Flow rates for softies

fcody · Apr 22, 2022

Hi everyone! I just got in a shipment of coral! (Some zoas, a mushroom, a Duncan, leather, gsp, and some clove polyps). I have them sitting in the sand bed to get used to my tank and lighting. I have a xf330 dual gyre setup on my 75 gallon. Do you have any tips for where to place the corals for good flow? Or recommended settings for the gyres?

Wasabiroot · Apr 22, 2022

It depends on your rockwork. Some people use the gyres to create circular flow behind, some use them alternating so there is variable turbulence, etc. All these corals are tolerant of a wide range of flows. As long as you have sufficient random flow and the corals aren't getting blasted, they'll likely be happy. From what I've seen, many put one gyre at each end near the top, but the gyres offer a lot of options including vertically so feel free to get creative. You can also get a feel for any dead spots and adjust placement.

blaxsun · Apr 22, 2022

I have my gyres on either side of the tank facing inwards on random flow (10-40%). My ducans like being right at the top of my rock shelf in around 150-175 PAR.

DeniseAndy · Apr 22, 2022

Most of those guys can handle medium flow. Make sure it is tidal or random. No direct flow as they hate that in general. The duncan will want maybe a bit less same with the zoas. The GSP and Cloves can handle a beating but grow better with a bit less than a beating. Leathers do not like direct, but like good flow. Mushroom will want to have a spot to hold onto before too much flow. Usually find, depending on type, like lower flow.

fcody · Apr 22, 2022

DeniseAndy said:
Most of those guys can handle medium flow. Make sure it is tidal or random. No direct flow as they hate that in general. The duncan will want maybe a bit less same with the zoas. The GSP and Cloves can handle a beating but grow better with a bit less than a beating. Leathers do not like direct, but like good flow. Mushroom will want to have a spot to hold onto before too much flow. Usually find, depending on type, like lower flow.

I had the settings on the ocean gyre cycle with max 60% and min 30%, do you think this is too much? Or should I change to completely different settings?

DeniseAndy · Apr 22, 2022

I have to watch the flow in the tank. So much impacts that and knowing percents means nothing to me. Sorry. I am visual. Run the flow as you have it and watch over the next day or so and see how things are reacting. Look for dead spots, coral expansion and retraction.
Then you can fine tune it. I mess with my flow every couple months sometimes more. Depends as the corals grow and block areas or are getting hit directly, etc.