Flow for sps?

Manwolf · 01/20/2010, 10:56 AM

I got a 30g long with 2 koralia 1s (400gph each). Is that enough flow for couple of sps frags at the top of the rock work? It seems good so far but i want to make sure.

rbnice1 · 01/20/2010, 11:00 AM

Typically for sps you want a minimum of 40x turnover. You are at 26x right now. You will prob be ok till the sps starts to grow out then it will cause STN in the middle from to low of flow.

Michael · 01/20/2010, 11:04 AM

depends on what else you have, if just sps, and you can position the flow so you dont get sand storms then the higher the better, 100x in flow is not unheard of and great for sps, but you need to consider other corals in the tank. imo 2 k1s is a little light

jbird69 · 01/20/2010, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael

depends on what else you have, if just sps, and you can position the flow so you dont get sand storms then the higher the better, 100x in flow is not unheard of and great for sps, but you need to consider other corals in the tank. imo 2 k1s is a little light

good advice here.

It would help to know the species of sps. Birdsnests can do very well in milder currents, pocillopora damicornis can too (very similar to birds nest) some monties do okay also. The other benefit of lots of flow is it helps keep nutrients suspended for more effecient export. There are two "big 3's" in successful sps systems. first is light, flow and water quality and the second pertains to suppliments...Calicium, Alkalinity and magnesium. No one is any less important than the other. You also want your flow to be random if posibble. Adjust your koralias til you get colliding currents and your corals appear to be recieving "gusts and lulls"

lordofthereef · 01/20/2010, 11:18 AM

I agree with positioning of the flow. Unless you plan an all SPS tank, there is no need to do 30x + turnover to the entire tank.

kretzkiller · 01/20/2010, 11:24 AM

yes, you definitely need to be concerned with the positioning of the corals. 'x' amount of turnover doesn't really matter unless you are planning on doing all sps. Just make sure they are positioned fairly close to the k1, but not directly in front of it. sps typically like strong indirect flow.

DC_40gallon · 01/20/2010, 11:37 AM

I've got a 40 breeder and I have 2000 gph tank turnover, over 50x.

It's all about how you position the flow. With 2000 gph flow my Kenya tree and star polyps have a graceful wave.

01/20/2010, 10:56 AM	#1
Manwolf Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Buffalo Grove Posts: 391	Flow for sps? I got a 30g long with 2 koralia 1s (400gph each). Is that enough flow for couple of sps frags at the top of the rock work? It seems good so far but i want to make sure.

01/20/2010, 11:04 AM	#3
Michael NTTH Rookie Help Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Gloucester, England,UK Posts: 7,808 Blog Entries: 6	depends on what else you have, if just sps, and you can position the flow so you dont get sand storms then the higher the better, 100x in flow is not unheard of and great for sps, but you need to consider other corals in the tank. imo 2 k1s is a little light __________________ Don't be afraid to ask questions, we in the new to the hobby are here to help you [For My Tank Spec,Photo Album,Articles and website, click on my name] MY Very Kindest and Warmest Regards , MIKE Current Tank Info: I have a 92 gal Corner Tank, and way too many pieces of equipment to list really, (proud member of the reef central corner club)

01/20/2010, 11:18 AM	#5
lordofthereef One reef to rule them all Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Leominster, MA Posts: 5,299	I agree with positioning of the flow. Unless you plan an all SPS tank, there is no need to do 30x + turnover to the entire tank. __________________ "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself" ~ Josh Billings Visit My Home page for current build thread (click my user name and select "Visit LordoftheReef's Homepage" in the drop down menu!

01/20/2010, 11:00 AM	#2
rbnice1 Moved On Join Date: May 2008 Location: Cedar Hill Posts: 3,905	Typically for sps you want a minimum of 40x turnover. You are at 26x right now. You will prob be ok till the sps starts to grow out then it will cause STN in the middle from to low of flow.

01/20/2010, 11:24 AM	#6
kretzkiller Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: KC Posts: 599	yes, you definitely need to be concerned with the positioning of the corals. 'x' amount of turnover doesn't really matter unless you are planning on doing all sps. Just make sure they are positioned fairly close to the k1, but not directly in front of it. sps typically like strong indirect flow.

01/20/2010, 11:37 AM	#7
DC_40gallon Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 1,474	I've got a 40 breeder and I have 2000 gph tank turnover, over 50x. It's all about how you position the flow. With 2000 gph flow my Kenya tree and star polyps have a graceful wave.