Let’s Talk About Flow

[Travis Stewart]

so I am currently running two return flow generators on each end of my 48” tank and then two different wave makers on each end. I am having trouble getting the perfect flow. I feel like I have some dead spots and some rocks don’t get enough flow. Would love to hear how some are generating good flow and where they place power heads on a 48” tank or similar. Pictures attached to show kind of where my flow is set up and a picture of the tank currently.

 

[Travis Stewart]

Sorry have a power head on both sides not just the one like shown in first picture.

 

[lefkonj]

I think there was a very good video on flow from the guys at BRS. Personally I have a 180 (72" long) that has 2 Vectra S1s and 2 MP40s for flow.

 

[Travis Stewart]

I think there was a very good video on flow from the guys at BRS. Personally I have a 180 (72" long) that has 2 Vectra S1s and 2 MP40s for flow.

you running reef crest or whatever mode they have?

 

[Gernader]

I have a 48” tank and I’m using a MP40 mounted on the back wall with another power head that is mounted on the left side glass. I also have dual returns. I’m currently using reef crest at random power and the other power head is just constant. I’m guessing I’m getting around 5,400gph of flow or 72x turnover. The flow seems to be working for me.

 

[Travis Stewart]

I have a 48” tank and I’m using a MP40 mounted on the back wall with another power head that is mounted on the left side glass. I also have dual returns. I’m currently using reef crest at random power and the other power head is just constant. I’m guessing I’m getting around 5,400gph of flow or 72x turnover. The flow seems to be working for me.

Do you have a picture? From front to back I’m 18” how much space to you have? Seems like a lot of power for such small space

 

[Gernader]

Do you have a picture? From front to back I’m 18” how much space to you have? Seems like a lot of power for such small space

My tank is a 75g, so it’s about 18.5” from front to back. I just upgraded to this tank 2 months ago. I agree it’s a lot of flow. However, I’m planning to add some SPS and my other corals love the flow.

(Old pic before I upgraded the powerheads)

(Pic from a couple of weeks ago)

 

[lefkonj]

you running reef crest or whatever mode they have?

For the Vectra just running constant as they are return pumps. For the Vortechs I run various modes depending on the time of day. Trying my best to simulate what I can

If Time 08:00 to 10:00 Then nutrient
If Time 10:01 to 11:30 Then lagoon
If Time 12:00 to 14:30 Then tidalswl
If Time 15:00 to 20:00 Then reefcrst
If Time 20:00 to 21:30 Then Echo-Back
If Time 21:30 to 06:00 Then night