How much current???

zr2driver · 08-10-2001, 07:51 PM

I've just started my very first reef! I used a 50 Gallon breeder, and have just went live today, 08-10-01! Well, I put the rock in anyway. I have approx. 64 lbs. of fiji. I also fired up my powerheads. I am using two 402's. My question is this.... Can you have too much current? There are some strong currents wiping around, and the little blue legs are fighting to get to the rocks. Is this too much? Can someone please help?

Thank You!

MyReef · 08-10-2001, 09:14 PM

Congrats on your new setup. Sit back be patient and enjoy the ride.

Since you have no coral in the tank, the current is more for gas exchange than anyhting. Once you get corals, you need to tune your current to their needs. SPS need high flow, LPS moderate and softies, moderate to low. If you have a mix of corals, you will want some areas with high flow and some without. You can alos turn the output of the powerheads to a different direction to aim the flow at the glass and it will help cut the flow some if you think it needs it. I am assuming the 402's are Hagen? I think they put out 200 GPH. You don't say if you have a sump and if you do what return pump you are using. Give us a little more info on the setup...HTH Good luck

zr2driver · 08-10-2001, 10:11 PM

Ah yes...the return. I am using a Mag Drive 500 GPH. However, I've had to install a ball valve to choke it down some. I also drilled the sump, so the pump is external. I'm somewhat displeased with the noise. Although it is nothing compared to the protein skimmer. I am using a Custom Sealife 150 in the sump. It is a CC skimmer, powered by a Rio 2100. WOW is this thing noisy. The Rio is producing an anoying hum, that I can't seem to get worked out. Any suggestions??

cubera · 08-11-2001, 10:26 AM

MyReef · 08-12-2001, 01:03 AM

I haven't owned a RIO, so I am not sure what the problem could be. Is it the RIO impeller or maybe the RIO vibrating on something? Either way...you can (I am assuming) take the impeller cover off and clean it. If it is vibrating try putting a mouse pad under the pump...if it is external. If it is internal, you might sit it on a foam block.

As for the water movement...sounds like you are upwards of 10-15 times turnover with movement. I think you are definitely fine. I am moving water through my 150 at a rate of 22-34 x, depending on the timers of the pumps. Once you start with corals and fish, they will tell you whether it is too much or not. I read once, that mother nature during a storm can move water up to 50-75 feet per second. We don't want to replicate a storm, but the animals can take a lot more movement that we give them credit for. HTH good luck.