day/night variation in water flow

[alex.parker]

In thinking about my next aquarium, I'm wondering whether it makes sense to have two pumps running separate closed loop circulation circuits, and switch one off at night to produce a slower turnover. Thought is that this might make filter feeding (mostly nocturnal) easier for corals (planning to have pretty extreme daytime H2O turnover). On most of my trips to the Caribbean, I have noted significantly calmer seas overnight/early AM and vs midday into the afternoon (less wind at night). So maybe there's some justification in terms of simulating nature?

Thoughts? Has anyone done this or seen it done?

Thanks

Alex

 

[fishysteve]

The Tunze controllers have a photo cell that automatically does this for you. It senses when the lights go out and lowers the flow to a flowrate that you choose.

 

[silverwolf72]

I don't think Wave action and flow are the same thing in my opinion. The surface wave action is less at night but I have a feeling the actual current remains fairly constant. Look at the Tunze wave box, things go up and down but nothing really moves any where. I would think the same happens with wave action in the ocean.

 

[Blown 346]

I agree, with above. I aleave all my pumps on at night. The less water flow the less oxygen. The ocean never slows down for corals to feed, the flow rate you have now will bring the filter feeders more to feed on.

 

[zoozimmy]

wow

 

[Mr. Brooks]

In my opinion, water current is much calmer at night. Tides rise and water gets deeper. Deeper water = much less turbulent water movement where corals reside. I'm planning my next tank to have two sea swirls run 24 hours. With a closed loop connected to an Oceans Motions 4-way that will run durring the day, about 10-12 hours. Will be more than enough flow.

 

[silverwolf72]

There are 2 high tides and 2 low tides per day. So you'll get a high tide and a low tide at night.

 

[audioaddiction]

he speaks the truth

 

[motlot77]

depends on where your corals are coming from. the oceans around the equator don't really experience tides.

 

[!wrass!]

From my limited time under the water, the current is much different, day to night. I have spent very little time under water in relation to the animals that live there, and people who have the privilege of diving more than I. However, after diving during the day and then the same sight at night I can say that it is a different world. Also, try diving at 40 ft. with 6-foot swells one day and then 40 ft. with calm seas the next night. I have been sea sick under water from the surge. For someone to make a blanket statement as fact about something that they have little on no knowledge about is irresponsible.

If O2 is your concern, run a bigger skimmer (huge amounts of air being chopped up or blown into the water column), break the surface with the flow that you have or open a window.

I say try it. If the animals respond, it works. If they do not, try something else.