Week 9: Why Flow Is Vital for a Successful Reef Tank. | 52 Weeks of Reefing

Today we will talk about why proper flow is important; give a solid overview of most the pump options out there including ac powerheads, wave makers, DC powerheads, Gyres and external closed loops. We will also hit on all the features of the most popular brands like Tunze powerheads, Vortech MP10, Vortech MP40 and the Vectra l1. Proper ongoing maintenance for your pumps and finish with the flow solution we selected for the #BRS160.

Water flow is one of the more important elements of a reef tank. Water movement promotes gas exchange which increases oxygen, decreases carbon dioxide and helps maintain the pH of the tank.

Proper water flow also plays an important role in biological function within the coral. Good flow will keep the coral’s tissue surrounded with oxygen rich water, calcium and alkalinity which promotes proper respiration and calcification. Ecotech MP10 and Ecotech MP 40 powerheads have been a staple in reefing for almost a decade now.

Water flow also serves as the mechanism which corals use to pump and circulate fluids, nutrients, important elements and waste within the coral by constantly pushing on the corals soft tissue with irregular patterns.

Strong flow is also believed to be closely related to preventing coral bleaching by helping the coral rid itself of the toxic oxygen radicals which can be produced with long intense lighting periods like those found in many reef aquariums.

These days flow is almost always provided with a powerhead of some type which is just a small efficient pump that uses an impeller or propeller to shoot high velocity water out the front. This type of pump is generally really easy to install and consumes very little power for the amount of flow it creates.

AC power heads are the most popular simply because they are the most affordable. There are three major brands which all have different advantages: Tunze, Hydor, and Sicce.

When more control over flow and efficiency is desired, DC powerheads will be your best bet. DC pumps are not only capable of always starting in the correct direction every time but they also can slowly and evenly ramp up and down from zero gallons to thousands of gallons an hour. This also opens the pumps up to some really unique designs. Tunze, VorTech, Neptune, and Maxspect all offer controllable DC pumps.

*Legal Stuff*
The purpose and content of this video is to provide general information regarding the products and their applications as presented in the video. Aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents disclaim all express or implied warranties, in any way, related to the products and their application as presented in this video, make no representation or warranty regarding the products and the application as presented in this video and shall not be liable for any direct or indirect losses or damages of any type, including but not limited to punitive damages, or from personal injury or death resulting from or in any manner related to the video, and the products in and contents of the video. The viewer expressly agrees that aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents shall not be liable for any damages or losses related to the products in and content of the video and hereby agrees to hold the foregoing harmless from any such losses or damages.

[muffemod]

I gave a powerhead to a friend to start his tank. He called me and said, "Thanks for the water-fan." ^__^

[matthewwellendorf]

Seriously the best thing for new reeefers. Cant thank you enough.

[Forgetii]

Thanks, flow is an area I have had problems with in the past. Your video helped to clear up the confusion. I'm sooo hooked on Thursdays now that you're running this blog. I'm looking at setting up a new reef system when I finally get settled and your blog is going to be my blueprint.., not to mention your company as my one source for all things reef.

[johngrape]

Excellent video!!!I appreciate all the effort this took. Especially the simulation of flow in the tank.

[garrettmitchell]

Great thorough analysis on all of the available pumps. It's definitely a decision on personal preference and how you would like your flow. For example, I did a vortech in my smaller display/lagoon tank because I liked the features of a vortech that didn't need to have a controller. For my display I went with two gyres from BRS on an alternating cycle of 4 hours on pulse mode. Then display is 60x36x24 and I have been very impressed and happy with the ebb and flow they create throughout the day. Happy Reefing Everyone!

[tonyblack]

Thank you for your expert advise
and thank you for getting back so quick!
thanks guys

[psycholocke]

if you are looking for a all in one power out safety option. try to consider UPS or APU option from the IT section. these can be sized to your needs depending on the wattage and the expected time to cover.
the main advantage here is a safe electrical installation without wiring on a car battery.

none the less. thank you for your in depth overview. it is helping us a lot in making the right decisions for our first reef tank.

[andrewhales]

Haven't watched the video yet but already gave you a thumbs up! Love you BRS!!!

[pabloesquivel]

awesome video!!!!
best reff chanel right here right now!

[royalwolf]

Yet to watch one of your vids that isn't informative and easy to understand. By miles the best reefkeeping series of videos ive ever watched. Thanks for your efforts

[Tony-osqc]

Great vid, lots of info for the newbies!

[christopherm.]

Roger at Tunze is awesome. Thanks for mentioning him.

[OVO]

Love you guys!! can't wait to start my tank build when I retire from the Air Force! #BRS

[briansfishtanks]

Great overview on a lot of great pumps!

[jonpastore]

Thank you very much. I love all of your videos and I will definitely by some equipment from the brs website

[chriscrigger]

Very informative. Thanks for the videos.

[thedaveyfamily]

Just awesome series guys! Love the different vendors reviewed. This video could only be better if you had one of your charts like you do on other videos where they are side by side tested... Do you have a video for that? (power, form factor, gph, dc/ac, cost)?

[DanPotter]

Great Vid and always worth revisiting, I do have a question regarding settings for an MP10/Wave maker, if I need 2000lph flow and run in short Pulse Mode at about 1 pulse a second do I need to set the pump at around 4000lph to achieve the desired flow for the tank as the pump is only working 1/2 the time?

[alexeverson]

Hi, great vid by the way, I recently bought the Nuvo 30L and I am wondering what I should get and the placement. I am mostly planning on softies, but I might want to get some lps corals later on. Thanks!

[zhilianz]

I like how you mount the controller and power strip. Did you have a tank building blog or thread?