Surface Tension and Flow

[Michael Rossi]

I’ve noticed that the right side of my tank isn’t really getting the surface turbulence as the left, where my return and power head is located. I recently positioned the power head up a little as it was creating too much flow at the bottom of the tank and the sand was actually being pushed to the point where it looked like a huge sand dune in the middle of the tank. I also noticed particulates on the surface on the right side tend to just circulate there, never really having a chance to get towards the overflow.

Is this something I should be concerned about? Can I address this without adding another power head? The one I have is rated at 1500 gph and it’s a 75 gal tank, four feet in length.

 

[Paul B]

Yes, get that little hand at the bottom up on a ladder and let her "jiggle" the water surface.

 

[Bosreef]

If your saying you only have 1 powehead in. 75 ? Definitely add another one

 

[Michael Rossi]

Yes, get that little hand at the bottom up on a ladder and let her "jiggle" the water surface.

Lol. It would probably go against me constantly yelling at her not to touch the tank, but would be a short term solution

 

[Michael Rossi]

If your saying you only have 1 powehead in. 75 ? Definitely add another one

Yes. One power head and the return, both on the same side. Was hoping to hold off on a second until I’m ready for more coral, but I also notice dead spots in the tank. May have to bite the bullet and pick up that second one...

 

[Michael Rossi]

What do you guys think about putting another head on the right side, towards the back, an pointing it towards the front middle of the tank? I’d like to keep it more low profile on that side of the tank.

 

[Michael Rossi]

I picked up a second hydor yesterday. Set it up on the back right wall, pointing as far to the front middle of the tank as possible. Woke up this morning to sand dunes all over the tank and some corals didn’t look happy. Moved it to the right and pointed it more diagonal. Sand doesn’t seem to be moving as much and just waiting to see how the coral react.