Really Struggling with Powerhead Placement/Flow

[Nierika]

Does anyone have any suggestions on powerhead/return placement for a good flow? I have 2 Jebao RW-4s, a Koralia Nana 425, and a Koralia Evolution 850. I also have and Ocean Pulse Duo Wavemaker to go with the Koralia Pumps.

I feel like no matter what combination of pumps and/or placement I have, my corals seem to be getting whipped around. My hammer seems to be stressing the most.

I'm also getting a lot of buildup on the surface of the water. I've tried placing a pump angled towards the surface, which helps somewhat, but the left 3rd of the water surface still has buildup that just seems to swirl in place. I'm getting really frustrated and worried that I'm going to kill my hammer if I don't figure this out soon.

 

[oldhead]

I find putting the power heads on the back and angled a little upward to break surface tension with most of the flow bouncing off the front glass seems to work well.

 

[AlSimmons]

Exactly how old is the tank? It looks pretty new to me so this buildup your seeing on top is really nothing out of the ordinary IME. For a quick fix though you can lay a paper towel down flat on the waters surface. (turn pumps off first) As soon as it becomes saturated remove it. You might have to do this three or four times and don't expect to get all of it, but it will help. As far as the flow goes both the Toadstool and the GSP should enjoy these stronger currents, but your just going to have keep moving the Hammer around until you find the sweet spot. GL.

 

[mcgyvr]

What size tank?

 

[RonV]

I high is your water level? I would think the buildup on top of the water would be skimmed of and go down the overflow. I know it does on my tank.

As for your flow, sounds to me you have a lot of pumps in your tank. What size is your tank?

 

[billdogg]

I place my power heads as mentioned above. On the back glass only because I really think they detract from the look when they are on the side panels. I put them about 1/3 of the way down angled up and in to create a cross flow.

I'd be interested to know the size of your tank too. That would help determine if you have enough/too much/just the right total flow in there.

 

[Uncle99]

Same as OLDHEAD, the more the surface agitation, the better the exchange of gas occurs.
Since doing this, my PH has risen from 8.0 to 8.3 and holding on weekly water changes.

 

[CRJ]

Film on the water should go down the overflow. if it isnt your pointing too much flow towards the box pushing it into the corner.

Rear mounted circ pumps are my go-to choice usually. if you space them evenly apart and point towards the front, they will hit the glass and go sideways, with the flow from each mixing for a good random flow.

You dont have SPS, you should only have enough flow to prevent dead spots. no reason to have them turned up that high with a LPS. I see 3 pumps plus your return. point your return pump towards the surface, keep your circ pumps lower. high enough to stop sand blowing around, but low enough to keep current along the bottom and prevent food settling.

Its really just a playing of placement. the coral will tell you when its happy.