Something to use (in tank) for visualizing flow?

[smartwater101]

I'm going to be setting up a new tank and, while cycling, I want to narrow the flow down. I'm trying to think of something that will help me really see what the flow is doing. (More than just feeding the tank and watching it.) Its mainly because I keep a mixed reef so keeping flow heavy on one side and low on the other, while certainly doable, would be much easier with visualization.

Something like ribbon tied to rocks? Assuming ribbon is reef safe? (I have no idea what the stuff is made of)

Any other idea I could try?

 

[RMS18]

You can try mirco bubbles. Run a air line from a air pump to the power head. Should give you an idea of the flow.

 

[Nasir]

No air bubbles. Use coral like green star polyps, hammers, frog spawns, torches, gorgonians, etc. it will look more natural.

 

[smartwater101]

No air bubbles. Use coral like green star polyps, hammers, frog spawns, torches, gorgonians, etc. it will look more natural.

I want to use something fake before I move any livestock from the old tank into the new. Something I can put all over the tank and tweak flow for awhile.

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Hey,

I would keep it simple. Just sprinkle a bit of flake food. If your cycling the tank would not be an issue. Otherwise you’ll need to find something with the correct buoyancy to not just float or sink.

Just a thought

 

[Dierks]

That's what I would do, use string and place it in the areas of question. You will be able to see exactly what is happening with your flow. Try to find a sting that is flexible so it flows easy, not like fishing line. Nylon string would be best in my option so you dont get all the little hairs coming off the string. I would only keep it in there of your test then remove it.

 

[smartwater101]

That's what I would do, use string and place it in the areas of question. You will be able to see exactly what is happening with your flow. Try to find a sting that is flexible so it flows easy, not like fishing line. Nylon string would be best in my option so you dont get all the little hairs coming off the string. I would only keep it in there of your test then remove it.

That's a great idea! Several pieces of string would be light enough to float and also move similar to an anemone/torch coral. Plus it would be easy enough to make several pieces so I can place them in a lot of areas and get a broader view.