flow question

[Fish on]

So I've been researching what flow rate/turnover I should be aiming for in my 90 gal and find a ton of differing opinions. Being my first salt tank, it will be basically live rock and fish for awhile, and then maybe a coral or two, but not a full reef(well never say never right).

As for return pump, I am looking at the Sicce 950gph that I was planning on dialing down a bit to keep flow through the sump a bit lower. And then add 1, or probably 2 powerheads in the main tank. What flow rate should I be looking for in my display tank? I see some recommend 5000 gph, others say 1500gph. I know eventually when I decide to add coral, the flow requirements will change, but for now starting up, where should I aim?

 

[Johnnybgood74]

So I've been researching what flow rate/turnover I should be aiming for in my 90 gal and find a ton of differing opinions. Being my first salt tank, it will be basically live rock and fish for awhile, and then maybe a coral or two, but not a full reef(well never say never right).

As for return pump, I am looking at the Sicce 950gph that I was planning on dialing down a bit to keep flow through the sump a bit lower. And then add 1, or probably 2 powerheads in the main tank. What flow rate should I be looking for in my display tank? I see some recommend 5000 gph, others say 1500gph. I know eventually when I decide to add coral, the flow requirements will change, but for now starting up, where should I aim?

I have a 92 and I'm right around the 2000gph mark...I have a DC return that's rated for 2600gph but you have to take into account head loss

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[Tripod1404]

I have flow around 100 times the tank volume. The actual rate depends on your preference and type of corals you intend to keep. I would not have it below 75X if you intend to keep SPS colonies (not frags) i the future.

For LPS and softies (and fish) 2000GPH should be enough.

Also wave pumps are better than powerheads

 

[Fish on]

Thanks for the quick replies. Would 1 wave pump be sufficient, or is 2 better? I see Sicce has a 2120gph wave pump for example. Something along those lines along with my pump should give me over 2500gph flow.

 

[Reef noob_]

I don't like to use rated GPH for figuring out flow in a tank. What I'd do is get a few controllable powerheads (tunze, ecotech, jebao) and put them around half power. Then feed the tank or drop some sort of easily track able liquid into the tank and watch where it goes and how quickly it moves.

You'll be aiming for a brisk current throughout the entire tank and no spots devoid of flow. You should be able to tell instinctively wether it's too little or too much.

Also, there should be very good surface agitation to facilitate gad exchange.

Good luck!

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[mcgyvr]

In general these numbers are thrown around all the time..
Flow rate through sump = 3-10x display tank volume in GPH
Total flow rate in tank = 30-100x display tank volume in GPH

Typically 3-5x is plenty for the sump and 30x is a good starting point for purchasing powerheads for your typical fish only or softie/lps tank..
Some with all SPS tanks run 75-100x as they like high flow..

 

[lapin]

On my 125 with a 55 gal sump I had 1 dart pump on a closed loop. 1 mp40 and a 1200gph return. Plenty of flow in the sump.

 

[rocsec1]

I think the minimum of 10 times the minimum. More would be better.

 

[BoisBlancBoy]

In general these numbers are thrown around all the time..
Flow rate through sump = 3-10x display tank volume in GPH
Total flow rate in tank = 30-100x display tank volume in GPH

Typically 3-5x is plenty for the sump

Maybe bump that number up some of the sump is large?



and 30x is a good starting point for purchasing powerheads for your typical fish only or softie/lps tank..
Some with all SPS tanks run 75-100x as they like high flow..

 

[Fish on]

Great info. Thanks guys appreciate the quick responses!

 

[mcgyvr]

maybe bump that if sump is large?

Nope...sump size does not matter as far as flow is concerned

 

[BoisBlancBoy]

Nope...sump size does not matter as far as flow is concerned

Great! Thank you!