Changing water flow from reef to FO HELP

[Ilovefish]

Hi TRT!
Just a quick one. I am changing my 30 gallon reef into a FOWLR system. My question is about water flow. Do I still need as much without corals? I am running 2 Maxi-Jet 1200's. Does a FOWLR still need all this flow? I am upgrading to a Remora Pro with a Mag 3 and I know this will increase the heat, so if I could lose the Maxi's I will. thanks in advance!

[skeety]

no. Flow isn't as important with fish.


HOWEVER...think of the flow as excersise for the fish. It is believed that fish who are used to higher flow rates are healthier (if fed correctly) than fish in low flow tanks.

So...while it's not needed for survival...it does mean your fish might be better at fighting ick and things like that.

It's your call.

you could always just make the flow less....

[Ilovefish]

Thanks skeety. Maybe I will go with 600's instead of the 1200's--

[Doug1]

A couple 1200s in a 30 are not a lot of flow, flow is good with live rock in the tank circulation is a good thing, it will help minimize stagnent spots and over all its a good thing

[skeety]

also...flow does help keep the detrius suspended, and give you skimmer more time to get it out.

While a FOWLR tanks can deal with higher nutrient content....it can't hurt to get those nutrients out.

So basically....flow is not needed, but it will help in many ways.

[VWD]

I agree flow can be less but still good to have in a FO tank with live rock.

[Spongebobsquarepants]

When i had a Fowlr i put some powerheads facing right into rock work.But did i a lionfish that was really lasy would not swim mustly do to all the flow. Had to take some powerheads out and he was lot happier