How much Flow and How much Light

[jwalls1082]

Thanks for this thread. It helps a lot when looking at lighting systems and trying to figure out how many powerheads to add to the tank. Also appreciate the list of things flow accomplishes in reef tanks. I've got so much to learn before I put a tank up. Reading and watching all I can for now.

 

[ViktorVaughn]

Awesome information all concisely written out. Thank you, makes it way easier to have a clear, easy to follow all in one general light up on lighting and flow. Especially like how you broke down the flow/light requirements for each type of tank.

I am setting up a 40 gallon breeder (sumpless) right now, just added sand, rock, and water today. I am going to let it sit with the one 480 gph Hydor pump I have in there while it is cycling. I plan to have two 240 gph's on one side of the tank, about 4" apart from each other angled toward the front and back glass, maybe at a 45 degree angle or so. I plan on placing the current 480 I have in the tank on the opposite side of the two 240's pointed straight across the tank. It will sit on the same side that the reef octopus bh1000 is on, middle of the 18" side glass, maybe pointing towards the return flow from skimmer. Not sure if that sounds like it will work to you for a softie and lps dominated tank? Any suggestions on different placement of pumps or even different pumps all together? Looks like with just the pumps i'd be at 960 gph or 24x turnover, not sure what the HOB skimmer adds flow wise or if you're even supposed to add that in. As far as lighting goes, what do you recommend for a budget friendly LED system that can handle the softie LPS tank?

 

[3dees]

most of this info is for reefs, but what about fowlr? I'm setting up a 120 gal ( 48x24x24 ) with 100 lbs of live rock and shallow sand bed. I have two Hydro 1400 gph. thinking about one more for surface movement. would the third be needed?

 

[Dr. Reef]

fish only with live rock require about 10-20x the volume of the tank for movement. in a 120 2x 1400gph power heads will be sufficient along with return.

 

[Dr. Reef]

Awesome information all concisely written out. Thank you, makes it way easier to have a clear, easy to follow all in one general light up on lighting and flow. Especially like how you broke down the flow/light requirements for each type of tank.

I am setting up a 40 gallon breeder (sumpless) right now, just added sand, rock, and water today. I am going to let it sit with the one 480 gph Hydor pump I have in there while it is cycling. I plan to have two 240 gph's on one side of the tank, about 4" apart from each other angled toward the front and back glass, maybe at a 45 degree angle or so. I plan on placing the current 480 I have in the tank on the opposite side of the two 240's pointed straight across the tank. It will sit on the same side that the reef octopus bh1000 is on, middle of the 18" side glass, maybe pointing towards the return flow from skimmer. Not sure if that sounds like it will work to you for a softie and lps dominated tank? Any suggestions on different placement of pumps or even different pumps all together? Looks like with just the pumps i'd be at 960 gph or 24x turnover, not sure what the HOB skimmer adds flow wise or if you're even supposed to add that in. As far as lighting goes, what do you recommend for a budget friendly LED system that can handle the softie LPS tank?

positioning of the pumps is a wide answer. its best done with pumps on opposite ends with waves meeting in the middle and causing caos in water.
24x turnover is good enough for softies and lps.
LED's for softies and LPS: any cheaper led fixtures on bidding websites or some chinese leds have been reported to have good results.

 

[3dees]

thanks for the quick response. no return. I'm going sumpless. I am on disability for my back and doing anything under the tank will be a problem. I have a hob skimmer.