Too Much Water Movement??

kaighan

kaighan

Member
Ok Ye Holders of Marine Knoweldge....
I have a 29g tank-- goal is to have a reef tank - I know that water movement is a must with reef tanks to supply the stuff the things need

my question is I have 2 powerheads each moves 295g/hour One power head has a
Hydroflo attachment to vary the water flo.. One positioned left back corner and the other in the right corner blowing in an X pattern
I have 2 percula clowns and 1 Pajama Cardinal... the clowns are sticking to the right back corner of the tank and the cardinal staying on the left side ... the clowns do venture out when food is introduced to the tank ...but right back they go..
Could the flow of water from the powerheads be causing the corner sitting or is this just natural behavior? They were introduced to the tank on the same day (last sunday)
Anxiously awaiting your replies ***)
 
saltwater8

saltwater8

Member
Yes,
A fish only with live rock tank is supposed to have a 5 times turnover rate, a reef tank is supposed to have a 10 times turnover rate.
Your rate of 20 times is a bit much (ok, more than a bit much...)
:happyfish
 
uberlink

uberlink

Active Member
I actually think 20x is about right for a reef tank--if you search you'll find others who go to 25x and higher.
You might want to consider a hydor flo deflector for the second powerhead. Those cut flow (I've read) by about 30%, so each of your PHs would be in the neighborhood of 200gph. Add to that your skimmer and whatever else, and I'd think you're about right. I have around 20x in my 28 gallon reef with clowns and a blennie, and all are well.
I think the 10x the other poster recommends is about the minimum.
 
stanlalee

stanlalee

Active Member
I have 16x turn over in powerheads (not including the skimmer which uses a maxi-jet 1200 or the HOB). I'm pretty sure the Cardinal doesn't like that kind of waterflow since they like to hover in one spot. I dont think it bothers the clowns that much. clowns chosing a spot they prefer to stay in is what clowns do. Thats one of the reasons they dont require alot of tank space. If the fish are new thats pretty typical behavior as well until they feel comfortable enough to explore a little more.
 
seaspy

seaspy

Member
I have about a 23x turnover. I have a maroon clown, cherub angel, lawnmower blenny and 2 firefish gobies. They all seem to love it. I think it depends on your fish.
 
kaighan

kaighan

Member
wow.. thanks everyone! It's good to hear everyone's opinion..and about their setup... Please keep posting... all the info I can get is GREAT!
 
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