Understanding Flow Rates- SW Noob

[NorthernReefer]

How would I go about determining the appropriate flow rate? Is there a formula per gallon? Volume is an obvious factor, as well as the livestock one would hope to keep; I am trying to plan my build and wondered if someone knew of/could refer me to a good resource on understanding flow rates, as well as identifying dead spots. I hope to keep medium flow/high flow corals. Additionally, The tank I have is the Red Sea Max Nano (Although, I am looking to understand the reasoning behind whatever rates may be suggested). Tanks in advance!

NR

 

[LIreefguy]

your over thinking this 'whats your budget for powerheads.
the idea isnt so much to have flow, varied flow. thats why power-heads arent as good as mp40 and gryo's.

also with flow rock placement is important. try not to put the rock on the back glass so it doesnt stop flow too much or put rocks to closely together.

what size tank are you getting and how long .

 

[Amboss72]

Well Redsea is usually very good at putting together systems with appropriate turnover rates. As you already know your 20gallon tank is being run by a 240gph pump equating to an entire tank turnover of 12x per hour. Some may say that’s excessive it just all depends on who you ask. I'd personally address any further circulation issues with small wave makers. The good ones are programmable and your size tank will be very easy to meet its needs. Another thought is stack your rock in such a way that minimizes the rocks sitting directly on the sand. This will make dead zones very unlikely. I have several Nano tanks thatare sps dominate and this has worked every time.

 

[LIreefguy]

sorry i missed its a 20 gallon red sea nano. yes i would add a few mini powerheads.

 

[NorthernReefer]

what size tank are you getting and how long .

Thanks for the response. The tank is 18x18x18. I don't have a set budget for powerheads. MP10 is an option ATM.

Thanks again!

NR

 

[NorthernReefer]

Well Redsea is usually very good at putting together systems with appropriate turnover rates. As you already know your 20gallon tank is being run by a 240gph pump equating to an entire tank turnover of 12x per hour. Some may say that’s excessive it just all depends on who you ask. I'd personally address any further circulation issues with small wave makers. The good ones are programmable and your size tank will be very easy to meet its needs. Another thought is stack your rock in such a way that minimizes the rocks sitting directly on the sand. This will make dead zones very unlikely. I have several Nano tanks that are sps dominate and this has worked every time.

Thanks for the additional input. I appreciate it greatly. It’s nice to know that you are successful with SPS. They are not on my list currently, because there is still so much to learn. Although, I hope I can pick up a few pieces within my first year. Trying to focus on setting up a solid system before thinking about corals, because when I focus on the corals, my mind runs rampant and I loss all focus, suddenly I've lost 3+ hours of my day.

Thanks again.

NR

 

[Dree]

The above info is good. To add onto that, I would agree that it’s very helpful to make sure you can’t reach every inch of all 4 walls for cleaning and flow purposes. Hard (SPS) corals like higher/more/intense flow while soft corals (LPS) prefer a lighter “breeze.”

Use a coral food like Reef Roids to determine areas of flow and their characteristics.
1.) Put it appropriate amount of Reef Roids powder in the water column
2.) Watch “areas” of the tank and determine whether that area is more suitable for high or low flow corals. (Don’t forget about lighting intensity too)
-This can be determined by just literally watching the food particles whip around the water. Look for dead flow spots too and try to minimize them.

I prefer an indirect flow. Meaning I aim the powerhead straight at another wall, or actually INTO the return nozzle, providing an increase in the flow of water, but not directly at the organisms or rockwork.