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wavemaker placement for optimal flow

Posted: Wed May 14, 2025 5:58 pm
by novaby
Setting up a new 75-gallon mixed reef and struggling with flow. Got two Nero 5s but can't figure out the best spots. Tried front corners pointing at each other, but my Acros aren't happy. Any tips?

Re: wavemaker placement for optimal flow

Posted: Wed May 14, 2025 6:52 pm
by fairylife
I've had success with one on the side glass, mid-height, angled slightly upward. The other should go on the back glass, near the top, pointing diagonally across the tank. Creates a nice chaotic flow without blasting anything.

Re: wavemaker placement for optimal flow

Posted: Wed May 14, 2025 8:20 pm
by reefling
My tank's a mess. Flow's too strong, everything's dying. Don't know what to do.

Re: wavemaker placement for optimal flow

Posted: Wed May 14, 2025 9:32 pm
by tidal
reefling wrote: Wed May 14, 2025 8:20 pm My tank's a mess. Flow's too strong, everything's dying. Don't know what to do.
Dial it way back, dude. Start at 30% power and bump it up slowly over a week. Corals need time to adjust.

Re: wavemaker placement for optimal flow

Posted: Wed May 14, 2025 11:08 pm
by oceanbit
I run mine in pulse mode, alternating every 10 seconds. Gives a more natural surge without hammering the corals. Also keeps detritus from settling.

Re: wavemaker placement for optimal flow

Posted: Wed May 14, 2025 11:28 pm
by Trims
Yep, pulse mode's the way to go. My LPS love it.

Re: wavemaker placement for optimal flow

Posted: Thu May 15, 2025 1:16 am
by FoxNova9
Had the same issue in my 60 cube. Moved one wavemaker lower, near the sandbed, and it made a huge difference. Now the flow reaches everywhere without being too intense.

Re: wavemaker placement for optimal flow

Posted: Thu May 15, 2025 3:08 am
by earthling
Anyone tried the gyre flow pattern? Heard it's killer for SPS.

Re: wavemaker placement for optimal flow

Posted: Thu May 15, 2025 4:08 am
by snowbird1
earthling wrote: Thu May 15, 2025 3:08 am Anyone tried the gyre flow pattern? Heard it's killer for SPS.
Yeah, but it's sketchy with mixed reefs. My Zoas got pissed and closed up for days. Stick to random flow unless you're SPS-only.

Re: wavemaker placement for optimal flow

Posted: Thu May 15, 2025 5:24 am
by flutista
My clownfish keeps riding the flow like it's a rollercoaster. Not helpful, but hilarious.