Best flow for soft corals

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barracke
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 8:30 pm

Best flow for soft corals

Post by barracke »

I've got a 75 gallon tank with mostly soft corals like Zoanthids and Mushrooms. The flow seems off, they're not opening fully. Running two MP40s at 30%. Should I crank it up or add a wave maker?
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felixon
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Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2022 2:14 pm

Re: Best flow for soft corals

Post by felixon »

Soft corals usually prefer gentle flow. My Zoanthids thrive in low to medium flow, around 20-40%. Maybe try adjusting one MP40 to 20% and see how they react. What's your lighting setup?
DiscusDare
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 6:27 pm

Re: Best flow for soft corals

Post by DiscusDare »

barracke wrote: Mon Apr 21, 2025 10:57 pm I've got a 75 gallon tank with mostly soft corals like Zoanthids and Mushrooms. The flow seems off, they're not opening fully. Running two MP40s at 30%. Should I crank it up or add a wave maker?
Two MP40s at 30% might be too much for Mushrooms. They like it chill. Try pulsing one pump at 15% and keep the other off for a few days. Also, check your nitrates, high levels can stress them.
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floradon
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Re: Best flow for soft corals

Post by floradon »

Agree with DiscusDare. Mushrooms especially hate strong flow. My tank's a 60 gallon with a single MP10 at 25%, and everything's happy. What's your water change routine? Dirty water can mess with their vibe.
kaylornix
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 7:19 pm

Re: Best flow for soft corals

Post by kaylornix »

I'd cut the flow way back. My Zoas were pissed until I dropped the flow to like 15%. Now they're spreading like crazy. Also, what salt mix are you using? Some brands can be sketchy for softies.
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storm9
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Re: Best flow for soft corals

Post by storm9 »

Yo, my softies dig random flow. Try setting one MP40 to lagoon mode at 20%. Adds some variety without blasting them. And yeah, check them nitrates, bro.
barracke
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 8:30 pm

Re: Best flow for soft corals

Post by barracke »

Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna dial back the flow and test my nitrates. Using Red Sea Coral Pro salt, by the way.
fluxeon8
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 2:48 pm

Re: Best flow for soft corals

Post by fluxeon8 »

Red Sea's solid. But yeah, drop that flow. My Mushrooms melt if the flow's too high. Also, how old's your tank? New tanks can be weird for soft corals.
jaysonx
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 8:58 pm

Re: Best flow for soft corals

Post by jaysonx »

My tank's a 40 breeder with soft corals. I use a single Nero 3 at 30% and they're fine. Maybe your MP40s are overkill for a 75 with softies.
Jollyman
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 9:38 pm

Re: Best flow for soft corals

Post by Jollyman »

Soft corals are chill, man. Don't need all that flow. My 50 gallon's got a cheap wave maker at 15% and everything's happy. Save the power, ya know?
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