Need flow help diagram included!

Ok my one really lacking knowledge base in this hobby is setting up flow. I know we want chaotic random current, but I do know how to get it. My corals are now starting to really take off, and without proper flow they will grow all wonky like a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree. This is how my tank is set up. I have another 1050 and another 240 Korrilia. The 1050 is near the bottom of the tank slightly angled up ward. The 240 is at the top angled slightly downward. Both flow accelerators off my return are also angle slightly downward. Any help is appreciated!

 

I wish I could help with this. I'm still moving my Power Heads around myself to try and find the flow that keeps my corals growing and my sand cleaner.

I'll tag along to see what I can learn from what others have to say

 

The easiest way to see where there's dead spots in the flow is to put in some semi-floating pellet food and see where they go. (ORAglow, Dainichi, Golden Pearls, New Life Spectrum Small Fish, etc)

 

Or maybe a small air stone at the end of a line with small air pump supply.

Move it to different areas of the tank by hand and check the dispersment of the bubbles to see exactly what flow is happening where.

 

First, good job drawing and posting your setup – it makes our responses easier.

It’s difficult to say without actually seeing the rock formation including height. With the two main returns hitting each other I think they could develop a swirl pattern flow towards the front of the tank and could create two dead spots in the corners.

I concur with the notion flake food and an air stone – this will let you see first hand if you have dead spots and also the strength of your flow for coral placement. Once you have that you can adjust your flow directions until you have it all just right. But you should also be able to see if you have detritus build up – this will let you know for sure if there is a dead spot.

When you do this please post again, if you learn any tips and tricks you can pass it on to the others that read this thread in the future.

 

for me
I have always focused most of my flow across the upper 3rd of the tank and achieving a good ripple on the water surface

my feelings are that the base of the tank benefits from the undertow this creates
but also ensures the bottom 3rd has less direct flow, thus once its set up, sand bed should stay where its put and LPS corals have at least a chance in that area

I like to have 2 powerheads or more ( I have 4 on my current 5ft) and I have 2 on opposite sides, but slightly off set so only partially pointing directly at each other

this creates a swirling effect over the middle of the set up , which is the area I place my favoured SPS corals in, as this area does have the most chaotic flow pattern


Steve

 

+1 The thing that works for me is two equal powerheads on opposite sides of the tank.(in the back) About halfway down angled up and pointing at the same spot in the middle front of my glass. This gives a cool swirling action but still allows for coral to be placed without blowing it to pieces.

 

I like Steve's pattern set up and use something similar.

Aim the flow devices parallel and opposite to each other not directly at each other. This will promote a tumbling of the water and random flow. Add the spare 1050 on the top and place the in tank up top also. Try and aim your returns so they are parallel and opposite to the Koralias. One at the back and one at the front of the tank. Use the 240's to eliminate dead area behind the rock.

 

It's hard to give an specific advice on flow for anybody's tank. The rock formation, dimensions and corals all can drastically affect the flow pattern. I tend to agree with Steve as I focus my flow in the upper half of the tank and don't worry too much about the bottom. I also have very low flow on one side and behind my rock formation to allow a place for the fish to sleep with being blown all over the place.

 

Great advice. I'm about to order some power heads and this helped me to understand how many I need. Thanks again.