Too much flow?
- Thread starter Rhyne
- Start date
For a barebottomed SPS dominated tank, no, probably not too much flow.
A sandy bottom or LPS tank, yes, it would blow sand and probably tear the coral's flesh.
Dragon Wrasse
Active Member
Its recommended that you turn your tank (water) volume over 5 times or more, so I think you have that covered.
InLimbo87
Well-Known Member
Definitely not too much flow for any tank imo. I've got one seio m620 (600 something gph), and a mag 5 return (300 something per hour). And I have absolutely no problems with flesh being blown off or sandstorms. I would, however, recommend that you go with 2 300 gph pumps for your tank. This would put you at exactly 30x turnover for your tank (which is a good number to shoot for), and would ensure less "dead spots".
InLimbo87
Well-Known Member
I think that the turnover rate is a much better measure than watts per gallon, etc. Even though the flow can be accomplished in many different ways (which should be taken into account), it is still overall flow and oxygenation. Watts per gallon is more ambiguous because it doesn't take into account light intensity, tank depth, spectrum, etc....
mps9506
Well-Known Member
Flow in a tank can def. be difficult to address and your flow needs will change as your corals grow. While overall flow is important having the enough flow in the right areas is just as important if not more. Turnover rate gives you a good baseline to work from. I generally aim anywhere from 10x-30x turnover per hour I've had tanks with as much as 50x turnover per hour.
FWIW the new hydor pumps have a fairly broad flow pattern so even 400 gph in that pattern doesn't "feel" like its moving a ton of water when you put your hand several inches in front of it.
FWIW the new hydor pumps have a fairly broad flow pattern so even 400 gph in that pattern doesn't "feel" like its moving a ton of water when you put your hand several inches in front of it.
