Flow?

Hey guys,

I know flow is probably one of the most under rated aspects of a reef aquarium so I am wanting some advice on the flow I have and whether or not it is sufficient?

I have a 55g (220L) and a 25g (100L sump).

In terms of flow I have:
- Sicce Voyager 2: Approx 2000Lph I think... (Even though it says 1000-3000lph)
- Hydor Koralia 1600: 1600Lph
- Aquaone Marisys 240 Canister Filter: 2800L/Hr circulation pump (I dont think its that strong though I think its more about 1500lph).
- Sump with Ehiem 3000 return: I think 1500lph as its set at nearly min flow and its flow is 1500-3000 l/h.

That totals about 6660Lph of flow. That means about 1700gph . Is that good enough flow? Can you be over flowed?

 

Thats enough for now, about 30X for what you have in your tank, but it won't be near enough if you get into SPS.

 

Serious? Thats pretty hectic... How much flow do they require. Because that is eventually the aim.

 

The more flow the better

 

from what I gather from the SPS guru's on here (I'm not at all), at least 50X with some having 75-100X

 

Wowwwwzzzzeeerrrssss.

I think I might need to do a big stream pump upgrade in the future. I could just get another sicce voyager and hydor koralia so it looks nice and symmetrical , but that would only be uping the flow by about 3000-4000Lph and wasting two power spots.

Is that the ideal for SPS? or can they still survive and do well on a little bit lower flow?

 

I'll let one of the SPS people answer that, but I think the higher the flow the better SPS are.

You'll prob wanna save up for 2 nice strong pumps and sell what you're using now.

Like 2 MP 10's
http://www.marinedepot.com/powerheads_pumps_icecap_ecotech_marine_vortech_propeller-ap.html

lol I want them too

I just have 2 hydor eco 1600's

 

Thats nice. I would definately be keen on two of those.

Definately shows why on someones signature is says "that a reef aquarium is a whole between two pieces of glass that you then fill with money".

 

They'll survive with less flow. However, from what I've read, flow affects how they grow. You need strong random current to get good branching. Too little flow and they become thin and spindly; too direct and they'll lean, etc.

 

Great, I never thought of it that way .

I always thought flow was purely around nutrient exchange and if you dont get enough flow they die.