So, after many moons of zoas I'm moving into SPS (montis, acro) in a 105g (4' long, 2' deep).
I'm used to a 20x turnover or so in the zoa tanks, and am aware I need a lot more in the SPS tanks (I was thinking of shooting for 60x).
Advice I've been given says to go with a sidewall mounted Gyre, a single (or double) MP40/60, and everything in between.
I started the tank, pump-wise with 2x Tunze 6040s mounted on opposing ends and 2x Sea-swirls each driving 500-600gph oscillating on the rear walls.
The flow, especially in the center of the tank seemed a bit low, so I mounted the 6040s on the back wall.
The setup is now something like this...
As a newbie to SPS flow I have a couple of questions...
1. Is the flow relevant? If I'm hitting the corals with 2,000gph origin from the back wall as well as an additional random flow of 1,000gph over a 2 foot depth (20-30x 'relevant turnover') is that adequate? I know it depends on the coral and response, just looking for general experience and advice.
2. Is there a reason for the higher flow numbers? Are they based on the wavemaker being mounted on the side of the tank and pushing water the length of the tank? I can see that being a concern requiring much more power to reach the farther corals and provide adequate flow for food and O2, but wouldn't a closer mounted powerhead with a shorter throw accomplish this? Or is the higher flow required due to more stringent nutrient exchange in the water quality overall?
3. I'm considering a gyre if I need to increase flow. Debating on the center rear wall on front of the overflow, or back left corner mounted vertically. If it seems I need to go this way, and I pick up a 250, any suggestions on the best mounting positions would be appreciated.
Been doing this many years on a softie basis. This SPS is a learning curve.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
M
I'm used to a 20x turnover or so in the zoa tanks, and am aware I need a lot more in the SPS tanks (I was thinking of shooting for 60x).
Advice I've been given says to go with a sidewall mounted Gyre, a single (or double) MP40/60, and everything in between.
I started the tank, pump-wise with 2x Tunze 6040s mounted on opposing ends and 2x Sea-swirls each driving 500-600gph oscillating on the rear walls.
The flow, especially in the center of the tank seemed a bit low, so I mounted the 6040s on the back wall.
The setup is now something like this...
As a newbie to SPS flow I have a couple of questions...
1. Is the flow relevant? If I'm hitting the corals with 2,000gph origin from the back wall as well as an additional random flow of 1,000gph over a 2 foot depth (20-30x 'relevant turnover') is that adequate? I know it depends on the coral and response, just looking for general experience and advice.
2. Is there a reason for the higher flow numbers? Are they based on the wavemaker being mounted on the side of the tank and pushing water the length of the tank? I can see that being a concern requiring much more power to reach the farther corals and provide adequate flow for food and O2, but wouldn't a closer mounted powerhead with a shorter throw accomplish this? Or is the higher flow required due to more stringent nutrient exchange in the water quality overall?
3. I'm considering a gyre if I need to increase flow. Debating on the center rear wall on front of the overflow, or back left corner mounted vertically. If it seems I need to go this way, and I pick up a 250, any suggestions on the best mounting positions would be appreciated.
Been doing this many years on a softie basis. This SPS is a learning curve.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
M
