How much flow?

SuncrestReef · Jul 9, 2018

I'm new to reefing with my tank only operational for about 2 months now. As I'm adding corals to my tank, I always see guidelines that a particular coral needs high flow, or another coral needs moderate flow. How exactly can I know what constitutes "high" or "moderate" flow? With lighting it's easy; you can just use a PAR meter and know exactly how much light a coral is getting. But how do you actually measure flow from a powerhead?

I have a Reefer XL 425 with a Maxpect Gyre XF230 on one end, and a Neptune WAV on the back wall of the other end of the tank. I'm currently running each powerhead on varying schedules between 15% at night up to about 50% during the day. But regardless of these percentages, the various rock aquascape will impact the way the water flows.

Any tips on knowing if a coral needing Moderate flow is getting the right amount???

reeferfoxx · Jul 9, 2018

Ack! I really dislike the high, medium, and low descriptors.

For flow it sort of goes like this...

Low: tentacles twiddling their fingers.
Medium: tentacles waving their hands.
High: tentacles flapping in the wind.

For lighting it sort of goes like this..

Actually, I have no idea. Unless you have a par meter, it's difficult to convey. I'll do my best.

Low: 50-150
Medium: 150-300
High: 300-500

Again, I really hate the low, medium, high descriptors.

SuncrestReef · Jul 9, 2018

reeferfoxx said:
Ack! I really dislike the high, medium, and low descriptors.

For flow it sort of goes like this...

Low: tentacles twiddling their fingers.
Medium: tentacles waving their hands.
High: tentacles flapping in the wind.

For lighting it sort of goes like this..

Actually, I have no idea. Unless you have a par meter, it's difficult to convey. I'll do my best.

Low: 50-150
Medium: 150-300
High: 300-500

Again, I really hate the low, medium, high descriptors.

Thanks, that helps a bit. I actually do have a PAR meter, so I'm good on the lighting aspect. It's just flow I'm concerned about.

reeferfoxx · Jul 9, 2018

SuncrestReef said:
Thanks, that helps a bit. I actually do have a PAR meter, so I'm good on the lighting aspect. It's just flow I'm concerned about.

Random, gentle, medium flow covers most tanks especially if it's recommend for the coral. If it's a mixed reef with acropora, it will be a headache for a few months perfecting the right flow pattern. Either way, random flow is key.