How much flow?

TheNewGuyHere · Nov 6, 2022

Hi all -

I have a newer reef tank (Fluval 32.5 gallon) with some green Star polyps, a bubble coral, and some zoas. Currently I only have the filter pump pointed level to the surface but it is very general. The soft corals do wave a bit, so maybe it is enough? I would love to hear what you think.

thanks!

fishski13 · Nov 6, 2022

I think you will need a small wavemaker in there to add some circular flow not only to add some more random indirect flow for your corals but to reduce deadspots and to increase flow to help reduce any algae build up

TheNewGuyHere · Nov 6, 2022

Thanks! Would it be something like this?

CP3 Circulation Pump, up to 50 US Gal (200 L) - Fluval Canada

Fluval CP-Series circulation pumps provide a wide, gentle stream to simulate natural reef currents that make your tank inhabitants feel at home.

fluvalaquatics.com

Here is a picture of my tank - I am thinking put it on the side in the middle?

fishski13 · Nov 6, 2022

I think that would be a bit too much flow for that size tank as you want to have enough flow for some indirect flow but also not to stir up the sand bed.

Also you have way more coral than what you mentioned, and some of with are hard corals like the euphilliya, you definitely want to make sure they are in the right amount of flow.

TheNewGuyHere · Nov 6, 2022

Sorry! The local pet store sells 12 frags for $100 so I just picked out what looked cool without knowing much

.

AydenLincoln · Nov 6, 2022

I really like this one from Amazon in my 20 gallon. https://a.co/d/iZMflXB

TheNewGuyHere · Nov 6, 2022

This looks way better than the ones I was looking at - I picked this up instead! Thanks!

PatW · Nov 7, 2022

I tend to like flow, flow, flow and more flow. I run a bit over 50X which would be 1500 gpd in your tank. But I run an SPS dominant tank. I do have some LPS corals and they so fine with what is considered high flow.

For softies, I would think 20 times turnover would be good so something like 600 gph. You do not want corals directly in the blast of a powerhead.

TheNewGuyHere · Nov 7, 2022

Ok - I think I get it now… you want most of the tank in motion but not a jet stream on the corals. Is this the right thinking?

Mr. Mojo Rising · Nov 7, 2022

Thats right, random flow to as much of the tank as possible, no jetstreams. Flow is very important in a reef tank. These articles explains the basics.

Grow with the Flow

By Tim Wijgerde Text and photographs, by author, unless stated otherwise Cover photo courtesy of Gary L. Parr Why water flow is vital to corals Severa

reefs.com

Lateral Lines: Water Flow Part 1: Where to Begin

How can a hobbyist decide how to set up their tank if they don't have an idea on how the water will move in the tank?

reefs.com

Lateral Lines: Water Flow Part II: Common Devices

This is a review of some of the more common water flow devices used in the hobby.

reefs.com

homer1475 · Nov 7, 2022

PatW said:
I tend to like flow, flow, flow and more flow. I run a bit over 50X which would be 1500 gpd in your tank. But I run an SPS dominant tank. I do have some LPS corals and they so fine with what is considered high flow.

Couldn't agree more. In my 80G cube I run 2 mp10's, 2 jebao pp8's, 2 nero 3's, and RFG nozzles. Flow, and more importantly, random chaotic flow is crucial in a reef tank.

With that said, I've heard good things about the hyggers for nano tanks.

Uncle99 · Nov 7, 2022

A slow wave, is just fine.
Those corals don’t want turbulence.
Your fine.

PatW · Nov 8, 2022

TheNewGuyHere said:
Ok - I think I get it now… you want most of the tank in motion but not a jet stream on the corals. Is this the right thinking?

That is the idea.

BaliReefBox · Nov 8, 2022

you will be happy with the hyggers.. I have the minis and they are great

Murica · Nov 8, 2022

Just some friendly advice here, because I would have wanted someone to tell me this as well, but green star polyps can get out of control once they start growing. Many people regret putting them in their tank because they grow so fast and they’re constantly cutting them back.

However, if you don’t mind a little elbow grease then I’ll admit… they do look pretty cool once they’re a colony

TheNewGuyHere · Nov 9, 2022

Murica said:
Just some friendly advice here, because I would have wanted someone to tell me this as well, but green star polyps can get out of control once they start growing. Many people regret putting them in their tank because they grow so fast and they’re constantly cutting them back.

However, if you don’t mind a little elbow grease then I’ll admit… they do look pretty cool once they’re a colony

Honestly I've had a frustrating start with salt - a fish death, corals are not going great -- even things listed as "beginner" such as bubble corals are retracting and getting smaller. I feel sad that I put these living creatures in my seemingly death tank. The numbers say they are good, but clearly something is going on.

I am hoping that something is little flow from just the filter pump. I've bought two of these 2600 pumps listed and put them on the sides with "random" flow settings. The random flow really never hits 100% on the pump so I'm hoping they will both be about 1600-2000 on average without blasting the softer corals.

To your comment if the green star takes over the whole tank I'll be happy that something lives well under my care

fishski13 · Nov 9, 2022

TheNewGuyHere said:
Honestly I've had a frustrating start with salt - a fish death, corals are not going great -- even things listed as "beginner" such as bubble corals are retracting and getting smaller. I feel sad that I put these living creatures in my seemingly death tank. The numbers say they are good, but clearly something is going on.

I am hoping that something is little flow from just the filter pump. I've bought two of these 2600 pumps listed and put them on the sides with "random" flow settings. The random flow really never hits 100% on the pump so I'm hoping they will both be about 1600-2000 on average without blasting the softer corals.

To your comment if the green star takes over the whole tank I'll be happy that something lives well under my care

Well numbers are only as good as there consistency. You need to have consistent alkalinity, calcium, mag, etc in order for corals to be happy and grow.

Plus what light are you using. I dont think the stock fluval flex light is near enough to keep most of your corals.

You have alot of coral in there with a lot of decently expensive pieces in there for you to say that you feel bad putting them in your tank if the tank isnt doing good. Its better to take it slow with the addition of coral especially you being a new bie. You should figure out the problem now before you go to add more.