Aunt Flow

[pscott99]

As we all know it's all about the flow. :rollface:

Moved a hammer last night from top higher flow to bottom corner and it was extended for the first time in weeks this morning.

Ok how do I put this so it makes sense. How do you know the flow in your tanks. Higher flow lower flow. Lets see your inventive ideas for SEEING the flow. I am thinking of streamers on plane wings for air flow. Smoke passing over new cars being tested in an air chamber. How do you find your dead spots. Besides moving corals around till they get happy there has to be a better way. I am betting somebody has a great idea and doesn't even realize it. Don't tell me it depends on your pumps. Where you point them. What model they are blah blah. I don't care. I want to know how you spot aunt flow. :hmm1:

 

[greech]

I'm sure there is some sort of inert colored tracer you could add to the tank to get a rough idea of the flow patterns. Never sen it done though and not sure I would try it without some testing to be sure it is safe and the color is removable via water changes, etc. Dead spots is the best way to see if you have sufficeint flow for detritus suspension but for corals, just move them until they are happy IMO.

 

[Potsy]

I use the flow patterns of microbubbles as a guide. In my 50 gallon, I have one koralia 1050gph, two koralia 750gph, and the ~600 - 700gph main outlet all facing each other at opposites ends of the tank. Makes for strong, turbulent flow in the middle and moderate flow on the sides, judging by the microbubbles.