adv/disadv to reducing flow at night

[eaglesrx]

Hello,

I was thinking about cutting my flow rate in half from 20 times the volume of my tank per hour to 10 times per hour only at night, then during the day, have both pumps running at 20 times per hour.

Question 1: Is this better for fish at night, i.e. calmer water = less stress? I'm sure tangs probably wouldn't mind the constant high flow, but what about clowns or other fish?
Question 2: Would SPS/anenome be affected?

Thanks,

 

[Scuba_Dave]

I use a Tunze - 1850gph, at night it dips to 30% of this ~550gph
Plus my return pump = 1400gph
Less problems with fish being "pushed" around in the dark
They like to swim in the current with the lights on

Down side - possible - would be detrius buildup & possible algae growing due to less flow

 

[eaglesrx]

Thanks scuba dave. So, just to clarify, you have 1850 gph plus 1400 gph return during the day for a 240 total gallons (125 gallon, 75 gallon fuge/frag, 40 gallon sump) and you reduce 30% of the 1850 gph tunze pump at night? You must have a ton of SPS in your tank.

Hey, I'm saving for a huge tank one day too!! I've already started giving my wife some reasons to get the bigger tank. Today I used, "I saw this beautiful achilles tang today at the fish store. I know you would just love it. However, it needs to be in atleast a 100 gallon tank, preferrably a 220 gallon tank."

thanks again for the info.

 

[vthondaboi]

I'm no expert, but I do think my tank is doing well...

I turn off both MJ1200s inside the tank at night and have just the return pump running