Flow direction check up

GSep · 08/06/2014, 08:01 AM

Hey everyone.

Still kind of new. I've had my 30 gallon tank running for a little under a year. Over that time frame I've had my ups and downs. Currently on the down right now but trying to bring it back and get it stable again.

Anyways, I threw together a quick drawing of my layout (no decent pictures of my tank and I'm at work). Just wanted to get some input on my flow direction and if I can improve it.

As you can see above, I have my gl*******s overflow in the corner with my return at the other end. This tank is only 24"L x 24"W x 12"H. My MP10 I have about 2 inches under the water level (I'm using a shield from pico aquariums to stop it from sucking air in). The rocks are just far enough from the back wall and right side so I can clean the glass. Just tall enough to come to the bottom of the overflow teeth.

My question: Can I improve upon this? I was thinking of either adding another MP to the rear wall, between the return and overflow to get some more random flow. My issue is I feel like I am not getting enough flow throughout the tank, resulting in dead spots.

Just wanted some input from you guys. I currently have 2 clowns, 1 orchid dottyback, 1 hairy mushroom and 1 hammer.

Equipment:
Light - AI Hydra
Pump - Sicce Syncra 3.5
Power Head - MP10W ES
Skimmer - Cadlights PLS50
Filter sock - none (might start running them again)
Heater - 100W Jager
Top Off - Hydor

thegrun · 08/06/2014, 08:38 AM

I would think you have plenty of flow as is, but if you have a dead spot where detritus is building up one smaller powerhead should do the trick. You might also try running the MP-10 in pulse mode at 80% for 15 minutes at a 30 second interval each day to stir things up.

GSep · 08/06/2014, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thegrun

I would think you have plenty of flow as is, but if you have a dead spot where detritus is building up one smaller powerhead should do the trick. You might also try running the MP-10 in pulse mode at 80% for 15 minutes at a 30 second interval each day to stir things up.

I'll give the pulse mode a shot when I get home tonight. Looking at finally picking up an Apex in the next few weeks and start randomizing my flow patterns more throughout the day.

08/06/2014, 08:01 AM	#1
GSep Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 85	Flow direction check up Hey everyone. Still kind of new. I've had my 30 gallon tank running for a little under a year. Over that time frame I've had my ups and downs. Currently on the down right now but trying to bring it back and get it stable again. Anyways, I threw together a quick drawing of my layout (no decent pictures of my tank and I'm at work). Just wanted to get some input on my flow direction and if I can improve it. As you can see above, I have my gl*******s overflow in the corner with my return at the other end. This tank is only 24"L x 24"W x 12"H. My MP10 I have about 2 inches under the water level (I'm using a shield from pico aquariums to stop it from sucking air in). The rocks are just far enough from the back wall and right side so I can clean the glass. Just tall enough to come to the bottom of the overflow teeth. My question: Can I improve upon this? I was thinking of either adding another MP to the rear wall, between the return and overflow to get some more random flow. My issue is I feel like I am not getting enough flow throughout the tank, resulting in dead spots. Just wanted some input from you guys. I currently have 2 clowns, 1 orchid dottyback, 1 hairy mushroom and 1 hammer. Equipment: Light - AI Hydra Pump - Sicce Syncra 3.5 Power Head - MP10W ES Skimmer - Cadlights PLS50 Filter sock - none (might start running them again) Heater - 100W Jager Top Off - Hydor

08/06/2014, 08:38 AM	#2
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	I would think you have plenty of flow as is, but if you have a dead spot where detritus is building up one smaller powerhead should do the trick. You might also try running the MP-10 in pulse mode at 80% for 15 minutes at a 30 second interval each day to stir things up.