best water flow for Pocillopora

[froglip]

I've got a Pocillopora in my 40-gallon tank and it's not looking great. The polyps aren't extending much, and I'm wondering if the flow's too strong. Running two MP10s at 50%. Should I dial it back or add more?

[onyxl]

Pocillopora generally prefers moderate, indirect flow. MP10s at 50% might be too direct. Try positioning them to create a wider, gentler gyre. Aim for 10–15 cm/s flow at the coral's location, measured with a flow meter if possible. Also, check your nitrate and phosphate levels—low nutrients can cause retraction.

[tiger9]

Mine thrived when I switched to random flow patterns. Maybe try alternating the MP10s in lagoon mode? And yeah, like onyxl said, check nutrients. Mine sulked for weeks until I bumped nitrates to 5 ppm.

[larkea]

I'm new to SPS but my LFS guy told me Pocillopora likes 'chill flow'. Not sure what that means exactly, but mine's happy in a low-flow corner with just a Koralia 2400.

[bloomsy]

Pocillopora generally prefers moderate, indirect flow. MP10s at 50% might be too direct. Try positioning them to create a wider, gentler gyre. Aim for 10–15 cm/s flow at the coral's location, measured with a flow meter if possible. Also, check your nitrate and phosphate levels—low nutrients can cause retraction.

This worked for me too! I angled my pumps upward and saw way better polyp extension in 2 days.

[fizzer]

Kinda weird how some say high flow, some say low. Mine's in a mixed reef with gyres blasting at 80% and it's growing like crazy. Maybe it's just luck?

[Clack]

Flow needs can vary by specimen. Start with moderate flow and observe. If polyps stay retracted, reduce flow by 10% every 2 days until you see improvement. Also, ensure your alk is stable—swings stress them out faster than flow issues.

[flamzo]

Indirect flow is key. Direct flow can damage the tissue over time. I use a Tunze 6040 on random mode, pointed at the glass to diffuse it. Pocillopora's been encrusting nicely for 6 months now.

[nimbo]

Kinda weird how some say high flow, some say low. Mine's in a mixed reef with gyres blasting at 80% and it's growing like crazy. Maybe it's just luck?

Could be your coral's adapted to it. Wild colonies often handle stronger flow than tank-raised ones. Just a thought.

[Swiftsea]

Light matters as much as flow. If your PAR's too low, they'll retract regardless of flow. Aim for 200–250 PAR at the coral's location, with that moderate indirect flow everyone's mentioning.