2-425GPH Hydor Koralia Nano's enough?

Hi all,

I want to replace my powerhead and filter. My 29gal tank is finished cycling and I'm in the process of getting a skimmer so I can remove the HOB filter. Can't get a fuge under the tank right now as the stand is kinda small (working on it ). Got nothing in the tank but 25lbs of live rock right now and I'm looking at a CUC also.

I'm going FOWLR for now and would like to move to corals later down the road. Would 2 of the 425GPH Hydor Koralia Nano's be enough flow for a 29gal? I like them because my tank is smaller and they aren't as big as the Evolution 550's. Will that be enough with a skimmer for corals in the future or should a go with 2 of the Hydor Koralia Evolution 550's now in anticipation of buying coral in the future?

Just trying to think ahead as I put all this together.

Thanks
willy0508

 

I've read in several books that a healthy area to aim for with powerheads is having an average tank turnover rate of 6-10 tanks per hour, but that more than that is generally still better as long as it's not going to upset something you own that requires gentle currents. Since your average turnover rate with that setup is 14.7 tanks per hour, that should be more than fine unless you need something with really high waterflow.

Hydor Koralias are good circulation pumps. I think they're great. They pack a lot of punch for a small area.

I would keep the HOB filter for running carbon if you're going to do corals. They enjoy putting toxins into the water when they're having a coral turf battle. Imagine it's like a gang battle, except instead of knives and guns they use chemicals . It depends on which you'll have if you have to worry about that, but it's still nice to have it around in case you buy something where you do need it. Some of the most ordinary ones, like zoanthids, will do this. Running carbon (or something with carbon in it like chemi-pure) in your HOB filter is a good idea if you want to make sure they don't succeed in nuking themselves and everything else in the tank. Just my two cents; I know some people believe in protein skimming as the primary filtration in the tank and everything else as optional. Luckily for you, it seems that skimming and good circulation go hand in hand.

 

Thanks martyd215,

I was looking at a HOB refuge where I could put the carbon but would really like to somehow get it in the stand. I figure that if I go with a skimmer and HOB filter with carbon I'm good until I can work out a plan for a small fuge in my stand.

willy0508

 

I have 29 gallon (no cube) and a couple month ago I added a sump/fuge. This is the thread about it.

I had 2 Koralia 425, but no matter how I aim them, didnt seem enough, so I ended up having 1 425 and 1 750, and there is virtually no dead spot.

I think the placement of the LR and other factors affect the efficiency of flow.

 

the only reason for so much water movement is for people with tons of nano rock to prevent dead spots or detrius build up
i have one 750 on my 90g and have never had any issue its placed towards the top of the water column and i use large pieces of live rock to eliminate lots of cracks and crevices for food to set in

 

If you are looking to do corals then get the 550. You may need to add a 425 or 240 in the future but that is better than having 2 large ones. In fact I would suggest 4 of the nanos over the 2 or 3. You will want 40 to 100 times flow if you go with SPS.

 

Thanks all. Right now i'm still researching and just going fish for a few months but would probably go with just softies until the new house is built and a new, bigger tank can be set up.

Would those be enough for softies? Or just go with bigger to be safe. I guess I can upgrade in the future if it's not enough.