How Much Flow

[abenhamo]

Hello. Brand new to reefing. 2 weeks in. I have a new red sea reefer 300 (65 gallon display.) My goal is mixed reef with a few fish. I currently have 2 clowns in the tank. My set up includes a Reefwave 25 and i have it about 10" from the rim on the left side with one side pointed up and one side pointed down. The patters in random and is set at 30%. It just seems like the fish are getting pushed around and are hiding out most of the day away from the current. Ill attach a picture of my aquascape for reference. any suggestions?

 

[billyocean]

You could try putting it toward the surface for more surface agitation (gas exchange). The random flow is good when used in conjunction with other pumps also set on random to create a random turbulence. If set on a "gyre mode" with one pump it will give you more of a flow that tumbles the tank which is good IMO.

 

[Reefer Matt Verified Media Partner]

A way to visually see the flow is to put an air stone in the tank. That may give you an idea if flow is too high or not.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I doubt the fishes are getting pushed around, unless your flow is so strong its like a whirlpool in there.

I have 2 gyres in my 40 gallon, both set to about 40%, so one gyre in a 65 set at 30% is not too strong, don't worry.

My fish play in the flow sometimes, they treat it like a waterslide. They swim to the pump and then let the pump push them back across the tank.

 

[doubleshot00]

Clowns are not very agile fish so they will get blown around. I wouldn't really worry to much about flow yet until you have corals packed in there. Just set it at 10% then crank it up as you add corals. You will end up changing it around and adding more as you mature. But i would have it closer to the surface.

 

[mike550]

Off topic but I really like your rockwork. It’s going to be great as you start to add corals!

 

[abenhamo]

Off topic but I really like your rockwork. It’s going to be great as you start to add corals!

Thank you!!

 

[abenhamo]

Clowns are not very agile fish so they will get blown around. I wouldn't really worry to much about flow yet until you have corals packed in there. Just set it at 10% then crank it up as you add corals. You will end up changing it around and adding more as you mature. But i would have it closer to the surface.

Will do. Thanks a lot!

 

[slythy]

I have a 4 foot 70rimless tank. I have 2 mp40's and 3 mp10's in it. Most the fish we keep live in reefs which are high flow turbulent areas. Also they are probably hiding until they feel more comfortable since there isnt any coral to hide in.

 

[elchopo]

I have a red sea 300 with a wave 25 and I have it set to 10% and I had to move it because the coral were getting bashed like crazy. I wish I could bump it down to 5%.