Flow question

[scottras]

I am planning a nano at the moment that will be long thin and short. Maybe 36x12x12". I was thinking of putting a closed loop that will go from end to end effectively creating a gyre.

If I do this is it worth reversing the flow 50% of the time to create almost a tidal effect? or is it not worth the extra effort and cost involved? Obviously the change in flow dirrection will not have much of a visiual effect so I would only do this if it benefits the coral species in any way. The tank will be mainly SPS dominated.

 

[auto_loader]

I heard Jake Adams give a presentation about how flow speed is very important to SPS corals and he recommends greating the gyre effect you mentioned and the importance of switching its direction. He recommend running 2 closed loops reversing them perioically. I would definately go with the 2 closed loops.

 

[murfman]

Another possibility is using a surge tank to create a tide.

 

[scottras]

Thanks guys. Unfortunately I have had to bin the original idea due to unforceen and unrelated costs. I am now going to try the same thing with a 2.5 gal pico. I will be trying to switch 2 1000l power heads at 6 hour intervals.