Flow Question

[dan10342]

I have a question regarding flow.

Do corals need constant flow? I ask this, because during the day I like to look down into the tank, rather than through the glass. I just picked up a new korallia (evolution), and was wondering if it would be detrimental to the health of certain corals (hydno, and a few acros) to have the flow very low (just return pump) on for about 9 hours a day? Then the korallia would kick on at night, when the tank isn't viewable.

ok for corals or not?

 

[smogl00]

Depends on your coral load I would guess, but it does seem that alot of corals, (whether softies, lps, or sps) prefer some kind of intermittent flow with variations in both intensity and direction of flow. With my current setup I only run an mp10 (lagoon) and my skimmer for flow, and I don't like to run either of them alone. Seems like it takes the whole "natural" spontaneity of flow out if one or the other is not running/ providing colliding flow-streams. My $.02

 

[Willistein]

I would think you would see less growth. Corals will probably survive, but be stunted - just a guess.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

try it, see what survives and give us an update

 

[Capt_Cully]

In its natural surroundings coral reefs have tons of flow, in nutrient rich waters which delivers well....nutrients. BUT it also takes with it wastes and allelopathic chemicals. In a captive reef, we try to supply this nutrient rich water, but quicky remove it such that it isn't stagnant nutrient rich water, with water changes, protein skimming, and high flow. I think most SPS wouldn't tolerate being in a stagnant captive reef for very long. Sure it'd make it a few days, but I'd be willing to bet you'd see some stunted growth, loss of coloration and even tissue loss if you tried this for very long.

 

[dreaminmel]

Dan, Any chance you can just put the Korallia on one of those powerstrips with a switch on it? That way any time you want to view from above you can press the switch to turn off the powerhead. Personally I wouldn't go that long without the added flow with the acro in there.

 

[5380]

lower the pump or put the pump on the bottom pointing up.

 

[dan10342]

5380,

I've tried that. problem is... flow near the sandbed is outrageous and smashes into my acans.... which is one reason i would like lower flow during the day...

 

[shawna1972]

Sorry to derail your thread but How do you like the new Koralias? I was thinking about picking some up myself.

 

[kase]

Get a small pump so it doesn't blow so hard. Buy a cheap timer and let the pump kick on and off every 10 minutes. Most coral like spontaneous flow not constantly blast at.

 

[Gravesj1s]

Id agree with cully and add that lps will experience "bloat" when lacking flow.

 

[dan10342]

Thanks for the replies.

Kase,
I was thinking putting the new korallia on a timer... 15 mins on, 30 off... 15 on and so on... perhaps ill try it.

-dan