What makes your reef flow?

gparr · May 10, 2010

We all know that flow is a major factor in successful reef keeping. Other than your return, which doesn't really count, what do you use to create flow in your aquariums?

In my 40 breeder, I use a Vortech MP40, at about 1/3 speed. It's very effective at moving all of the water. In my 65, I use a Korallia 4 low in the back to move the water behind the rocks. I'm soon going to add a Vortech MP20 to move water across the reef face.

What do you use?

Gary

subielover · May 10, 2010

In my 40 breeder I have 2 MP20's at about 75% each. In the nano, a Koralia 1 does the job.

revhtree · May 10, 2010

I run (4) Vortech Mp40w on my 250g. I guess I run them at almost max, but I run them on pulse. What settings do you guys run your vortechs at?

subielover · May 10, 2010

I run mine on the purple mode for both vortechs.

johnanddawn · May 10, 2010

i have 1 tunze 6201 and 3 tunze 6101's running a 135 BB cube, about 100x - i like flow, as do my corals. can't have too much imo as long as its done properly

AZDesertRat · May 10, 2010

Two Hydor Koralia 1400's on a Reefkeeper Lite at 1 minute switching intervals and a closed loop powered by a Ocean Runner 3500 via a Oceans Motions Squirt Two Way. Lots of random flows since they operate at different intervals.

stunreefer · May 10, 2010

When I first set up my larger aquarium I hap two Vortech MP40w. When I broke it down I sold them. When I set it back up I added two modded MJ900s and have been using them since. Great, trusty pumps

Will likely replace with either VT or Tunze at some point, but in no hurry.

Brad Syphus · May 10, 2010

In my 225g tank I have a sequence dart pump on a closed loop , dart for return pump and 2 vortech mp40's running at max in reefcrest mode.

ricwilli · May 10, 2010

I have 2 Tunze 6105 and 2 MP40w and I'm still having a hard time with crap settling at the bottom in my 215 gallon tank. I need a pump for the bottom back and front.

CoralBandit · May 10, 2010

I have one MP40 in a 90g on about 80-90% on long pulse so I can adjust the output and the time interval. I want to get another mp20 to stick in the back behind the rocks to make the flow more turbulent

Azurel · May 10, 2010

I have a MP20 on Lagoon mode at about 35% or so and a Tunze Mini powerhead that pushes about 60g an hour in the back left corner to move water perpendicular to the Vortech.....this area is by my Euphyllia it seemed to help add some lift to the polyps....I have a second one but it didn't have the suction cups in the box....These have to be the strongest little pumps I have ever used....Quite surprising how much water they can push.