water movement

[momof12]

What kind of water movement would we need for anemones, corals, live rock? Does all the items need to be from the same depth?:notsure:

 

[lion_crazz]

I'm not sure what you are asking about depth, however, you should have 15-20 times the turnover rate in your tank. That means if you have a 50 gallon tank, you should be moving 1000 gallons per hour in a reef tank. Anemones and live rock will be fine at 750 gallons per hour.
Just multiply 55 by 15 and 20 and that should be how much flow you have in your tank per hour.

 

[chamic1]

5-9 gallons per hour IMO; however, if you plan on having many anemones and corals, maybe 15- 20 wouldn't be so bad.

 

[momof12]

Some coral comes from deep in the ocean, some higher up. Do I really need to know exactly where everything is coming from and make sure everything in the tank is from the same area?

 

[lion_crazz]

No, the minimum I would go in a 55 saltwater tank (even without coral or rock) would be 10x the turnover rate, which is 550 gallons per hour. That's just to keep debris from settling on the substrate and turning into waste and nitrates.
With rock, you want 850 gallons per hour and finally, corals you will want 1100 gallons per hour of movement. This number includes the movement caused by your filter, skimmer, and powerhead(s). So take those three things' movement (should be on the boxes) and add them up. It should be at least 550 in a fish only tank of 55 gallons.

 

[lion_crazz]

No, they do not all have to be from the same area, however, there are some corals who like the light a little more intense, thus, you would put these corals closer to the light. However, more of the hardy, easier corals, like mushrooms, can go on the bottom of the tank.
It all really depends on the lighting you have on the tank too (Power Compact, VHO, or Metal Halide)

 

[momof12]

Thanks! The guys at the pet store aren't much help. I need better lighting and will look into some power heads.

 

[lion_crazz]

Sounds good! That's what we are here for.