Do I have enough flow?

[Lucas Lembke]

I have a Red Sea reefer 250 (65 gallon including sump) and a varios 2 return pump and vortech mp40. Do I have enough flow in the tank? Here are some pics:

 

[TheLadyCrash]

Depends on what you want to do. FOWLR or reef (and what kind of corals)?

 

[mjlash22]

For that size tank, you can probably get away with the one MP40, 2 wouldn't hurt but you would definitely want to reduce to flow as to not blow your sand everywhere. You can also link 2 MP40's together which gives you some cool flow options/patterns.

 

[MSOEME2009]

Try to minimize all your dead spots. I don't think you'll have enough random flow patterns with a stationary single MP40 to hit all the areas of the tank. By adding a second you can create some really cool programmable flow patterns. You could also look into adding some small low cost heads like the voyager nano. However, there will be a cord in the tank then. By eliminating dead spots you'll prevent nutrient hot spots and detritus build up. It will help keep solids suspended and will allow your filtration to capture it out.

You could simply take some plastic ribbon and attach it to your algae scraper. Turn your MP40 on and see how the streamer is moving. You can determine how you want to alter your flow or move the head because the rocks will cause dead spots.

http://www.reefaquarium.com/2012/the-importance-of-water-flow-and-movement-2/

Flow rate will be determined by what you want to have living in the tank. However, regardless of livestock, random flow patterns are essential and part of preventing things like cyano and algae.

 

[Xandernfs]

I have 2 MP40s and it is more than enough flow. I think I max them out at 25%. The only issue I am having is placement. I'm not sure they are where they need to be to support SPS, but this is all speculation. Either way, I have the necessary flow for this tank and also when I decide to upgrade as well....whenever that may be.