Proper flow dynamics

Griff · Feb 3, 2017

Currently running a maxspect gyre 150 at 50% pulse mode and my ecotech vecta at 1000gph or 50%.

My scape is very open on one side of the tank then gets much fuller on the other. Gyre is on the left side of the tank.

My sand stays beautiful on the right side of the tank but is lacking on the left. If I turn the gyre up it blows the sand away from right to left. I have dead spots or build up of detritus/algae behind the rock on the left and directly underneath the gyre. I also get build up on the sand in the corners where the overflow is. Slight build up in front of the rock on the left as well.

I was thinking of buying two more power heads. Put one pointing at the back of the rock on the left and hoping the rock would distribute enough flow around it to help keep things from settling. Put the other on the right side and point it towards the middle rock and corner where the overflow is.

I'm looking for suggestion on flow advice on flow. What size power heads?

I feel like I have to much flow in the tank already as my euphyllia never want to open fully mushrooms detach from time to time. The problem is I'm lacking flow in some specific areas.

Please share your thoughts.

nex64 · Feb 3, 2017

Let me just tell you that after going BB , I feel there isn't much restriction on how much I crank the flow... granted I mainly have SPS , so your LPS and softies may struggle with the high flow however, I think having a great amount of flow is really key to success and cleaning

Looks like you already got your sand down though

So I guess my suggestion would be to maybe try pointing your wave makers a little up facing the surface to maybe prevent some of the sand stir up? Idk sand just gets in the way IMHO now LOl

Griff · Feb 3, 2017

nex64 said:
Let me just tell you that after going BB , I feel there isn't much restriction on how much I crank the flow... granted I mainly have SPS , so your LPS and softies may struggle with the high flow however, I think having a great amount of flow is really key to success and cleaning

Looks like you already got your sand down though

So I guess my suggestion would be to maybe try pointing your wave makers a little up facing the surface to maybe prevent some of the sand stir up? Idk sand just gets in the way IMHO now LOl

Take a second look at my post. I'm using a gyre currently the sand blowing is from the flow going across the top of the tank hitting the glass then going down the glass hitting the sand and going across the bottom of the tank.

nex64 · Feb 3, 2017

Yeah I was gonna also add after I saw the gyre in there that the way the flow is directed with that beast of a wave maker it's kind of too much flow without BB. Maybe trade it for a MP?

Griff · Feb 3, 2017

Do you not like the idea of using small powerheads in the locations I described

nex64 · Feb 3, 2017

I very much like that idea

Lose that gyre while it's still worth a pretty penny

Griff · Feb 3, 2017

nex64 said:
I very much like that idea
Lose that gyre while it's still worth a pretty penny

I was thinking keep the gyre but set low where it doesn't blow sand then use some low end power heads for the 2 trouble spots.

nex64 · Feb 3, 2017

do you think you'd be able to achieve the desired flow with two MPs? Versus the gyre and two other lower end powerheads? First negatives that I see right there with that solution is: 3 outlets/plugs versus 2 and also the issue with not being able to control all your wavemakers on the same config system