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best flow for Duncan corals
Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2025 2:12 am
by finley12
What's the best flow rate for Duncan corals? I've got mine in a 40-gallon tank with a Nero 5 pump, but they don't seem to fully extend. Params are stable, 78F, 1.025 salinity, 8 dKH. Lighting is AI Prime 16HD at 60%.
Re: best flow for Duncan corals
Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2025 3:19 am
by Rivet9
Duncans prefer moderate, indirect flow. Too much direct current can stress them out. I'd dial the Nero 5 down to 30-40% and aim the flow at the rockwork, not directly at them. They'll open up more if they feel secure.
Re: best flow for Duncan corals
Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2025 3:35 am
by FinMaster
Yep, Rivet9 nailed it. Mine thrive in low to medium flow, kinda like a gentle sway. If they're not opening, try moving them to a spot with less direct current. Also, check for pests, they can be sneaky.
Re: best flow for Duncan corals
Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2025 5:35 am
by talonbro
Or just blast 'em and see what happens. Survival of the fittest, right? Jokes aside, Rivet9's advice is solid. Duncans are chill but fussy about flow.
Re: best flow for Duncan corals
Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2025 6:31 am
by kicks
Rivet9 wrote: ↑Tue Jul 08, 2025 3:19 am
Duncans prefer moderate, indirect flow. Too much direct current can stress them out. I'd dial the Nero 5 down to 30-40% and aim the flow at the rockwork, not directly at them. They'll open up more if they feel secure.
This worked for me too. I switched to a gentler setting on my MP10 and my Duncans perked up in a couple days.
Re: best flow for Duncan corals
Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2025 9:14 am
by Torvix8
I keep mine in a 20-gallon with a Hygger wave maker on the lowest setting. They're fully extended most of the day. Maybe try reducing the flow incrementally to find their sweet spot.
Re: best flow for Duncan corals
Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2025 10:24 am
by finley12
Thanks for the tips, everyone. I'll adjust the flow and see how they respond. Appreciate the help!
Re: best flow for Duncan corals
Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2025 12:15 pm
by Rivet9
Let us know how it goes. Sometimes it takes a few days for them to adjust. Also, make sure your nitrates aren't too low, they like a bit of nutrients in the water.
Re: best flow for Duncan corals
Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2025 12:41 pm
by FinMaster
Rivet9 wrote: ↑Tue Jul 08, 2025 12:15 pm
Let us know how it goes. Sometimes it takes a few days for them to adjust. Also, make sure your nitrates aren't too low, they like a bit of nutrients in the water.
Good point. Mine do better when nitrates are around 5-10 ppm. Too clean and they get cranky.
Re: best flow for Duncan corals
Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2025 1:01 pm
by talonbro
Cranky corals are the worst. Like, dude, I'm trying to keep you alive here. Lighten up.