water flow / cycle start time???

[jmjax14]

could a slower gph through a tank cause a cycle to begin faster???
I ask this because i slowed th return rate of my pump to reduce micro bubbles and the next day brown alge on crushed coral???
just wondering
thanks

 

[bertoni]

Reducing the flow won't speed the cycle, although reduced flow can encourage the growth of such films.

 

[jmjax14]

thats what i was tring to say. could this be a problem in the future
for my tank or should i let things continue as they are for now?????

 

[bertoni]

In general, the tank should have at least 10x its capacity in flow per hour. For example, a 30g tank should have a total of at least 300 gph flow. That number can go much higher, for Acropora-dominated tanks, as one example. 30x and higher are common recommendations.

 

[jmjax14]

i have a 65g tank with a 700gph overflow and a Mag9.5 with 5' of head i reduced the flow to rid micro bubbles but it still looks like i have a little it hard to tell if they are bubbles or particles. i just dont want the flow reduction to cause future probs. the drain is still flowin relly good.

 

[bertoni]

I would consider adding another pump of some sort. There are lots of alternatives. Maybe a small Seio would be useful, or some Maxi-Jet powerheads. Tunze pumps are good, but expensive.

 

[jmjax14]

i have 2 power heads rated for 30gl tank im only usin one right now should i use both????

 

[bertoni]

Another powerhead would probably help, although the film might take a while to disappear.