Can i have too much flow?
- Thread starter Lyotim88
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xJake
Active member
It depends on what types of corals you are keeping. If you're keeping all high-flow "SPS" corals (i.e. Acropora, Montipora, etc.) then it's hard to achieve an over abundance of flow. If you're keeping more delicate corals such as fleshy "LPS" corals, then you'll want to at least create some areas with less intense flow. If you expose a fleshy coral to too much flow then you can damage its tissue to the point where it will become necrotic (dead) and begin to slough off of the coral.
well because of my current lighting situation i am going to start with softies and some LPS until i can afford to upgrade. So as long as they're not pointing directly at the corals it should be ok? Any ideas on how to place the flow? I was thinking to deflect it against the glass and have it like bouncing to the back of the rock or something.
xJake
Active member
Yep, you have the right idea. Luckily you made a smart choice and went with very versatile powerheads that can be placed almost anywhere in the tank. I would just try out a few different spots/positions and see how your individual corals respond. It's a learning process, and it's always best to figure out for yourself what works best (at least in this case). Deflecting it off of the glass is an option, as is bouncing the flow off of the rocks.
Another option might be to create a gyre flow pattern. I've had a lot of success with this type of setup, and it creates a very energetic flow pattern that offers fairly dense coral growth. Essentially the idea is to place the powerheads pointing in opposite directions in opposing corners of the tank. Then use your live rock to create a divider in the center of the tank. The creates a raceway-like flow pattern that moves the majority of the water column. See this article for more information on gyre tanks: http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2007/1/aafeature#h5
xJake
Active member
Generally, you will be able to tell by the inflation of the tissue. If the coral inflates its tissue (flesh, polyps, tentacles, etc.) then the flow is probably beneficial to its health.
If the coral recedes/retracts its tissue, then it may be getting too much flow, or it may have some other type of issue altogether (disease, predator, tissue damage, etc.). You will also need to try different coral placement as well. They will usually deflate/retract their tissues when disturbed, so you should give them several hours between changes to adapt and respond.
Expanded tissue is commonly referred to as the coral being "open" with retracted tissue being the opposite, "closed." You should learn what your corals look like when they are "open" and "closed", as this is the general indicator of coral health.
I should add that corals will also open and close in response to changes in lighting (i.e. many coral are open during the day and close at night, and vice-versa), so keep this in mind when observing them.
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