Tank Flow

[Reef_Tank_Fan_SC]

So I am just now getting to the point of planning to stock my 40b. I plan to mostly go with softies seeing as how this is my first real venture into a full on reef tank. My question is how much flow do I need. Currently I have a Maxspect Gyre (xf230)pump in there. It is set at random flow and on about 20% and is blowing from left to right at the top side of my tank. On the left side I have a Tunze powerhead, I forget the exact number but it's one of the smaller ones. No controller just plugs into a socket. I have it pointing up towards the top/middle of the tank so I get good surface agitation and it bounces off of the gyres flow also. Do you think this is enough flow for my tank or do I need more? Or is it to much flow? Should I just turn up the power on the gyre and pull out the Tunze? Again this is my first real go at corals so all help is appreciated.. and needed. Thanks in advance

B.

 

[Rakie]

For now, starting with softies and a tank that isn't stuffed with corals -- This is fine.

At a later date you may want to add another matching tunze and gyre, perhaps just a second gyre is all you will need.. But I think of flow differently than most people do -- I tread it like spices in cooking. You always want to try something new, and you never want bland flow.

If you got a second Gyre and a second matching little tunze, you would probably never worry about flow again -- None of which is necessary for now.

 

[Reef_Tank_Fan_SC]

For now, starting with softies and a tank that isn't stuffed with corals -- This is fine.

At a later date you may want to add another matching tunze and gyre, perhaps just a second gyre is all you will need.. But I think of flow differently than most people do -- I tread it like spices in cooking. You always want to try something new, and you never want bland flow.

If you got a second Gyre and a second matching little tunze, you would probably never worry about flow again -- None of which is necessary for now.

Thanks for the response mate, I appreciate the feedback. I was actually thinking at one point that I may have to much flow because one of my mushrooms was kinda flapping around a little bit so I cut it back a tad bit, lol. Maybe that was a rookie mistake also. I just don't want to overpower them with to much and then they not do well because of all the turbulence is all.

 

[Rakie]

Whatever your flow is, your corals will adapt and overcome! The only exception may be mushrooms... When they get really agitated they may come off the rock and float into a pump. You can move your mushrooms to a low flow area unless they are your centerpiece. If they are your centerpiece, either build something around them to shield them from rock (think like a little underwater tide-pool), or just cut down the flow.

I'm a firm believer that there's no such thing as too much flow in general. Even fish seem to love higher flow tanks -- but some corals definitely do appreciate less than others.