Thoughts on laminar flow for sps

[swk]

The new maxspect water flow device is coming out soon and was wondering how the resident sps gurus feel about the concept of laminar vs turbulent flow in sps tanks?

 

[ridetheducati]

FWIW, over the last 18 years, I have been very successful cultivating SPS with various types of powerheads to include products from Maxijets to Tunze. I would not expect the new product offering to increase coral growth or enhance colors. Some may remember the surge devices. The key is to keep Mr. Detritus moving along with assistance from Mr. Export mechanism.

 

[phenom5]

Ride, didn't you get the memo? You're not allowed to have a sensible opinion when it comes to flow. The pump will either reduce your tank to smoldering ashes or cause your corals to grow to the ceiling.

I will be trying out the Maxspect pump, so we'll find out.

I wonder if the edict of needing huge turnover numbers with lots of random, turbulent flow is what is really needed for the corals, or if it was the best tool we had to try and replicate natural flow? It'll be interesting to see if or how the flow from the Maxspect pump changes reefkeepers opinions on what corals "need."

 

[swk]

Thanks for you input. Part of the reasons I ask is because my prepurchase window is open until tomorrow night.....but I'm also curious as to what more experienced folks think about the principals behind it all

 

[phenom5]

I think the idea is solid.

BTW, did you contact the vendor your purchase window is with?

 

[swk]

No. I was assigned marine depot, but haven't done anything further than that

 

[Big E]

I think they are great for farmers that have runways. I'm not sure what's special about them in a display especially one with large colonies.

I consider it complementary to the other pumps one can use. They all have their pros & cons.

If you're going to set up a true gyre tank with a false back or bottom to hide the pumps & they can work alternating, they would be fantastic, but this also isn't anything you couldn't do with other pumps.

 

[phenom5]

I think the thing that is most interesting about the idea is that they move that volume of water at a lower velocity. It's the same reason impeller pump lost out to prop pumps. With a prop pump you could increase the volume (gph) without needing to crank up the velocity.

How it does long-term remains to be seen. Since my tank is brand new, I am willing to give it a shot. If my tank was grown in with large colonies I would be more hesitant.

 

[Bilk]

I think the thing that is most interesting about the idea is that they move that volume of water at a lower velocity. It's the same reason impeller pump lost out to prop pumps. With a prop pump you could increase the volume (gph) without needing to crank up the velocity.

How it does long-term remains to be seen. Since my tank is brand new, I am willing to give it a shot. If my tank was grown in with large colonies I would be more hesitant.

I agree with this. I also feel the broader flow pattern is a plus. I may give one or two a try in my 200. They may either replace two Tunze 6105 on Sea Sweeps or two MP40s.

 

[swk]

Good points all around. I currently use mp40 and a wp
25 in my 75 gal and can create a pretty good rotational flow with placement but I like how wide the flow pattern is with the gyre pump