How important is "random" flow to sps

[tedmonds]

I'm not getting very good polyp extension in most of my sps but especially my red mille. I have 2 return pumps with eductors on both sides of the tank which gives pretty nice flow but it isn't "random". I don't want to spend $400 on a tunze or vortech if they aren't really necessary but I'm thinking I might need to bite the bullet. Anyone getting good results with sps without a tunze or vortech? Thanks!

Tank Parmaters:

150g (72"x 18" x 30")
400w 14k halides (12" from surface)
Ca 500
Nitrate 5
Sg 1.025
Phosphate 0
Mg 1450

 

[macreefster]

i find turbulent flow to be invaluable with sps corals..... hence my having two vortechs on my 70. i can't say with any certainty the polyp extension and coral growth i get is due to all the turbulent/random flow i have, but i am sure its a major contributor to it. i would definately recommend adding some more flow, especially random flow, to your tank. another option would be to add a tunze wavebox to create a great back and forth flow, if you think your two return pumps are providing sufficient flow..... you might even get away with the nano wavebox even on your 150g, but even that runs about $350 with shipping.

 

[Fsurocks99]

I noticed a considerable change in pe on my sps when I put a hydro flow wavemaker on my return pump in my biocube 14. Granted, this wouldn't work in your tank cause it is so big, but I personally believe random is better than turbulent.

 

[JustinReef]

I noticed much better polyp extension after adding a wavebox to my tank for sure. It also helps so much to keep detritus suspended and off the sand. Well worth the money.

 

[tedmonds]

Good for the tank = bad for the checkbook. Guess I'll be looking into a wavebox. Thanks for the input.

 

[IFbettas]

You can also get koralias on a wave maker, and they are a bit cheaper. I tried a tunze wavebox for a while on my 180 but ended up getting rid of it, because I felt it wasn't doing that much for my tank. Also, it didn't look to great. A vortech is cheaper than a tunze wavebox, and IMO does more for the corals.

 

[purplereef]

I have a Tunze 6080 on a wavey sea. It moves back and forth all day long. It has made my current as random as possible. I am unsure if it has improved my growth.

 

[Canadian]

A wavebox or vortech set up to create a standing wave is the exact opposite of "random" flow - they produce deliberate back and forth movement.

I don't think "random" is important but I believe a large volume of flow is - whether it be "random", patterned (even the "reef crest" mode on a Vortech is a repeated sequence), etc.

 

[PogoMonogo]

my vortech has done wonders for my tank

 

[tedmonds]

On a 6' tank, could I get away with a tunze/vortech on the opposite side of the tank as the return or would I need one on each end of the tank.

 

[Cadu]

you can start with one and check the results. i have two Vortechs MP40W (one of each side) in my 4" tank.

 

[tangobc29]

I feel like random has increased my pe...two 6025 in a 29

 

[GatorWPB]

my 2 vortechs have certainly made an improvement with my sps. the direct flow is too much for the polyps so polyp extension is even better with the randomness of the vortechs.
look into used vortechs too, the manufactorer honors the warranty if if you are not the original purcahser.

 

[JasonD]

Love my Vortecs they rock!!!:bum:

Jason

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

Re: How important is "random" flow to sps

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14837491#post14837491 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tedmonds
I'm not getting very good polyp extension in most of my sps but especially my red mille.

anybody else think that flow might NOT be the problem here?

what two return pumps are on the eductors?

 

[jd474]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14841864#post14841864 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Canadian
A wavebox or vortech set up to create a standing wave is the exact opposite of "random" flow - they produce deliberate back and forth movement.

I don't think "random" is important but I believe a large volume of flow is - whether it be "random", patterned (even the "reef crest" mode on a Vortech is a repeated sequence), etc.

+1

 

[Stanley-Reefer]

You don't have to have $$$ to do random flow.

Mix you some Koralias and get "weird" with theire placement and utilize your returns wiht the system pump.

I have many sps in both tanks and am using koralias for now.

With my results, I can't justify vortechs right now........unless my wife gets me some as a gift

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

polyp extension on green A. millepora (grown from small frag) in gyre created with eductors.

tedmonds needs to give us more info on the flow in his aquarium before we jump to powerhead infomercials.

 

[tedmonds]

I most certainly have "other problems" but let's take this one step at a time. Current flow is generated by mag18 and mag9 (mag 12 just died) on loc line returns with 3/4" eductors. Returns are pointed directly at each other in hopes of mixing up the current. My original hope was that the returns would generate sufficient flow without having ugly powerheads in display. I currently have a sebae anenome that has doubled in size in 6months. Zoanthid colonies, duncans, pocilliporas, blue tort, yellow acro, nana, lps, pink birdsnest (good growth bad color) all seem to be doing fine or better. Flow just seems to be an area where I am lacking compared to other successful sps reefers and I wanted opinions on importance. From what I am seeing it seems that I pretty much have my answer. As to what type/brand that might be reason for another tread as now I am faced with the Tunze -vs- Vortech -vs- Korallia -vs- Wavemaker dilema. Thanks for all the good input and any other thoughts are definately appreciated. Todd

 

[alleykat81]

Don't forget-the vortech mp10 is coming out soon. Late spring. It's about $200, but it would probably be perfect for your tank.