wavemaker for soft corals

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finchlord
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 6:41 pm

wavemaker for soft corals

Post by finchlord »

Just set up a new tank with some Zoanthids and Gorgonians, but I'm not sure if my wavemaker's too strong for them. It's a Nero 5 on 30% in a 40-gallon tank. Anyone got experience with flow for softies?
mythron
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 6:52 pm

Re: wavemaker for soft corals

Post by mythron »

I've got a similar setup, but my corals seem chill with the flow. Maybe bump it up a bit? Mine's at like 50% and they're doing fine. What's your lighting like?
zenox
Posts: 3
Joined: Mon May 13, 2024 8:50 am

Re: wavemaker for soft corals

Post by zenox »

Soft corals generally prefer moderate flow. If you notice the polyps aren't extending fully or the tissue is tearing, it's too strong. Try positioning the wavemaker higher or angling it toward the glass to diffuse the current.
onyxette
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 7:10 pm

Re: wavemaker for soft corals

Post by onyxette »

mythron wrote: Sat Jul 26, 2025 10:30 am I've got a similar setup, but my corals seem chill with the flow. Maybe bump it up a bit? Mine's at like 50% and they're doing fine. What's your lighting like?
Lighting's key too. If they're not getting enough light, they might not handle higher flow as well. What's your PAR like, finchlord?
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kizumi1
Posts: 20
Joined: Sun Jun 19, 2022 9:00 pm

Re: wavemaker for soft corals

Post by kizumi1 »

I'd start by observing how the polyps react. If they're swaying gently, you're golden. If they're getting blasted flat, dial it back. My Nero 3 at 40% works great in my 30-gallon.
finchlord
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 6:41 pm

Re: wavemaker for soft corals

Post by finchlord »

Thanks for the tips, everyone. I'll tweak the angle and keep an eye on the polyps. Appreciate the help!
zenox
Posts: 3
Joined: Mon May 13, 2024 8:50 am

Re: wavemaker for soft corals

Post by zenox »

finchlord wrote: Sat Jul 26, 2025 1:34 pm Thanks for the tips, everyone. I'll tweak the angle and keep an eye on the polyps. Appreciate the help!
No problem. Let us know how it goes. Soft corals are pretty forgiving, so you'll likely find the sweet spot soon.
onyxette
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 7:10 pm

Re: wavemaker for soft corals

Post by onyxette »

Yeah, and don't stress too much. These guys are tougher than they look. Just avoid sudden changes, and they'll adapt.
mythron
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 6:52 pm

Re: wavemaker for soft corals

Post by mythron »

Mine took a week to settle in. Now they're waving like they're at a concert. You'll get there!
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