Best flow pattern for mixed corals

LPS, SPS and all coral chat
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craftyfox
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Joined: Mon Apr 08, 2024 10:12 pm

Best flow pattern for mixed corals

Post by craftyfox »

I've got a mixed reef tank with Zoanthids, Acros, and a few LPS. The flow seems off, some are happy but others look stressed. Running two MP40s on opposite sides, alternating at 70%. Anyone got tips for balancing flow without pissing off the fussy ones?
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tuner8
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 2:41 am

Re: Best flow pattern for mixed corals

Post by tuner8 »

Yo, MP40s are solid but 70% might be too much for LPS. Try dialing it back to 50% and use the reef crest mode. My Acros love it, and the Hammers chill out. Also, check your placement, LPS do better lower in the tank where it's calmer.
aerolove
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 5:44 pm

Re: Best flow pattern for mixed corals

Post by aerolove »

I feel you on the stress thing. My Torches were melting till I moved them to a low-flow corner. Maybe try tweaking the angle of your powerheads? Sometimes a slight tilt makes all the difference.
cyan
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 2:11 pm

Re: Best flow pattern for mixed corals

Post by cyan »

tuner8 wrote: Wed Aug 20, 2025 6:45 pm Yo, MP40s are solid but 70% might be too much for LPS. Try dialing it back to 50% and use the reef crest mode. My Acros love it, and the Hammers chill out. Also, check your placement, LPS do better lower in the tank where it's calmer.
Totally agree. My Duncan's perked up after I dropped the flow and shoved 'em near the sandbed.
goldenEye
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 6:41 pm

Re: Best flow pattern for mixed corals

Post by goldenEye »

My tank's a mess, flow-wise. Got a Gyre and it's either a hurricane or a puddle. Anyone else hate these things?
craftyfox
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Joined: Mon Apr 08, 2024 10:12 pm

Re: Best flow pattern for mixed corals

Post by craftyfox »

Thanks for the input, everyone. Gonna tweak the settings and rearrange a bit. Fingers crossed.
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tuner8
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Re: Best flow pattern for mixed corals

Post by tuner8 »

goldenEye wrote: Wed Aug 20, 2025 9:23 pm My tank's a mess, flow-wise. Got a Gyre and it's either a hurricane or a puddle. Anyone else hate these things?
Gyres are tricky. You gotta play with the pulse settings. Mine's at 30% pulse every 5 seconds, and the SPS dig it. LPS? Not so much.
aerolove
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 5:44 pm

Re: Best flow pattern for mixed corals

Post by aerolove »

Flow's such a vibe check for corals. My Blastos wilt if it's too strong, but the Birdsnest throws a fit if it's too weak. No winning sometimes.
cyan
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 2:11 pm

Re: Best flow pattern for mixed corals

Post by cyan »

Maybe add a wavemaker on a lower setting? My JBJ works wonders for the softies without blowing the Acros away.
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