How to get good flow in tiny tank?

Velodog2 · Nov 30, 2014

Have the IM Nuvo 8 and want to get nice even but varying flow throughout appropriate for sps, etc. How has this been done?

I have the stock return pump at I believe 90 gph with the rotating return nozzle which is good but not enuf. I may try kicking that up to 200 gph but anticipate other possible problems. I also have a Hydor Evo Pico Mag 180 which is also ok, but too focused and again not enough.

I have tried a Jebao rw4 but it's too strong and focused, and frankly too noisy and the speed variation is step-wise and not smooth as I was expecting (generally disappointed in this unit considering how strongly it has been promoted by some folks). I thought perhaps some sort of flow diffuser on this pump might help tho, or aiming it at a rock to break up the stream.

Any other strategy or equipment suggestions that have worked?

Nano sapiens · Nov 30, 2014

I have a similar sized/proportioned tank (12g Cadlights AIO) that I've been runing for 6-1/2 years. I've used two different 250gph pumps over the years, but currently I use a Tunze 210gph since it's the quietest. I also have a Hydor rotating nozzle attached. This much flow I find is just right for a mixed reef where too much would be detrimental to 'Shrooms and LPS, but too little would be a proplem for some SPS. It doesn't take much to get good flow in a cube as long as the rockwork and branching type coral isn't blocking the flow too much. I have my Hydor unit angled at ~30 degrees from horizontal towards the surface to ensure good gas exchange at the air/water interface.

Just for fun, I tried adding an additional stream pump (Korallia Nano), but it was too much flow for anything other than my SPS no matter how I positioned it.

For your sized tank, a 200gph pump should be sufficient. Allow for free flow all the way around the rockwork and you should be good to go.

Velodog2 · Dec 1, 2014

Thanks for your reply. So u are using the tunze 210 for the return pump with the rotating nozzle only? No other powerheads or other flow devices?

Nano sapiens · Dec 1, 2014

That is correct, only a pump and a Hydor rotating nozzle. The tank has Rics, Rhodactis, Zoas, Acans, Leptastrea, Pavona, Montis, Acros:

You've probably heard the mantra 'You can never have enough flow' whcih can be better applied to large tanks. in these small cubes it's easy to provide too much flow, actually. If I had an SPS specific tank, I'd likely add a small stream pump.

Velodog2 · Dec 1, 2014

Ok very nice. Ours has more rockwork to deal with but I think my first step will be to jump to a 200 gph Quiet One return I have. The hydor nozzle may be better than the IM rotating nozzle I have in that the opening looks larger and the deflection angle looks greater. That would be a cheap upgrade tho if I choose. Thanks for the info.

We are doing mostly zoas and palys but are adding in frogspawn, trumpets, and now birdsnest, montis, and a couple of acros.

Nano sapiens · Dec 1, 2014

Velodog2 said:
Ok very nice. Ours has more rockwork to deal with but I think my first step will be to jump to a 200 gph Quiet One return I have. The hydor nozzle may be better than the IM rotating nozzle I have in that the opening looks larger and the deflection angle looks greater. That would be a cheap upgrade tho if I choose. Thanks for the info.

We are doing mostly zoas and palys but are adding in frogspawn, trumpets, and now birdsnest, montis, and a couple of acros.

In order to get the most out of your circulation having a 'gyre' type flow is best. Having the live rock in the center with free area all around the perimeter promotes this effect.