Water flow rate

[AndrewNS]

Wow
First of all. GREAT SITE. I just started with this hobby and thinks its great.


What is ideal for water movement in a marine tank?
Is there a suggested flow rate per gallon?

Thanks
AndrewNS

[Chryocon]

I think your flow should be 8-1-x your tank size, for exampple a 10 gallon tank would need a 100GPH pump...I can't remember where I read this and like many things I am sure there are exceptions

[AndrewNS]

That would mean my tank is way under circulated.

I have a 27 gal hex with one AquaClear 1000. On the box it said it was for a 25 gal tank.

I am having an algea problem at the moment and think I should try another powerhead. I just don't want the fish to have to swin in a whirlpool.

Should I go with an additional powerhead with more guts?

[Chryocon]

any more circulation you add the better.....do you have a protein skimmer? btw if you are interested in powerheads I suggest you get them from ebay they are MUCH cheaper.....I can personally say I have not had problems with anything I have ordered online so far *knocks on wood* so don't be worried and don't go crazy about using paypal.....it is safe

[Thorkot]

Andrew, I looked it up and the powerhead that you are using only pumps 80gph. You should add more, this will help you keep algae from building up and some corals enjoy a high flow rate.
I have a 29 gal tank and use 2 pumps that circlulate my tank a total of 460gph.

[Chryocon]

yah, try to get at least 10x if not more in a reef

[AndrewNS]

Thanks so much for the help.

I'll pick up another powerhead tonight.

I had to do a major algea clean up. I moved the powerhead and now it doesn't want to stay stuck to the glass.

I don't want to create a whirlpool so any suggestions on how to position the 2 powerheads? The tank (27 gal hex) is taller than it is wide.

When considering total gph should you include the filter?

[Thorkot]

I would angle one powerhead toward the top of the water to create a wave action and the other kind of in the center, but not so that it blows around the sand on the bottom.
Yes you should include your filter in total gph.

[AndrewNS]

I took out the Aquaclear 1000 (will use it with water changes) and added two Hagan Pro2 powerheads.

Now , with my filter I have 520 gph of water movement.

The fish seem to like it alot more. They don't seem to hide as much. But the shrimp stays in his cave (he might come out at night) utill feeding time.

Should I turn off the powerheads at feeding time?

[Thorkot]

Some fish don't mind the water movement, but if you have some very timid fish that will not actively chase after the food then I would. Also if you are feeding your coral any invert then it is a good idea to turn down the water movement for a few minutes.