Gotta go with the flow... but which way!?!?

Imzadi · 05/06/2009, 07:59 AM

Is there a thread, or site that talks about the flow in the tank?

I know that the waves and variable direction is best... no dead zones... but what if you can't afford such technologies?

What is the best common thought here? Around the tank in a cyclonic motion, clock-wize or counter? Or in a barrel roll method? Meaning the returns power over the surface of the tank pushing the water towards the front, then down the front to the rockscape?

Or just willy-nilly all over the place? I am planning to move my live rock to the new tank today, and want to incorporate this into the design of the rock to maximize the flooooow.

Thoughts?

Whys · 05/06/2009, 09:17 AM

There is considerable debate regarding cyclonic vs chaotic flow. I'm not sure there is any one right answer.

I like that you mention the barrel roll. I have one in my tank and think it useful.

Imzadi · 05/06/2009, 09:42 AM

I could see that being useful. It seems logical, especially as I prefer any holes in the rockscape to be front to back, so I can peer in through the openings. I think until I hear a better reasoning, that is what I think I will do. and its not like it is permanent, really. It is just water.

:-)

Thanx, Whys.

reefscape15 · 05/06/2009, 05:00 PM

I've heard that cyclonic is no good, cause the water is only flowing over the corals in one direction, like a river. I think random chaotic flow is best, but really i have no proof. Just a lot of hearsay. But I love the Vortech adds that say "because corals dont live in a river"!

Imzadi · 05/06/2009, 05:24 PM

'Chaotic' is not achievable without some sorta variable thing. The price makes it outta reach for me. Maybe one of them spinnin things... but yea...

Sigh...

Whys · 05/07/2009, 01:33 AM

So long as you have more than one source of flow, mildly chaotic is achievable. Obviously there is a general pattern of flow, but when flows converge and deflect off one another, there is also a certain amount of randomness involved.

reefscape15 · 05/07/2009, 04:07 AM

Yes whys. If you have 2 powerheads rated at the same ghp, you can aim them directly at each other and it will provide you with little bursts of random current. If you add a 3rd one into the mix, it really can get things going. Just play with your flow direction until you get what your looking for. It may take a while, but gives you an excuse to get your hands in the tank! Also, those little FLO spinning things kinda suck. It cuts the output of your powerhead down alot, and they tend to get stuck quite often. Also, it just sprays at an almost 90degree angle, which is hard to get onto the rocks and such

05/06/2009, 07:59 AM	#1
Imzadi Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Toronto, Ontario Posts: 1,038	Gotta go with the flow... but which way!?!? Is there a thread, or site that talks about the flow in the tank? I know that the waves and variable direction is best... no dead zones... but what if you can't afford such technologies? What is the best common thought here? Around the tank in a cyclonic motion, clock-wize or counter? Or in a barrel roll method? Meaning the returns power over the surface of the tank pushing the water towards the front, then down the front to the rockscape? Or just willy-nilly all over the place? I am planning to move my live rock to the new tank today, and want to incorporate this into the design of the rock to maximize the flooooow. Thoughts? __________________ If you don't agree with me, that's fine... just go, think about it some more, and come back when you do. Current Tank Info: 120g Freshie, 55g salty with a 2/3 BeanAnimal. BA METHOD - TESTIFY! I am a DIY Disaster, but I am saving money! Damsel FREE since 07/08/09!

05/06/2009, 09:42 AM	#3
Imzadi Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Toronto, Ontario Posts: 1,038	I could see that being useful. It seems logical, especially as I prefer any holes in the rockscape to be front to back, so I can peer in through the openings. I think until I hear a better reasoning, that is what I think I will do. and its not like it is permanent, really. It is just water. :-) Thanx, Whys. __________________ If you don't agree with me, that's fine... just go, think about it some more, and come back when you do. Current Tank Info: 120g Freshie, 55g salty with a 2/3 BeanAnimal. BA METHOD - TESTIFY! I am a DIY Disaster, but I am saving money! Damsel FREE since 07/08/09!

05/06/2009, 05:00 PM	#4
reefscape15 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Elmira Heights, NY Posts: 2,812	I've heard that cyclonic is no good, cause the water is only flowing over the corals in one direction, like a river. I think random chaotic flow is best, but really i have no proof. Just a lot of hearsay. But I love the Vortech adds that say "because corals dont live in a river"! __________________ A new beginning........... JIM Current Tank Info: 5g standard softie/zoa tank, just starting a 20H

05/06/2009, 05:24 PM	#5
Imzadi Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Toronto, Ontario Posts: 1,038	'Chaotic' is not achievable without some sorta variable thing. The price makes it outta reach for me. Maybe one of them spinnin things... but yea... Sigh... __________________ If you don't agree with me, that's fine... just go, think about it some more, and come back when you do. Current Tank Info: 120g Freshie, 55g salty with a 2/3 BeanAnimal. BA METHOD - TESTIFY! I am a DIY Disaster, but I am saving money! Damsel FREE since 07/08/09!

05/07/2009, 04:07 AM	#7
reefscape15 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Elmira Heights, NY Posts: 2,812	Yes whys. If you have 2 powerheads rated at the same ghp, you can aim them directly at each other and it will provide you with little bursts of random current. If you add a 3rd one into the mix, it really can get things going. Just play with your flow direction until you get what your looking for. It may take a while, but gives you an excuse to get your hands in the tank! Also, those little FLO spinning things kinda suck. It cuts the output of your powerhead down alot, and they tend to get stuck quite often. Also, it just sprays at an almost 90degree angle, which is hard to get onto the rocks and such __________________ A new beginning........... JIM Current Tank Info: 5g standard softie/zoa tank, just starting a 20H

05/06/2009, 09:17 AM	#2
Whys Moved On Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 3,263	There is considerable debate regarding cyclonic vs chaotic flow. I'm not sure there is any one right answer. I like that you mention the barrel roll. I have one in my tank and think it useful.

05/07/2009, 01:33 AM	#6
Whys Moved On Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 3,263	So long as you have more than one source of flow, mildly chaotic is achievable. Obviously there is a general pattern of flow, but when flows converge and deflect off one another, there is also a certain amount of randomness involved.