wavemaker settings for LPS

LPS, SPS and all coral chat
User avatar
earthling
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 2:58 am

wavemaker settings for LPS

Post by earthling »

I've got a mixed LPS tank with Hammers, Torches, and a Duncan. The flow seems off, either too strong or too weak. What's the sweet spot for wavemaker settings to keep them happy without blasting them?
badger
Posts: 5
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 7:55 pm

Re: wavemaker settings for LPS

Post by badger »

LPS generally prefer low to moderate flow. I run my Nero 5 at 30% pulse mode, alternating every 6 seconds. Keeps detritus moving but doesn't stress the polyps. What pump are you using?
User avatar
folinx
Posts: 5
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 1:26 am

Re: wavemaker settings for LPS

Post by folinx »

badger wrote: Sun Jun 22, 2025 5:48 am LPS generally prefer low to moderate flow. I run my Nero 5 at 30% pulse mode, alternating every 6 seconds. Keeps detritus moving but doesn't stress the polyps. What pump are you using?
Yep, pulse mode is key. I've got a Gyre 1K on random at 40%, and my Euphyllia are thriving. Just avoid direct flow, or they'll stay closed.
hazelbug
Posts: 3
Joined: Fri Apr 19, 2024 6:18 am

Re: wavemaker settings for LPS

Post by hazelbug »

My Torches hated high flow. Moved the wavemaker higher in the tank and dialed it back to 20% constant. Now they're fully extended. Tank's a 40-gallon breeder, sand substrate.
haywire
Posts: 5
Joined: Mon Sep 16, 2024 4:03 am

Re: wavemaker settings for LPS

Post by haywire »

Anyone tried the night mode trick? I run my pump at 15% after lights out. Seems to mimic natural currents better. Daytime stays at 25%.
jolyno
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 2:24 pm

Re: wavemaker settings for LPS

Post by jolyno »

My Duncan's in a 20-gallon with a cheap pump. It's set to the lowest setting, and the polyps are huge. Maybe LPS just wanna chill?
User avatar
rividewave
Posts: 12
Joined: Sat Jul 02, 2022 3:15 am

Re: wavemaker settings for LPS

Post by rividewave »

What's the ideal placement for the wavemaker? Mine's on the side, but the flow feels uneven.
User avatar
earthling
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 2:58 am

Re: wavemaker settings for LPS

Post by earthling »

Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna tweak my settings tonight and see how they react.
badger
Posts: 5
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 7:55 pm

Re: wavemaker settings for LPS

Post by badger »

rividewave wrote: Sun Jun 22, 2025 1:30 pm What's the ideal placement for the wavemaker? Mine's on the side, but the flow feels uneven.
Aim it at the glass or rockwork to diffuse the flow. Side placement can work if you bounce it off a surface first.
User avatar
folinx
Posts: 5
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 1:26 am

Re: wavemaker settings for LPS

Post by folinx »

Also, check for dead spots. I added a second small pump opposite the main one. Now the whole tank gets gentle movement.
Post Reply