Flow advice? Placing powerheads, setting intesity...

[Greenjeans]

I'd like to try to set up my flow as close to "ideal" as possible before I start adding corals to my 4'x2'x2' tank, and could use some pointers!
I know the first tip is going to be "watch how your corals respond" but I don't have any, sooo....
I intend this to be a mixed reef, eventually sps heavy. I know I'll have to change flow as the tank matures.

I have 2x MP40wqd running off the Apex WXM module, and a Redsea Reefwave 45.

The left MP40 is set about as far forward and low as possible - to keep detritus from settling on the sand and create flow low in front of the rocks. Still moving sand a bit.

The right MP40 is in the middle (just in front of the rocks), and about as high as it can probably go.

The Reefwave 45 is creating a (random mode) sheet along the back glass and behind the rocks.

What do you think of this pump placement, and how would you program the pumps?
Attached is my apex profile for the right MP40. The left MP40 is doing basically the same (anti-sync when appropriate) at a lower intensity to prevent kicking up sand.

I guess my biggest question right now - there's very little surface agitation with the pumps set like this, unless the right mp40 is running at fairly high power...is this fine? The surface on the left side is usually super still.

Video tour:

New video by Tyler Morita

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[Spare time]

First off I would decide if you want mixed reef or SPS heavy. Trying to do both is going to give you headaches with flow unless you can shield off the non sps with some rocks to guard their polyps from flow.


Secondly I would try to aim for a few things. One is that you want the sps to have variation in the intensity and direction of the flow. This will prevent weird growth patterns as well as allowing all of the polyps to get access to flow. Secondly you want to have some flow circulating around the tank in general to prevent crud build up.

 

[Greenjeans]

Thanks for the thoughts

I'm planning for a mixed reef, eventually a little SPS heavy but not a ton...I'm not exactly a stick-head!

Given all the patterns and intensities on the paired vortech pumps along with the reefwave running a random cycle, I just kind of assume that I'm getting good variation. And the placement is causing a noticeable flow circulating around the tank, so I think I'm good there.

Should I worry about surface agitation?

 

[Spare time]

Thanks for the thoughts

I'm planning for a mixed reef, eventually a little SPS heavy but not a ton...I'm not exactly a stick-head!

Given all the patterns and intensities on the paired vortech pumps along with the reefwave running a random cycle, I just kind of assume that I'm getting good variation. And the placement is causing a noticeable flow circulating around the tank, so I think I'm good there.

Should I worry about surface agitation?

I wouldn't. I can't tell but do you have a sump?

 

[X-37B]

My 120 2-6095's on the back wall on pulse mode every 10 seconds.
2 6105's on side running 100%.
Lots of flow with no detrius buildup on bare bottom.
Pic, tank is 10 months old.

 

[Greenjeans]

I wouldn't. I can't tell but do you have a sump?

Yup, an oversized remote sump with an oversized skimmer

 

[Spare time]

Yup, an oversized remote sump with an oversized skimmer

Then you are fine. You will have more than enough gas exchange. You can always test pH if you get worried.