How much flow for 4x2 tank?

[Bustyraker]

I have a 105 gallon SPS tank, which is the same dimensions as a 120 gallon but just a few inches more shallow. I've been in the hobby for 4-5 years and have become quite frustrated with my growth compared to other reefers in my area. My growth has always been painfully slow compared to others. Corals have good color and are healthy but never seem to grow quickly. I have 2 radios gen 3 pros over my tank and 4 mp40s for flow. I feed fairly heavily and run biopellets to keep nutrients down. I'm pretty stricked with testing my parameters and can't even remember the last time I had an alk spike. The only thing I have yet to try is more flow. I have all 4 of my mp40s between 80-100% at all times and I think I may need more.

 

[bknapp]

How are you supplementing your alkalinity and calcium? Two part, calcium reactor? I was having a similar issue in my 180 with lack of growth I had plenty of flow (which you do as well,) I had plenty of light, things were fairly stable I also ran pellets to help with nutrients. I ended up finding AEFW. The acros would grow painfully slow, would still have great color and have polyp extension. Obviously I hope this isn't your issue but I'm just sharing my experience.

I would look at your nutrient levels and make sure your corals aren't starving. Although with good color I wouldn't think that was the issue.

I think that you have enough flow. I currently have a standard 120 with two MP40QDs and a Gyre.

Best of luck.

 

[Bustyraker]

How are you supplementing your alkalinity and calcium? Two part, calcium reactor? I was having a similar issue in my 180 with lack of growth I had plenty of flow (which you do as well,) I had plenty of light, things were fairly stable I also ran pellets to help with nutrients. I ended up finding AEFW. The acros would grow painfully slow, would still have great color and have polyp extension. Obviously I hope this isn't your issue but I'm just sharing my experience.

I would look at your nutrient levels and make sure your corals aren't starving. Although with good color I wouldn't think that was the issue.

I think that you have enough flow. I currently have a standard 120 with two MP40QDs and a Gyre.

Best of luck.

No3 is around 2ppm
Po4 .03 ppm
I dose with 2 part and use b ionic.
Alk 7.3 has been sitting stable for 2 months
Calcium 420 ish
Magnesium 1350

The biopellets have never gotten me to ulns levels, I actually have to supplement with vodka from time to time to keep nitrates below 5ppm.

I have also thought of the possibility of pests like flatworms or red bugs. But I have spent plenty of time inspecting all of my corals and dipping most of them in Bayer and have never found anything. I sell a good bit of frags when I can and have never heard back about anyone finding pests. I keep a large malenarus and 6 line in my tank to help with pests also, I know it's not a guarantee but it makes me feel better. I've often thought of trying interceptor on my tank just for the hell of it but can't seem to find it anywhere, I was also worried about my inverts, I have a large anemone, brittle star, and a hefty clean up crew that I would most likely not be able to remove before treatment.

 

[bknapp]

Hard to say what the issue is, sometimes corals (especially acros) just take a while to settle in and grow. And without progression pics it can be hard to notice the growth.