Do I lack flow in my sump and how can I increase flow?

[Benoit Martin]

I am asking this question because every time I see videos of people with chaeto in their sump, I can see it tumble and float, usually close to the surface in the sump but in my case, the chaeto I just added is at the bottom of the sump and not moving at all.

This makes me think that I am probably lacking flow and that will probably have a negative effect on the chaeto's growth and possibly with other aspects of my tank.

Here is my setup:
- 120 G tank
- 40 G breeder sump with Fiji Cube baffle kit (https://www.fijicube.com/products/sump-baffle-kit-40-gallon-breeder-fiji-cube)
- VARIOS-8 (2700 GPH) return pump (running at 75%)
- Sump is at the bottom of DIY stand and water has to travel about 5ft up to DT
- I used 1" pipes for all the plumbing with 45 degree elbows to reduce friction but I have a Check-Valve which could affect flow (https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/spears-true-union-check-valve.html)

So the first question would be, does it sound like I am lacking flow in the sump?

Then, should I upgrade my return pump to get more flow?

 

[mfinn]

I like a slower flow ( than some). Usually around 5x to 6x the tank volume, so the flow in my refugium is kind of slow.
With alot of chaeto in there it gets kind of stagnant.
So I added a powerhead and it really helps. Originally I used a maxi-jet 1000, but the little suction inlet clogged pretty fast.
Then I tried a Tunze 6045 and found I only had to clean it off once a week or so.

 

[Benoit Martin]

I like a slower flow ( than some). Usually around 5x to 6x the tank volume, so the flow in my refugium is kind of slow.
With alot of chaeto in there it gets kind of stagnant.
So I added a powerhead and it really helps. Originally I used a maxi-jet 1000, but the little suction inlet clogged pretty fast.
Then I tried a Tunze 6045 and found I only had to clean it off once a week or so.

That sounds like a good idea, where did you place it?
I am using the chamber between the skimmer and the return pump as a refugium, should I just mount it in there?

If you had a picture or video to share that'd be awesome!

Thank you

 

[Auquanut]

I keep a small power head in my fuge too. I keep chaeto and caulerpa in it. I don't worry too much about tumbling, just manually flip it every few days to ensure even growth and harvest when necessary.

 

[mfinn]

That sounds like a good idea, where did you place it?
I am using the chamber between the skimmer and the return pump as a refugium, should I just mount it in there?

If you had a picture or video to share that'd be awesome!

Thank you

Here is a picture I took as I was setting up my new 66 gallon tank.
The sump is a old acrylic box I bought from a guy maybe 15 years ago.
I made 3 chambers and the center part is the refugium.
This was before I added chaeto and you can see the location of the pump near the bottom of the sump. ( using a blue plastic encased magnet)
You do need to pay attention to the powerhead as the chaeto will clog it and reduce the efficiency.
It's surprising how clogged the Tunze powerheads can get and still continue to function for years.

 

[Benoit Martin]

Here is a picture I took as I was setting up my new 66 gallon tank.
The sump is a old acrylic box I bought from a guy maybe 15 years ago.
I made 3 chambers and the center part is the refugium.
This was before I added chaeto and you can see the location of the pump near the bottom of the sump. ( using a blue plastic encased magnet)
You do need to pay attention to the powerhead as the chaeto will clog it and reduce the efficiency.
It's surprising how clogged the Tunze powerheads can get and still continue to function for years.

Looks nice. Thank you for the picture. I will be purchasing a powerhead for my fuge.

Thanks

 

[jeffchapok]

I put a $16 Chinese-made powerhead in mine (before Covid-19!). Keeps it stirred up and clean.

 

[Court_Appointed_Hypeman]

I am 8 weeks in on my chaeto, took 4 weeks to noticeably start growing. It always sat at the bottomg of the sump, i turned it over every couple days.

2 days ago when i flipped it, the underside had cyano all over it, i didn't realize thats what it was and i gave it a little shake.

Yesterday i had cyano all over my sump, so i added a small powerhead i used for salt mixing, it got everything suspended, and the chato is tumbling.

This morning when I checked it, it grew way more than I've ever seen. Its got a strand caught on a rock, so its no longer tumbling but is in direct path of flow and looks like its blowing in the wind. After this experience, i am going to swear by flow in the fuge.

 

[Court_Appointed_Hypeman]

I put a $16 Chinese-made powerhead in mine (before Covid-19!). Keeps it stirred up and clean.

Looks like we have the same chinese pump and light. I cant believe how good this light has been for me.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I am asking this question because every time I see videos of people with chaeto in their sump, I can see it tumble and float, usually close to the surface in the sump but in my case, the chaeto I just added is at the bottom of the sump and not moving at all.

This makes me think that I am probably lacking flow and that will probably have a negative effect on the chaeto's growth and possibly with other aspects of my tank.

Here is my setup:
- 120 G tank
- 40 G breeder sump with Fiji Cube baffle kit (https://www.fijicube.com/products/sump-baffle-kit-40-gallon-breeder-fiji-cube)
- VARIOS-8 (2700 GPH) return pump (running at 75%)
- Sump is at the bottom of DIY stand and water has to travel about 5ft up to DT
- I used 1" pipes for all the plumbing with 45 degree elbows to reduce friction but I have a Check-Valve which could affect flow (https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/spears-true-union-check-valve.html)

So the first question would be, does it sound like I am lacking flow in the sump?

Then, should I upgrade my return pump to get more flow?

Flow will depend on amount of movement coming from overflow. If you dont have enough to tumble it, you can add a small hobby pump but tumbling is not required as is lighting and presence of a little iron in water

 

[Court_Appointed_Hypeman]

Flow will depend on amount of movement coming from overflow. If you dont have enough to tumble it, you can add a small hobby pump but tumbling is not required as is lighting and presence of a little iron in water

I 100% agree with this as well, the only reason I would add flow, is to suspend waste from settling on the chaeto. HOWEVER I do not know the affect the flow will have on the pods that were living on me chaeto.