LPS dominant tanks flow

HiImSean · Oct 23, 2013

I'm starting the cycle for my 90g and I'm trying to decide on flow for the tank. I have a Eheim 1262 as a return pump and it does put out some nice flow. As for powerheads I have 2 WP25s and a MP10 that I planned on using. I have the WPs on the tank now and they move a lot more water than I thought. My current tank is only a 36g with the MP10 on it and the flow is perfect for my LPS (chalices, acans, favia and frogspawn). I'm thinking the new tank will be mainly LPS, some SPS and zoas, but will all that flow be too much for the LPS? I've seen some high flow tanks and the LPS look P-Oed.

zibba · Oct 23, 2013

Those WP25s move some serious water for being such little pumps. I think 2xWP25 and the MP10 will be enough on a 90. If it becomes too much flow, put them on timers and have them oscillate. Flow is good; ripping flesh is bad -- so adjust the pumps you have based on how the corals react.

mfinn · Oct 23, 2013

I don't know if your planned pumps are too strong or not, but I can tell you I have a 50 gallon, 30" x 20" x20" tank that is branching type lps and a few encrusting sps corals.
I have 2 Tunze 6055's on a controller and are set at about 65% high flow to 30% low flow.
The frogspawn, hammers, and torches move around quite a bit and the fish don't stay in one place very well.
Tank is doing great.