Flow Requirements for my new aquarium

[Chris918]

Hello,

I have a Reefer 350 and will be housing primarily SPS corals. I was going to shoot for 50x turnover in the tank. I was going to originally purchase two MP40s to do the job. Looking at my display size, (73 gal total w/sump 91) I calculated that to be 3650 gal per hour if I'm correct in only including the display volume. The MP40 is rated at 4500+ GPH. Would I be alright with just one, or would it be better to get two and run them together at a lower settings to achieve the flow?

Thank you!

 

[DesertReefT4r]

2 would be better and dial them back.

 

[bif24701]

You want SPS and I assume acros at some point, then two is what you need. Not only to achieve more than 50% but having the ability to create varied random flow patterns, also to account for corals growing in and blocking flow around the tank. If anything is true that we know about reefing is that good strong alternating flow is vital to healthy acropora and other SPS corals. I would arrange the two 40s at each end of the tank and program the to run in antisync. Even better if you have an APEX you can program them to run all kinds of different programs and flow patterns throughout the day. You will certainly eliminate any question about your flow with two 40s. Even with 50x display flow from just one MP40 there will still be areas that need more flow. Flow is much more than just turnover.


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[Chris918]

Okay that is the option I planned for originally. I saw a reefer with the MP40s on the back on each side. The tank looked more sleek that way. Would that be as effective as putting them on the side? I prefer the look of having two on the back panel so the dry side of the pump isn't sticking out. Still whatever is best for the corals is what I will do.

 

[DesertReefT4r]

I would suggest putting the on the back. The flow reflects off the front glass, down and back up the rear.

 

[Relativity]

I only run one in a 90 gallon tank corals do fine. There rated so high mine are only set to maximum 60 %

 

[DesertReefT4r]

More is better, sps tanks can take way more flow than 50x. 50x is a good starting point imo but as corals grow 80-100x may be needed. Get that flow ripping, if you fish are getting pushed into the glass then its too much. I would anti sync them on Reef Crest, NTM or short pulse at about 60-70% see how it does.

 

[bif24701]

Okay that is the option I planned for originally. I saw a reefer with the MP40s on the back on each side. The tank looked more sleek that way. Would that be as effective as putting them on the side? I prefer the look of having two on the back panel so the dry side of the pump isn't sticking out. Still whatever is best for the corals is what I will do.

That will work well too.


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