Why do we need high water turn over - Specifics

Fisherman Joe · Jun 19, 2020

Hi all.

Been doing some reading. My 1 year old 600L tank (130G) is fully running the triton method. They recommend 10X turn over minimum.

My 2 x M2 Vortex pumps get me 2000L/Hr each (4000 in total) and then I have 2 x MP40 in the main tank, to easily push that up past the 6000L/hr needed. Probably closer to 15 or 20X when you consider they both run on reef crest at 50% power.

Now I read that high turn over avoids dead spots and such and helps corals clean themselves with mucus (I run mainly SPS with the odd LPS lower down), but I find the high turn over leaves me with some fine detritus or sediment in the water column ALL THE TIME. I can't be bothered running filter socks 24-7 and the wife hates it when I was them in the washing machine. I presume the Triton method depends on this fine particulate matter in the water column as some of it will be "food" etc.

In my old tank, I had a durst sipper system that had 1 down pipe with 90 % of the flow going to the skimmer section and the sipper pipe at the surface going to the refugium alone, leading to a lower flow area where detritus and sediment would seem to drop out of the water column.

Question - Do we need high water turn over in all parts of the tank at all times OR just the majority of the tank and its fine to have a lower flow in the refugium?

Gablami · Jun 19, 2020

I think you’re getting mixed up between tank turnover through the sump (return pumps only) and the tank flow turnover (which some say for acropora tanks should be 50-100x). Triton method recommends 10x tank turnover into the sump, and since a refugium is the first compartment of a triton sump, it’s 10x through the sump as well.

If you want to cut down on suspended particulates, you can put a filter sock holder in, or maybe some filter floss after the refugium. Technically that does deviate from the triton method I believe, but do what makes you happy

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Anchor · Jun 19, 2020

Flow is important in nutrient export for some corals, particularly SPS Most will tell you it is more important to have internal flow via power heads then flow through your sump.. I tend to agree with this as well. Flow moves your nutrients away from your corals so it cant poison them. Turbulence might be a better term to use than flow in this situation..

Turnover includes internal powerheads and to me you might be over using returns for flow. Detritus capture in the sump is where you want it to be so with no way to capture it in the sump via socks or other mechanical means might be a reason for all the stuff floating around your tank.

To answer your question, Hi turnover within the tank will allow removal of stufff in the sump. so the more areas covered, the less that should remain in the tank... As you are using Triton, where you limit to eliminate water changes, you might slow some of the flow and use a circular capture of settled detritus with a powerhead vacuum and some form of filter while return the water into the sump.

X-37B · Jun 19, 2020

My 120 runs 2-300 through the sump.
More contact time in the skimmer.
I have 9000gph in the display at any given time.
Works for me.
I also run a no scheduled water change system.

Ike · Jun 19, 2020

Flow in tank is vital within the tank depending on the corals you have, turnover through the sump should generally be kept lower than 10x IMO.

Fisherman Joe · Jun 19, 2020

I have about 6x turnover with the refugium and I’m seeing no issues. To turn it up more would mean more Noise from the M2 pumps.

Are there any pumps that will move the same or more water but quieter?

The only issue I see with the Triton method is how does it tackle fine sediment, say from the sand? There’s no way to remove it as they recommend no filter socks.