Newbie Flow question

[CindyK]

I am almost ready to start setting up my first tank, 75 g with a 30 g sump. My eventual goal is to keep soft corals, LPS and fish. Maybe a few SPS eventually, maybe not.

I still need to buy powerheads. Obviously, I can spend a little or a lot. An experienced reefer whose input I value shared with me how much total flow he has in his tank (which sounds similar to what I eventually would like, even similarly sized) and I was surprised at how much he has, leading me to think maybe I need stronger powerheads than I was originally planning to buy.

Some experienced input would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[CStrickland]

I think 40x the DT volume is a good starting point. But it's just a starting point. Diff powerheads make flow patterns that are pointy or spread out, and the way you current will bounce around off the rocks and glass is totally unpredictable. I'm at like 50x in my tank but you wouldn't know it because I've got a lot of the powerheads behind the rocks where their force is diminished.

You can get SunSun powerheads for $10 on Amazon, that's what Ive got. Or you can spend more for something more reliable and programmable if that's what you're into.

 

[reefguy352]

Any of the Eco tech powerheads are great


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[BigEZ77]

The larger Gyre will give you plenty of flow (I doubt you'll go over 50%) and you will only need one so it's reasonably priced.

 

[CindyK]

The larger Gyre will give you plenty of flow (I doubt you'll go over 50%) and you will only need one so it's reasonably priced.

I see this is what you're using...it was what I originally considered, then I "unconsidered" it, thinking it would be overkill. Now I am reconsidering it. I really like the idea of large wave motion vs. a stream. I take it you like the effects? I'm not sure if I'll want something more programmable or not...

 

[BigEZ77]

I really like it. You might get away with the smaller one in a tank your size but will likely have it over 50% in that case.

 

[MrHyde]

Check this out.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2003/4/beginner

HTH.

 

[CindyK]

Check this out.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2003/4/beginner

HTH.

Looks like a great article thank you! Too long for my lunch break, saving it for tonight[emoji4]

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[Hal]

You generally need more flow than you think. When I started, after doing research I targeted 10x the volume of my DT. As time progressed, I ended up with 30x, and am thinking of adding another 10x. As I added flow, my fish seemed happier, or at least more active.

Bang for the buck, the Gyre pumps seem to be a good deal. I never had one, but have read quite a bit on them. The only knock against them is that some people say they can be a little loud.

I like the vortechs to minimize the in-tank presence, and the new QDs, which I don't have yet, are supposed to be almost dead silent.

 

[bshow24]

I run a gyre 130 on my 28 gallon (26 inches long). It runs at 50% (roughly 1100 gph) which falls around 40x. I have SPS in the tank so a ton of flow is required. The best part is I have no dead spots in the tank and movement is random and sporadic due to the pulse mode.

 

[CindyK]

Are any of you using your gyre with a controller? I see they sell an interface module separately...it looks like you would use it with a Neptune, I couldn't tell if it was compatible with a Reefkeeper (which is what I was trying to figure out). Those who use it, what do you use it with and how do you like it? The one I saw cost a penny :uhoh3:

 

[BigEZ77]

Not yet but I'm looking into that at the moment as well. I don't believe the Reefkeeper will control it.

 

[Fish Everywhere]

I am almost ready to start setting up my first tank, 75 g with a 30 g sump. My eventual goal is to keep soft corals, LPS and fish. Maybe a few SPS eventually, maybe not.

I still need to buy powerheads. Obviously, I can spend a little or a lot. An experienced reefer whose input I value shared with me how much total flow he has in his tank (which sounds similar to what I eventually would like, even similarly sized) and I was surprised at how much he has, leading me to think maybe I need stronger powerheads than I was originally planning to buy.

Some experienced input would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Without defining exact numbers since every tank is different, here is my opinion as a general guideline:

AC Powerheads (Non-variable):

Fish: 10x
Soft Coral: 15x
LPS: 20x
SPS (Not recommended with AC IMHO): 40x-60+

DC Powerheads (Variable):

Fish: 5-15x
Soft Coral: 10-20x
LPS: 15-25x
SPS: 50-80x