powerheads & aunt flow

[mythos8709]

i have a 6 year old 55 gallon (bowfront) mixed reef with LPS and soft coral. 1 yellow tang, 1 tomato clown, 1 pajama cardinal.

i recently installed two sure flow 1600's (basically they are maxi-jet 1200s with upgraded fans) in my tank. each of them are said to have an output of 2000 gph.

i am running a 2 gallon sump (completely empty) w/ about 50 lbs live rock.

the current generated by the powerheads are aimed at the glass (to make it more indirect to the corals).


i didn't realize how powerful these things are, however i haven't seen any negative effects on the coral and fish (yet). i assumed this would be a nice addition since i have no filtering media (except for my skimmer). also because i want to add an SPS coral to the tank.


so is this too much for a 55 gallon reef?

- mythos

 

[E.intheC]

[welcome]

what types of corals do you have? Typically softies like slower flow. I think you'll be okay though. Just put the powerheads in opposite corners of your tank and direct them at each other. Make sure your corals aren't receiving direct flow.

Your fish should love the extra flow, by the way.

For an added story.. I have a Sure-flow modded MJ 600 in my 30 cube tank, along with a MJ 900 pointed at it to randomize things a bit. I am thinking of upgrading to better flow.. I think you'll be fine

 

[mythos8709]

thanks

can anyone else confirm that this 4000+ gph flow on a 55 gallon tank will have no negative impact so long as the pumps are placed in such a way to prevent coral abrasion?

will i need to adjust feeding habits to accommodate for the new flow?

i can't remember the last time i fed my corals and usually feed my fish once every other week. the tank seems to be pretty self sufficient (besides water changes).

 

[mmagaletti]

It is really hard to have to much flow. Like the previous posted said, LSP and softies tend to like less flow while SPS love high flow. Just becareful where you point those, you dont want them peeling teh flesh off your coral.

In my 65 I current have about 4000 gph total between my return pump and my 4 Koralias. I have not had any problems.

 

[buffalo123]

i was considering adding a koralia magum 5 to my 60 gallon cube 1600gph.
Could i run just one of those, or would i need at least another a koralia 3 to add to it.
Right now i run a maxi jet 600, koralia 3 and a aquaclear 800. the 800 is only on a few hours.
Actually i would likely run the magnum 5 and the koralia 3

 

[E.intheC]

buffalo, i think it'd be best to have a few smaller gph power heads and point them at each other. this way you'll have a much more random flow pattern. Good luck.