Powerhead question in nano

I have a 12 gallon JBJ nano cube with the stock return pump. I have the nozzle of that aimed up to aggitate the surface and it runs 24 hours a day. I also have a Koralia 240 set up on one side and aimed at the opposite to create a current and my firefish loves it.

I currently have the Koralia running on the same schedule as the lighting, so it comes on in the morning and off at night.

My question is should I keep that powerhead running 24 hours also? Or some other schedule? Thanks for the help.

I'll also add that I have LPS and soft corals in the tank and a few more on the way soon, do they need constant flow?

 

I would run it 24x7.

 

Always keep it running. You need that extra surface agitation at night. Just because the ocean sounds more peaceful at night, doesn't mean it actually is
If it were me, i would add a koralia nano 425 for some extra current.

 

So you think I need the stock return agitating the surface, the Koralia 240 running 24/7 AND another 425? That sounds like an awful lot.

 

Leave it running IMO also.

You probably also put some ware and tear on the pump by having it on a timer especially a Koralia. I have had Koralia on a wave maker and it definitely shortened the life of the PH.

 

Well it depends on what you keep, I keep SPS and some partial NPS coral in my biocube 14, I currently have the setup you just listed, and i still don't feel i have enough flow.

 

+1 koralias are infamous for starting in reverse and clicking when run on timers.

 

its not as much as you think, my tank for example......40 gallon breeder.

vortech mp10 - 1750 gph
koralia 750 - 750 gph
koralia 240 - 240 gph

total - 2740 gph or 68x for turnover rater per hour.


if you went with the suggestion above you would have 55x turnover.

 

Yup, thats what i was getting at, 12 gallons and you're running 240 + around 160 for your return so you're looking at a 33x turnover, sufficient for most softies.

Add the 425 and you're at 55x turnover, sufficient for LPS.

 

But where on earth would I put another powerhead in this size tank? Would I be better off upgrading the return pump instead? Currently the return pump output is on the right side looking at the tank and pointing to the surface and the 240 is on the left side glass facing towards the front right corner-ish.