Too strong of flow?

[LadyMac]

So still fairly new to reefing. I have a question pertaining to flow, and if there is such a thing as too much. I have a 40 gallon stretch hex from Oceanic. Its a rather nice little footprint, but I am having flow issues. I was using a MJ400 and then an Eheim 2222 to move the water around. I planned to upgrade this and so i ordered two of the SunSun powerheads, the JVP 101B (With the magnets.) The flow rate is 800 GPH.

So they both came yesterday and I placed both in the tank. Turned them both on, and the poor clowns were having real issues with swimming since it was a bit too strong. So I turned one off and left one going through the night. Now my tank is very cloudy and there is dust from the substrate on things. Clowns still seem to be having issues with the flow, but then again, I am used to wild type betta fish, who prefer little flow.

This was the smallest powerhead I could find and I thought they would be sufficient, but it seems too much? Is there a place I should put it where it would blow less of the sub? Right now it is close to the top angled up.

 

[mcarroll]

Can you post a pic of the tank and its dimensions? This tank has a full-hex shape footprint or a half-hex?

 

[LadyMac]

It is full hex. Dimensions are 21 tall, 30 long at its longest point and 18 wide.

And here is a video shot from the side this morning.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/h3wnlps4sywwoxe/video-1494941244.mp4?dl=0

 

[McMullen]

It looks like there are no coral requiring flow at the moment. I would use one power-head. Place near the top and position upward and so that it points to the longest length, like back corner to front corner. All you need is surface agitation. Your flow requirements will change as you add coral.

 

[LadyMac]

Awesome. I was just making sure it's not stressful to the clowns but I haven't seen mention that it is so they should get used to it.

 

[mcarroll]

If you're stuck with that powerhead, I'd consider sticking it on the bottom-glass pointing up. A Tunze 6020 or 6040 would be good alternate pumps that would work better in that tank shape.

 

[LadyMac]

If you're stuck with that powerhead, I'd consider sticking it on the bottom-glass pointing up. A Tunze 6020 or 6040 would be good alternate pumps that would work better in that tank shape.

I will probably do that. Money is tight so this build is a "When I have the cash' tank LOL

 

[Saltyanimals]

Jebao power heads are cheap alternatives that work just fine and have adjustable flow.

 

[mcarroll]

I will probably do that. Money is tight so this build is a "When I have the cash' tank LOL

For something like 20+ years for me it's been a "when I have cash" hobby. Talk to me!!!

Nothing wrong with saving up for something unique or "better" that you "can't afford". I guess most folks never do that anymore.

FYI, a 6020 is only about $40. They've got a few in that price range.

Even much larger (and classic) 6045 is only $78 these days. The 6040 is the controllable version of the 6020...also much stronger...and it goes for $140.