How much flow is too much?

[azcummins]

I've got a 20 gal tank and was instructed by my local fish store to put in a koralia 2 powerhead to create some flow. (Before I was just using an airstone since I'm not running any corals).

After installing the powerhead in a corner of the aquarium and pointing it towards the protein skimmer to try to breakup the flow, my two clownfish spent their time hiding behind a piece of live rock. When one would swim out behind the rock, he'd do fine until he turned his body slightly, then he was swept away.

I know good flow is essential for a SW tank, but this seems a bit much. Any thoughts and what are you guys/gals using for circulation in a 20gal tank?

 

[sweeTang21]

just IMO, i would have gotten two nano koralias. this would have allowed for easier placement and little less direct current. Cross current is great for a SW tank but if you have a small tank and huge powerhead on one side, then your not going to get much action over by the PH. Again this is just what i would do.

 

[Cappuccino]

Man that is overkill

 

[azcummins]

I took your advice and just exchanged the 2 for the nano. The flow seems perfect now and I might add another when I upgrade to corals.

 

[sweeTang21]

IMO two nano koralias would be perfect in that tank. Water current will change with the addition of more LR and what not. Should be great though.

 

[azcummins]

IMO two nano koralias would be perfect in that tank. Water current will change with the addition of more LR and what not. Should be great though.

I got the other Nano in 2 days ago and the flow seems great. One is pointed upwards and keep the surface from getting a film on it and the other is on the opposite side of the tank pulling water through the rock. The best part is the Pavlov's response when I turn off the Nanos to feed, the fish go nuts, all the hermit crabs come running and the snails emerge from the sand. Who said fish aren't smart?

 

[Reefscape]

Man that is overkill

Ya think? Well..Some SW reef tanks which house SPS corals, for example, have sometimes 100 x water flow per hour...Thats some serious flow, however, even that is not classed as over kill....

I suppose the point being here is, is that to me, it really depends on what is going to be in the tank..

 

[Chris_A]

I usually try to use seperate terms flow is not the same as current. I once had an aquaclear 300 impeller in a 200 body running a 5.5 gallon. That was fine, but if I had tried a maxijet 1200 (almost the same GPH) the current would have been too localized and the tank would have resembled a maytag. Thats how some of those SPS tanks get away with such heavey flow, the current is relatively spread out. Thats the point with the "new" generation of powerheads that the koralia belong to.