each coral expand to the fullest (See pics). Just a theory, seems like when there's no flow , they can really be in their relax form to absorb the light and the surrounding nutrients. (note: none of the powerheads are blowing directly to any coral, the corals wave a little just not in the full form) And there are reefers out there that don't use flow in their tank and still got amazing coral growth. Perhaps the best practice is do a mix, do some 60% with no flow when light is on. Then 40% with flow to blow away any detritus on them. Any experts out there do no powerheads, etc?

 

[TX_REEF]

you can get away with no powerheads, but not no flow. Flow is necessary for corals to receive nutrients and get rid of waste. If you don't want powerheads, you can use a "closed loop" system which relies on your return pump for all the flow, or something like a wave box. You can research online and on this forum for both of those options.

However, using powerheads is the easiest option. I generally recommend gyre pumps over traditional powerheads because they create more chaotic, gentle, widespread flow than most other powerheads for an affordable price.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Here's some reading to help explain the importance of flow.

https://reefbuilders.com/2023/05/13/why-flow-is-so-critical-in-a-reef-aquarium/

 

[Gumbies R Us]

You must have flow in your tank. Imagine if the plants of the world didn't have wind. In my RedSea tank, I got away with using a return pump for water movement instead of using a wave maker or powerhead.

 

[steven168ny]

Noted. I will try to aim the powerhead towards the corner to lower the water impact. Seems like the corals in the tank currently prefers lower water movement.