Powerheads... how much is too much?

[zamboni200000]

Hello,

New tank about 3-4 weeks old now... It's a 50 gallon breeder. Currently stocked w a clownfish, a bicolor dwarf angel, and a royal gramma.

Running 2 powerheads:
Hydor Koralia Evolution 1050-1150 GPH (for tanks 70-125 gallon)
And also a
Hydor Koralia Evolution 750-850 GPH (for 50-90 gallon tanks)

I've read "you can't have too much flow" but this seems like a little much. What do you guys think? Is this too much for a 50 gallon breeder? The idea will be to slowly but surely add lots of coral and some fish slowly over time.

The dwarf angel doesn't give a crap about the flow he just loves to explore the rocks looking for food.
The clownfish seems to not like the flow very much ever since I added the 2nd powerhead.
The gramma doesn't seem to mind, but he usually hides a lot anyways.

Thanks in advance for any advice

Danny

 

[hollister]

20 to 25 gph in the beginning is plenty.

 

[Reefmedic79]

Your at about 40x's which will be great for a stocked SPS. I wouldn't worry about the clowns, they can handle lots more.

While your flow is great, I suggest adding a means to randomize the flow to get the greatest benefit from those pumps.

 

[zamboni200000]

Thanks Reefmedic, in the mean time while it's not a stocked SPS tank, is the 40x ok?

My other idea was to run both heads at night for example, and just 1 during the day? What do you think?

 

[Reefmedic79]

I don't see any issue in running at 40x while it's not stocked.

I personally would swap your plan, 2 during the day and 1 at night.

 

[txaggie09]

Agree with reefmedic, the clowns can handle a lot more. Youll see them all the time in SPS tanks with 70x+ turnover. But you dont necessarily need 40x flow right now without any corals that demand as such. Also agree about randomizing the flow if you can.

 

[Sny2004]

Hi sorry to jump in but what do u mean about randomizing the flow? Just turn them dif directions from time to time or is there something else I dont kno about to change the flow?

 

[mkoop]

Hi sorry to jump in but what do u mean about randomizing the flow? Just turn them dif directions from time to time or is there something else I dont kno about to change the flow?

Program them with a controller is how to randomize them.

 

[zamboni200000]

Thanks for your advice guys, I guess it sounds like i'll just leave the 40x flow as it isn't detrimental.

 

[leveldrummer]

Have you ever been swimming in the ocean? Do you realize how strong that flow is when a nice wave hits you? You cant replicate that in a tank without breaking it.

you can have as much flow as possibly, as long as your corals arent being torn to shreads and your sand isnt causing a mess.