Today on the 52 FAQ we're going with the flow.
Hi, I’m RT your host of BRSTV’s 52 FAQ
where we answer all kinds of reefing questions
from our popular series 52 weeks of reefing.
Today we’re answering Yeshwanth Yarremsetty’s
question, “Should I keep flow directed towards
my rock work, or slightly upwards to create
waves on surface?”
If at all possible, I’d recommend both.
It's important to have surface agitation in
the aquarium as this promotes gas exchange.
In other words, carbon dioxide is gassed out
of the tank resulting in a higher pH from
a lower concentration of CO2 and carbonic
acid in the aquarium, and potentially lower
nitrates as anaerobic bacteria convert nitrate
into nitrogen gas that then gasses out of
the aquarium.
Adequate surface agitation helps to make these
processes much more efficient.
The other component to this is oxygen entering
the aquarium.
The rippling surface of the water helps to
bring more oxygen into the aquarium.
Not only is this important for your corals
and fish ability to respire, but it also helps
to displace those gasses I mentioned earlier:
CO2 and Nitrogen.
Additionally, increasing your surface agitation
can increase your evaporation rate.
If your tank is running warm, a higher evaporation
rate is a good thing to shoot for.
As the water evaporates it takes heat away
from the water.
Coupling that with a fan pointed at the water's
surface can increase the impact of this effect,
and in some cases can drop temps by 2 degrees
or more depending on the situation, potentially
even eliminating the need for a chiller.
Why then should flow also hit you rock?
It's simple.
Your rock and sand like to trap and hold many
unwanted elements such as detritus, left over
food, and fish waste.
These are often referred to as dead spots,
where flow doesn’t reach, and waste builds
up.
If not removed, they can all break down into
nitrate and phosphate and fuel algae growth
in your aquarium.
The flow from your pumps will help keep these
partials suspended in the water column to
be removed by your filter sock, roller matt,
and skimmer before they have a chance to break
down further.
So what If one pump can't do both?
You might try adding a second, or use one
of a different style like the Maxspect gyre
whose unique flow pattern is better suited
for complex flow patterns.
I might also try to re-aim or re-position
my pumps to temporarily to stir the sand,
rock and tank.
Additionally, controllable pumps offer the
ability to create random and chaotic flow
patterns that can help eliminate dead spots
in the tank.
That said, all of this needs to work with
your coral needs first.
Some corals like many acropora love high flow,
where as some LPS like Scolymia or acanthophylia
can be stressed by too much flow.
Find the best flow for them, then try to adapt
your setup to achieve these other goals.
If you are interested in learning more about
Flow do yourself a favor and checkout Week
9 of 52 weeks of reefing Why flow is vital
for a successful reef tank.
Don't forget answering your questions is what
the 52 FAQ is all about on so ask us something
you want to know in the comments area below.
See you soon with the next 52 FAQ.
