Flow Problem

Cbravo212 · 04/19/2009, 09:02 PM

I know there are many causes for cyano and have heard that lack of flow could contribute.

The question that I have is how do I get enough flow on my substrate in the tank and still allow areas for low flow softies. Some of the mushrooms and such say medium light and low flow. I thought I could put those down on the bottom, but they shrink up b/c I have to much flow.

Any ideas on how I can balance the two?

kraze3 · 04/19/2009, 09:17 PM

Have you tried having your powerhead streams crashing in the center of the tank? It seems to direct the water in lots of different directions.

SeasonedReefer · 04/19/2009, 09:23 PM

You should not have problems with flow over or around your mushrooms just as long as it not direct flow. My mushrooms tend to like a little flow but direct flow will more than likely shrink them or sever the stem and cause them to break off and float around the tank.

Aquarist007 · 04/19/2009, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cbravo212
I know there are many causes for cyano and have heard that lack of flow could contribute.

The question that I have is how do I get enough flow on my substrate in the tank and still allow areas for low flow softies. Some of the mushrooms and such say medium light and low flow. I thought I could put those down on the bottom, but they shrink up b/c I have to much flow.

Any ideas on how I can balance the two?

Pick up a koralia 3 or 4 and mount it low in the tank and point it up. You will create a suction flow across the substrate and at the same time the flow will be directed upwards towards the surface of the tank.

drummereef · 04/19/2009, 10:21 PM

Flow is relative, Cbravo212. You can have harsh laminar flow like that from Maxi-Jet powerheads, or random turbulent flow like that of Koralis, Tunze, or Vortechs. Your inhabitants can tolerate a lot more flow with a wider pattern than that of a laminar flow pattern. I have 2 Tunze Nanostreams in my 40g, approx 34x turnover, and have no problem keeping mushrooms. Believe me. Wish I could get rid of some of those darn things.

Cbravo212 · 04/20/2009, 06:57 AM

Thanks for the replys. After messing with it some and taking Kraze's advice I pointed them in toward each other. Right now I have two Koralia 1s pointing toward the center with a nano low behind the rock work pointing forward. I also have my return which is approx 500gph.

This created a great turbulent flow and a nice rolling flow down across the substrate.

04/19/2009, 09:02 PM	#1
Cbravo212 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Tidewater Area, VA Posts: 264	Flow Problem I know there are many causes for cyano and have heard that lack of flow could contribute. The question that I have is how do I get enough flow on my substrate in the tank and still allow areas for low flow softies. Some of the mushrooms and such say medium light and low flow. I thought I could put those down on the bottom, but they shrink up b/c I have to much flow. Any ideas on how I can balance the two? __________________ -- Mike "If everyone is thinking alike, someone isn't thinking." - General George Patton Jr Current Tank Info: 38gal, 10 gal sump, 4 gal refugium

04/19/2009, 09:23 PM	#3
SeasonedReefer Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Ft. Wayne Posts: 341	You should not have problems with flow over or around your mushrooms just as long as it not direct flow. My mushrooms tend to like a little flow but direct flow will more than likely shrink them or sever the stem and cause them to break off and float around the tank. __________________ Rogge Current Tank Info: 90 gallon lps,sps tank

04/19/2009, 10:21 PM	#5
drummereef Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: STL Posts: 14,754	Flow is relative, Cbravo212. You can have harsh laminar flow like that from Maxi-Jet powerheads, or random turbulent flow like that of Koralis, Tunze, or Vortechs. Your inhabitants can tolerate a lot more flow with a wider pattern than that of a laminar flow pattern. I have 2 Tunze Nanostreams in my 40g, approx 34x turnover, and have no problem keeping mushrooms. Believe me. Wish I could get rid of some of those darn things. __________________ -Brett 180g Marineland Starfire In-Wall 278 gallon system

04/20/2009, 06:57 AM	#6
Cbravo212 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Tidewater Area, VA Posts: 264	Thanks for the replys. After messing with it some and taking Kraze's advice I pointed them in toward each other. Right now I have two Koralia 1s pointing toward the center with a nano low behind the rock work pointing forward. I also have my return which is approx 500gph. This created a great turbulent flow and a nice rolling flow down across the substrate. __________________ -- Mike "If everyone is thinking alike, someone isn't thinking." - General George Patton Jr Current Tank Info: 38gal, 10 gal sump, 4 gal refugium

04/19/2009, 09:17 PM	#2
kraze3 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: RI Posts: 2,373	Have you tried having your powerhead streams crashing in the center of the tank? It seems to direct the water in lots of different directions.