Re-Directing Flow

[Hentz]

I'm currently running 2 MP10's on my Fusion 40.
I've got my APEX setup to redirect the flow every 10 minutes, for example:
MP10_Right: OFF 10 Min - ON 20 Min
MP10_Left: ON 20 min - OFF 10 Min

This makes it where MP10R flows for 20 minutes, 10 minutes on MP10L turns on for 20 minutes, MP10R Finishes 20m cycle, MP10L finishes cycle for last 10 minutes. Make sense?

While my tank's flow is cycling every 10 minutes, I was wondering..

Would it be better to redirect every 8 hours?
MP10L on for 8 hours while MP10R is OFF
MP10L and MP10R on for 8 hours
MP10R on for 8 hours while MP10L is OFF

What is everyone's thoughts?

Continuous flow or redirecting flow better for SPS?

 

[Hentz]

bump?

 

[reefmutt]

I really don't think the duration of the flow pattern is so important but I do think that any alternating flow is waaaaay better than none, if you can do it. The corals grow in a more symmetrical way and you keep everything suspended for longer in the water column.
Wave action can happen quickly and tidal action takes place over a much longer time period so if your are trying to mimic nature either would be somewhat accurate.
I have two maxspect gyres alternating on my tank. One each end. It give great randomized flow patterns. Sometime one is running, sometimes both and sometimes the other. The duration of alternating patterns is only about two minutes but I think the corals love it..