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wavemaker settings for LPS

Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2025 5:08 am
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?

Re: wavemaker settings for LPS

Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2025 5:48 am
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?

Re: wavemaker settings for LPS

Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2025 7:40 am
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.

Re: wavemaker settings for LPS

Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2025 8:36 am
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.

Re: wavemaker settings for LPS

Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2025 10:31 am
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%.

Re: wavemaker settings for LPS

Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2025 12:08 pm
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?

Re: wavemaker settings for LPS

Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2025 1:30 pm
by rividewave
What's the ideal placement for the wavemaker? Mine's on the side, but the flow feels uneven.

Re: wavemaker settings for LPS

Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2025 2:33 pm
by earthling
Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna tweak my settings tonight and see how they react.

Re: wavemaker settings for LPS

Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2025 4:25 pm
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.

Re: wavemaker settings for LPS

Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2025 5:01 pm
by folinx
Also, check for dead spots. I added a second small pump opposite the main one. Now the whole tank gets gentle movement.