Flow

[Dombake]

Hi, I've read a few old threads but haven't really found my answer so I'd welcome some opinions please.

So my 90l DT (cube) with 40l sump has a return flow of around 1000l/hr (2,300 pump with height of around 1m). I also have a 1,600l/hr power head directed across the return. So around 2,600l/hr. Is this sufficient flow for most things?

I have read about alternating flow or reducing at night. Would it be over the top for another power head, a lower flow, to operate alternating day and night with the 1,600 powerhead?

The tank is empty of livestock and haven't reached a landing in what I'm going to add yet.

Thanks

 

[Aero175]

It is going to depend on what type of corals you want to have. IMO that is going to be sufficient for most softies or lps coral. When you get to sps corals, most shoot for 40-60 times the display tank turn over. Right now your about 29 times.

Hope that helps!

 

[thegrun]

+1, 20 times the DT for fish only, 30 times the DT for soft corals, 40 times+ for SPS.

 

[Dombake]

Thank you.

What about reducing flow at night or alternating at night?

Cheers

 

[thegrun]

If I was running at only 20 times the dt in flow I would not reduce the flow at all at night. Since I have a mixed reef and run about 50 times my DT in flow I do reduce the flow a little at night, down to about 30 times the DT, but I know many reefers who maintain the high flow even at night.

 

[Dombake]

I was thinking of getting another powerhead, so I'm guessing something like another 2,000 which I can adjust wouldn't be too much but would allow me some options over time with what I chose to add.

Thanks for the input.