Flow

[dyson7]

So I have 2 power heads in a 29 gallon tank. One is a 850 gph hydor, and the other is a 660 gph USA current power head which is connected to a loop controller. I just put in 2 clownfish and it seems the hydor is to powerful since they don’t like being around it and go behind the rock, and the other power head isn’t working well, what should I do?

 

[FishTrader]

You can always beef up your return pump and add some cool lockline formations.

 

[sc50964]

So I have 2 power heads in a 29 gallon tank. One is a 850 gph hydor, and the other is a 660 gph USA current power head which is connected to a loop controller. I just put in 2 clownfish and it seems the hydor is to powerful since they don’t like being around it and go behind the rock, and the other power head isn’t working well, what should I do?

If it’s fish only, you only need anywhere from 10 to 15x circulation flow. What you got is way too much.

 

[Waters]

As stated, if it is fish only, adjust the flow to accomidate the fish. No need to have a high flow tank with nothing in there that requires it.

 

[dyson7]

If it’s fish only, you only need anywhere from 10 to 15x circulation flow. What you got is way too much.

I plan on making it a reef tank in the future. What would be a good flow for that?

 

[sc50964]

I plan on making it a reef tank in the future. What would be a good flow for that?

A general rule of thumb that I use is no greater than 15x for fish, LPS, and softies; 20x for SPS but I’ve never successfully kept SPS long term so someone else who is more experienced in corals will need to weigh in.

you really do need to evaluate each tank as the flow pattern and coral placement all make a big difference.

need a power head that’s adjustable for sure.

 

[Koh23]

So, for softies and lps - 15x turnover?

Isn that a bit low?

Basing on my tank, 500l.

So, That makes 7500 lph flow from pump(s)?

I have 17000lph now, and that is without return pump, and really cant notice that anything dislike that flow, or that it is too much.

Or maybe i'm missing some even better growth, expansion if i reduce flow?

Also keep in mind, clown arent in most cases active swimmers, they host something, anything and stick to it most of times, so maybe flow isnt problem.

 

[sc50964]

So, for softies and lps - 15x turnover?

Isn that a bit low?

Basing on my tank, 500l.

So, That makes 7500 lph flow from pump(s)?

I have 17000lph now, and that is without return pump, and really cant notice that anything dislike that flow, or that it is too much.

Or maybe i'm missing some even better growth, expansion if i reduce flow?

Also keep in mind, clown arent in most cases active swimmers, they host something, anything and stick to it most of times, so maybe flow isnt problem.

I see. The length of the tank makes a big difference too IME. The 15x is my experience of running a LPS & softie reef in a 42G that was 36” long. I’m primarily a FOWLR guy. For tanks that are longer, they certainly need more power to broadcast the water flow more downstream.

 

[FishTrader]

I'm my opinion, more than 15x turnover and your sump is no longer a sump its a reactor‍

 

[sc50964]

Op’s question is on internal in-tank circulation and not about sump to tank return. I doubt he has a sump for a 29g but he will need to clarify.

 

[FishTrader]

Yeah but his issue is flow, so why not take out that extra powerhead he already said was not working right and then upgrade the return pump? He can then add a Y lockline or even a seaswirl. I've had a 14 and 29gal AIO and modded the heck out of them.