Optimal water flow for coral health

[fluffybolt]

I've been checking out the VorTech calculator for my 280g tank and I noticed that a single MP40 and MP60 would produce too much flow for LPS corals - over 5900 g/hr. On the other hand, it's not enough for SPS, which require at least 9800 g/hr.

To get the right flow for LPS, I'd need to run two MP40s at full blast or a single MP60 on its lowest setting. But what if the flow is more than what's optimal for LPS corals - what happens then? I'm also curious to know how people manage to keep LPS and SPS together in large reef tanks and still get the water flow just right for both.

[Marino88]

Have you considered alternatives like the Gyre XF150 or the Jebao RW15? These pumps are adjustable, offering up to 5000 gph, which might be more suitable for your needs.

[fluffybolt]

I'm considering other brands, but I liked the VorTech due to the sync options with the lights I'm looking at. My main concern is the impact on LPS corals when they're in a flow situation that's more suited for SPS corals.

[craftyx]

In their natural habitats, LPS corals generally thrive in areas with low flow. It's been my understanding that they tend to do best in tanks with similar low flow conditions.

[Fableon7]

I've been checking out the VorTech calculator for my 280g tank and I noticed that a single MP40 and MP60 would produce too much flow for LPS corals - over 5900 g/hr. On the other hand, it's not enough for SPS, which require at least 9800 g/hr.

To get the right flow for LPS, I'd need to run two MP40s at full blast or a single MP60 on its lowest setting. But what if the flow is more than what's optimal for LPS corals - what happens then? I'm also curious to know how people manage to keep LPS and SPS together in large reef tanks and still get the water flow just right for both.

Placement of the coral or location can indeed be a way to mitigate excessive flow. By strategically placing LPS corals in areas with naturally lower flow rates, you can create a more suitable environment for them to thrive. This might involve situating them near the substrate, behind rocks, or in other areas where the water flow is less intense.

[Duskfire]

You can adjust the Vortechs to get the desired flow. Placement is key, as Fableon7 mentioned, and can really make a big difference in managing the flow for your corals.

[rileyon]

I'm not familiar with those calculators, but I've found that the flow dynamics of powerheads like Vortec are quite unique. Unlike traditional impeller pumps with flat blades, they produce a broad, turbulent flow. I'm no expert, but I'm skeptical about relying solely on GPH numbers to determine the right flow for your corals.

In my experience, it's more about experimentation and observation. Try placing your frags in different locations before committing to a permanent spot, and see how they respond to the flow. I've had success keeping LPS species alongside some branching, plating, and encrusting SPS, although I don't have any acropia to comment on. Since most LPS corals end up in the lower two-thirds of the tank with strong lighting, there's usually room to accommodate both types.